Posts in category Hockey

Went to the Rink – Been Quite Awhile

Feb03
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

The other day, I was asked to attend a ice hockey practice by a parent to watch their son. They asked me to see what he could work on to get better. I used to coach ice hockey for over 20 years. I love the game.  I had not been out to the rink in over a year or so. I was excited to go to the rink. Couple of hip replacements and not being able to really skate – makes going to the rink difficult.  Off I went and sat in the stands. When I walked into the rink, there was that usual rush, smell and sights. Definitely brought back some great memories. My mind was racing for that hour or so. I watched the player and for that matter practice overall. Something jumped out at me right away…

Watching another coaches practice can be an eye opening experience. I have seen a lot of practices on all levels. When you watch another practice, you can always pick up something that you would like to use in your practice. This practice was a pretty good one. There were some very good things going on our there. Almost every player was moving at all times – my mark of a good use of ice time. Teachable moments were being applied to individual players and the team as a whole. What happened next, was the gauntlet drill. Checking in hockey is one of those items that is important to teach the proper technique. For those that don’t know the gauntlet drill is supposed to help the player with puck control while  receiving a body check. It usually is done along the boards with the player with the puck skating with the puck up the line of the other players wait to check the player into the boards.  Most coaches use the drill to get every player used to receiving a check… Getting other players to check more… This particular drill has to be well supervised. Coaches need to insure that proper checking technique is used. What typically happens is not good. Hands start to raise up towards the head. Players move in close to each other (not giving the player time to recover). Hence someone gets hurt. In this case, it was the teams best player that suffered a concussion when the biggest player used his size and improper technique to smash the players head against the glass. It was not the first check that was improper, but the drill ended when one player got hurt. There were a number of opportunities to have a teachable moment before the injury, but every player and coach was excited about the crushing checks that were being delivered.

With all of the focus on concussions in football and hockey, it is time for coaches to make sure that they are protecting their players and teaching proper technique. I used to tell the parents, “checking is a part of the game. It happens. I will do my best to teach each player the proper way to give and receive a check. Realize, the best part of my responsibility is to teach players how to play in a safe environment and have fun doing it!” If we were to use a checking drill, it was in a controlled and safe way. Never will you see my team run a gauntlet drill. We may have a one on one situation like that, but it will have a coach watching and instructing after each check.  I used to get mixed emotions from some parents on that. The gauntlet has been around a very long time (I used to have to run it). Many of the parents remember their experience. My only comment was did anyone ever get hurt? Where the checks always properly delivered? We will check, but we will do it right!

I met the parents after the practice and gave them my observations. I asked them, if they told their son that I was coming to watch him practice. They said “no.” Practice is important. Sacrifice is important. Does he shoot pucks at home? Does he do stick handling drills with a golf ball at home? How much effort do you think he is putting into hockey outside of scheduled practices? They said some, but not a much as he could. I didn’t want the parents to think that he should only be focused on hockey. He is  young and needs to experience life. He should set goals around how much time he will work on shooting, passing, fitness, stickhandling and studying the game – outside of practice. Have him record his time on what he is working on. He then can see if his work is paying off in playing time, effectiveness on the ice or just how he feels about what he is doing. I stayed till the player came out of the locker room. Asked him if he felt that he gave his all in practice? He said, not really. Stressed to him the importance for him to take advantage of the ice time given. Work hard and excel every time you take the ice. Passed along to the player the same things that I told his parents. I felt honored that I was called. I thanked them all for that honor and wished them well.

Now, I am wondering if I need to get back to being involved…

Photo Credit: Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

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Leadership Lessons from College Football

Nov11
2011 1 Comment Written by Steve

Over the past few years, we all have read the disturbing news about college football programs in the middle of a scandals. The latest one is Penn State. I never want to kick a person when they are down or perceived to be down. That is not my style. What kicked off this scandal is the worst thing imaginable. I have coached youth sports for most of my adult life and when I hear what happened, it make my stomach turn. Just terrible! I hope that the alleged victim’s get all of the help they need to get over these horrific acts. My intention is not to look at each set of scandals and place blame or point a finger at people. If we learn nothing from what has happened over the past 5 years, we should learn to how to handle leadership within the programs that most of America watches with a passion.

Here are some things that I believe that should be considered:

  • Setting up very discreet reviewed time limits. Most programs or employees have yearly review of performance. I think within that particular review the overall review should not just be able wins, loses and where did you end up within the BCS ranking. It is time to really demonstrate leadership… Develop a package that is about graduation rates, GPA for student athletes, social and moral code of conduct and really focus on life learning. It is all about accountability for everything a program should stand for. These reviews should be tough and really focused.  Stand up and celebrate your successes.. Work on those items that missed the mark.
  • Succession planning. It is time to make sure that within every program there is a real and developed succession plan. Setting up your program and keeping it for the long haul is really how well the program develops the talent that they have and attract. In this day and age, with coaches moving to head coaching positions all over, succession planning could be a difficult task. If you have the right people and take care of them, they will stay. If not, than they will take the lessons learned and apply those to another institution. Which if done right, just means another great program will start up. Everyone wins…
  • Hold everyone (up and down the organization) accountable for the overall organization! For college football, that is being accountable to the university and what the code the university stands for. The football team (players and coaches) are not the university, but need to be a reflection of the university.

It amazes me how many coaches have written books about leadership and then we watch them fall from their soapbox. Ever leader has to take a look deep into themselves and be proud of every aspect of their actions. From all indications, coach Wooden was spot on in his teachings and actions. That is one example that I have modeled my coaching after. Don’t get me wrong there are lots of fine examples out there. Some really recent coaches that are doing the right things, right. I just hope that they can keep their course and not let someone or something distract them from complete success.

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5 Leadership Lessons I Have Learned From Hockey Captains

May24
2011 1 Comment Written by Steve

We are in the middle of the National Hockey League Stanley Cup Playoffs. I am a huge hockey fan! I have not missed any of the playoff games this season. I watch the game for more than the love of the game. I do it to watch how leaders lead their teams. The leaders on the team are normally the Captains and Alternate Captains. They are the extension of the coach. I wrote about hockey captains as leaders before – here it is! I have made some mental notes from the last couple of games and the captains for the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks. They are great examples of what the five things I have learned from hockey captains.

  • Credibility is the foundation.
  • Lead by example or you don’t lead at all.
  • Challenge provides opportunities for greatness.
  • Leaders are team players.
  • Caring is at the heart of leadership.

Credibility is the foundation. Credible leaders walk the talk, practice what they preach, are consistent in word and deed, put their money where their mouth is, and follow through on promises.  Watching the playoffs, each captain has walked the talk – they have definitely been out in front of the media discussing the games and what they and the team will do in the next game. I have listened closely to each of them and watched their actions live up to those words.

Lead by example or you don’t lead at all. This is where the words turn to action or they equal the do part. You have to do what you say.. Not just say it. Wish it or hope for it. Each one of those captains have stepped onto the ice and have delivered on their words with true actions. It is hard to stay on top of every shift in every period inevery game – but they do it.

Challenges provides opportunities for greatness. What better stage for any player. You are attempting to win the oldest trophy in sports, the Stanley Cup. You have all hockey fans watching your every move. Who will step up and be the best? That person that steps up and does more than just score, play defense or stops pucks. That person is the leader of that team. He is the captain and the eyes of his team mates are on him everyday. That is what true leaders live for. Give me the stage to do what I do – everyday.

Leaders are team players. Look at the team. Watch closely during the game, how much ice time, how many times the persons name is mentioned by the announcers. Who is in the middle of everything? It is that leader, that captain – the extension of the coach and
the coaching staff. They normally are the face of the team. But, first and most important they are team players. They look to make their team mates better.

Caring is at the heart of leadership. During the playoffs, everyone cares about winning the Stanley Cup. It is every players dream to have their name put on the Stanley
Cup. When I watch the captains during the pregame, game and post game – they wear the emotions on their sleeve. Not about winning only, but it all about the team and each and every person inside the team organization.

If you are a hockey fan or not, watch a couple of games and pay close attention to the captains of each of the teams. Listen to them, watch them do what they say, rise to
greatness and care about their team mates, coaching staff and the overall organization. They are wonderful examples for any leader to follow. You can easily do these things in your leadership role. I know, I practice these all the time. Just a solid foundation…

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Coaching Pitch

May01
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

Yesterday morning, I made my usual stop at Starbucks after spending some time at the gym. I got to witness (overhear) a set of parents, their son and a potential youth football coach talking about stuff. Being a coach, for a very long-time, I really love to listen to coaches do their thing. This situation has happened to me many of times, so I thought why not sit and listen to a younger coach. I know, I was listening in on a very important discussion between a coach, parents and the player sitting there (in the middle of Starbucks). Should I have listened in? Probably not, because what I overheard really made me a bit angry. The young coach was probably doing what he thought would impress the parents enough to let their son play for him. From my vantage point, I saw a huge miss. (Let me apologize now for the length of this post, but I think it is worth it!)

Here are some of the topics:

  • The young coach was talking up his resume. From his younger playing days to high school… How he was a star high school athlete that just did not get any breaks to get a scholarship to play in college. I shortened it quite a bit… He moved to his coaching resume. Which consisted of assistant coaching at one of the local youth leagues and the past 2 as a head coach.
  • I was hoping to see if the parents would ask him for his coaching philosophy, but he sort of led them to it (in a round about way). He discussed how difficult the first year was – with not getting to really pick his team. He was handed a very rough and low in talent team. They did not win a game. The second year was
    better as he was really doing more scouting and recruiting of players to play for him. This year, he promised that he will win it all. He has that much talent.
  • Next up, the young coach circled back to his playing days. He was going to use what he did in high school to pass onto his players now. From looking at the family and their son, I think he was in 5th or 6th grade. Are they really ready?
  • The discussion overall, to me, was a sales job of picking that coach…

As said before I have been a coach for a very long time… When meeting parents of players and players – I have developed a short overall talking points to what to expect. Here is an overall breakdown:

  • Introduction – Simple who I am, where I come from, my experience (only the number of years or certifications) in playing, referee and coaching, and how I am excited to offer my experience to their children.
  • Coaching philosophy – I believe that it is my honor to be teaching the game that I love. I want my players to love the game and want to keep coming back, year after year. The overall experience is important. It is much more than the X’s and O’s.
    Safety is #1. Placing education and character development ahead of any wins. Our practices will both help the player master their sport, but most of all build confidence in their abilities (both in sports and in life).
  • Next up – I will discuss with the players in the room – their responsibilities.. Simple list of: Show up on-time. 40 minutes before practice and 1 hour before game time (since this is hockey – there is dressing time besides coach talk). Be ready to work hard. Be respectful to players, coaches, referee’s and parents at all
    times. Keep your grades up (parents can use hockey as a tool for keeping grades up, all I ask is, have them come to games (they get to sit on the bench) to see what they are missing). Don’t ever have a repeat offender – when they sit and watch.
  • Lastly – I discuss the parent responsibilities! This is important.. Simple list just like the players.. Of course, most of the players I have coached – don’t drive. So, the parents get the same be on-time. I usually talk about the zero tolerance policy (which is a bit more detailed than be respectful to players, coaches, referee’s and parents at all times). Since they know I will support them with grades or behavior issues – they just need to let me know. Please refrain from coaching your young athlete on the way to and from games. This one is tough for me, as I am a coach, but trust me – leave the ride to and from the game for “other” things. Lastly, if something is not going well – with practice, game situation or anything with me or my coaches, please do not confront the situation at the rink. Call me, email me and we can set up some time to meet or discuss on the phone. Cooler heads all the way around. Players, coaches and parents get into the heat of the battle of a game. The player is usually over with it, right after the game. Adults take more time to cool down.

I don’t usually talk about winning championships or titles or trophies, those are not what this is about. Sports to me, is about learning teamwork, physical exercise, applying sports to life lessons and building character. I want to provide the best experience for each of the players and parents that I get the privilege to coach. If you happen to win, well, treat that like having and eating your cake too…

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First Round Done – What Are Your Picks Now?

Apr28
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

Round one of the NHL play0ffs is in the books. Done! I have to say it was a very exciting round one.. Can’t wait to see how this next round goes. How did you do in round one? For me, I was just okay. The picks that I made that are did me proud are – Vancouver, San Jose, Washington, Boston and Tampa Bay. That’s right I got 5 out of 8. My two teams that I picked from my original post – are still in it (Washington and Vancouver).

Now that we are down to 8 teams – time for me to keep going with my picks..

  • Vancouver and Nashville (Vancouver).. I know round one was shaky for my overall winner pick.. I am sticking to this pick (for now).
  • San Jose and Detroit (San Jose).. Simply put, the Red Wings beat up my Coyotes pretty bad. I know the Red Wings played well, but the Sharks will do me proud. Have too many friends that are in the San Jose Area.
  • Washington and Tampa Bay (Washington).. The style change for Washington has proved a very good move. My pick to make it to the finals moves on.
  • Boston and Philadelphia (Boston).. I really had the Flyers leaving in the first round, but they played an awesome game 7 to stay in. Do I think they can continue? Not really, shaky goaltending. This pick is more for me, to give a nod to my Boston friends.

So, like my picks? Think I am full of it? What are yours?

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Is Hockey Gone in Arizona?

Apr22
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve
Phoenix Coyotes

Image via Wikipedia

What a stupid question to be asking? As a life-long fan of the NHL and hockey in general, I just can not believe that this maybe the reality for the place I live.  I have been involved in hockey in Arizona for many years. As a adult league player, coach (youth, travel and high school), referee and HS board member. I have been to many professional games in the state (IHL and NHL), youth games (too many to count), college club games and junior games. I am a fan!

There is one thing for sure, those that follow hockey are a family. The “hockey family” is hurting right now. I don’t want to see the Phoenix Coyotes move! I now completely know how the Winnepeg folks felt when the very same team moved to Phoenix. It is very tough. The players have done an amazing job with helping make hockey a success in Arizona. For the past two years, they have had to be in the center of not knowing what is going on. But, they still kept working hard and doing the best that they can. Rumors of staying, relocating, staying, going. They are people and no one needs to be put through that.

So what gives? From a life-long fan of the sport. From a person that gets up extremely early to take his kids to practice. From a person that played well after midnight. From a coach that has had the pleasure of meeting thousands of players, parents and other coaches. I would like to say that politics, strikes again. Let’s look at some stuff:

  • Past ownership needed their own building for hockey.. No doubt! America West Arena was designed for basketball and not hockey. Going to the game was difficult for certain seats. Scottsdale location fails.. Hum, political?
  • Glendale steps up and wins the location of the stadium. Of course, the owner at the time was a developer of much of the site. Hum… Glendale for those that don’t know metro-Phoenix – is on the West side. The stadium is off of the freeway system. Die hard fans – make the drive. Winning “new” fans when you have to drive a bunch is difficult.
  • Goldwater Institute has been actively stating that the sale of the team to the new ownership is breaking some of the gift rules of the state. Seems that some of the work that Glendale officials have proposed for the sale – have the hairs on the back of some of the Goldwater folks neck standing up. Is that political?

I was asked a simple question by a very small person (kid) – “What is going to happen to the stadium now?” I did not have an answer – other than they will have to find another tenant. Maybe more concerts or something like that. 

Next questions was probably the one that got me the most, “What about all the people that work there? Will they lose their jobs?”  Definitely will be a problem for many folks. Arizona economics will be impacted. Now, that is a political hot potato. Don’t we want to keep people working? Don’t we want the other teams fans coming to Arizona to spend their money? I just that is not important.

I may sound like I am on a soapbox. I really would like to see the Phoenix Coyotes stay. I really would like the ownership situation to get settled. I want the players to not go through anymore of this turmoil. I want the team to move forward and continue to build on the success of the past two seasons. Maybe this it too much to ask for.

How about this? Hey Goldwater Institute – TIME TO MOVE ONTO SOMETHING ELSE! You did your due diligence, but move to something more pressing… If you are a political watchdog – then what about all the other stuff that our state government folks are proposing – focus on some really meaningful, please.

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NHL Playoffs – Who will Win it ALL?

Apr11
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

For me, this time of year is awesome. The NHL playoffs are getting ready to begin! When the playoffs start the crazed hockey fan gets out and about… For the second year in a row – my Phoenix Coyotes made the playoffs! I will be participating in the traditional “White Out” that came with the Coyotes from Winnipeg for the playoffs. If you have gone or seen the white out on TV – it is an awesome experience. Sitting in the stands all dressed in white.. Working on my tickets for attending this year…

The playoff’s this year has some really interesting story lines. For me, I had Vancouver winning it last year – but I have a really good feeling this year (as they are the top seeded team). Will the Eastern Conference top seed, Washington Capitals make it to the finals? How about my own Phoenix Coyotes playing the Detriot Red Wings again this year – Can the Coyotes win a playoff series? I am counting on it this year.

Who are you top predictions for making it to this years Stanley Cup Finals?

Mine are – Vancouver Canucks -vs- Washington Capitals. With the Vancouver Canucks winning it all… I know they are the top seeds. There is more behind my picks this year. Washington Capitals are actually playing defense this year. Something that had caused them early outs in playoffs past. I am still worried about goalie play for the Captials but I am going with it. Vancouver has one of the best goalies in the league. Defense wins championships..

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Coaching Youth Sports – Debate…

Jan19
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

Ever just watch a high school football, basketball or baseball game? What were you first impressions?  Ever go to one of those games and see a complete whitewash or blow out? You know, where one team is far superior in every way over the other. What were your emotions? I have coached for many years in youth sports, all the way up to high school level. I have been involved on both sides of winning big and losing big. When I see scores that are so far apart, I just wonder, “what are the coaches doing?” In this area there are two schools of thought. You have those that say, you should never run the score up on an opponent; or sorry, maybe they should practice hard or work harder not to have that happen. For me, it just depends on the situation…

I for one am not a proponent of running up the score on a less-talented team. Nor am I in favor of going after individual or team scoring records. I believe that once the game has started, I as the coach, have to evaluate the game and where this is heading. If I know, I have an opponent completely out matched, I do change how I approach the rest of the game. It does not mean that I tell my players not to give 100%. It means that I may change up my player combinations or demand the team to involve more of the lesser skilled players in the game. Does that hurt the overall team? I don’t believe that it does. I would argue that expanding your playing time to those that normally get less (and having them work with higher skilled players) makes your overall team stronger. What really frosts my cookies, is when a coach is not attempting to use all of his players - his/her first team gets all the playing time. When we do score, we don’t go over-the-top with a celebration, we act like you have done it before. I have definitely had a few of those games where I was on the losing end. I again have to re-evaluate my approach to the game. I will try to motivate my players to keep them working hard, keep them focus on their performance and everything that they control. Win one play at a time, so to speak. Build on those successes for next time. Afterwards, my practice planning and focus will be on where we really need to get better based on past performances. Some of the best learning situations come from failure.

Coaching sports is something that I have loved to do over the years. I have heard from many of my players parents that we could have easily have doubled that score if we did not let up on the opponents throat. I usually answer that with, we did not let up, we just changed our approach. I also add, “what benefit would it be to the team to do that? We won and we won be a lot, doubling it who benefits?”  The simple answer I normally got was, our scoring leaders would have more points, which could get them a scholarship. My answer to that is, “maybe, maybe not; I don’t think it matters that much to him/her as they were helping their team mates be better.”

I always look for life lessons in sports. Winning big or losing big happens in sports and in life. How we do that is more important than the actually outcome. People says that we are getting to be a nation of wussies. We care too much about people’s feelings. Well, maybe that is true. I believe that as a coach it is my responsibility to have my team prepared to play well and get the job done. Putting a little bit more emphasis on how we accomplish getting the job done when adversity happens or when it is too easy – helps. For the players that have played for me, over those many years, I bet they would not argue that fact. Some would have wished that I let them accomplish some scoring titles or stuff like that, but I hope that they learned how to win with grace and sportsmanship.

I would like your take on it!

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A Fans Perspective…

Apr15
2010 2 Comments Written by Steve

The NHL playoffs come to Phoenix; White Out 2010. A long time coming, the last time the Coyotes were in the playoffs was 2002. I have been able to attend in 1996, 2002 and now 2010. As a hockey fan, going to the playoffs is just a step in a journey towards the Stanley Cup. I may not be able to attend every game, but I do plan on attending each round – that is for sure.

The Coyotes have a tradition of when they make the playoffs that fans should come dressed in white. I was so excited to attend that I went out and got some extra white clothes and hats to insure I was in the spirit. We left early to try and enjoy the crowd, only to get slowed by rush hour traffic. Once we got there, the crowd was mostly decked out in white! We had the usual Red Wing fans show up, but the Coyote crowd definitely outnumbered them! Standing in the arena just before the puck was dropped and scanning the sea of white is an awesome sight. I wonder what goes through the players minds when they see that from ice level. For me it demonstrated that true hockey fans in Phoenix can support their team.

As far as the game goes. It was a very well played game by both teams. Having the Coyotes winning game one was icing on the cake. Having the Coyote fans drowning out the Red Wing fans every time they started to cheer, priceless. Having the power play get then three goals, awesome. I just they were saving up the power play goals all season till the playoffs. In the third period, the attendance came out – a sellout! Lastly, having the announcement that the Glendale City Council voted to redo the lease – only means that the Coyotes are staying. The moons were aligned last night.

This season has been a good one. The team has come together to really delivered. Next step is winning this series.. Taking the step farther than any Phoenix Coyotes team has done. I want to attend a game in the second round of the playoffs.. Then the Western Conference Championship series… Attending a Stanley Cup finals came is on my all time to do list.. Could this be the year? I have coached for many years.. It is all one game at a time. Get better each and every game. Play hard and leave nothing when the game is over.

Keep playing strong!

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Stanley Cup Playoff’s Set –

Apr12
2010 1 Comment Written by Steve

March madness is over and I am glad. Why? Well, my bracket got busted up. My first and second choices for winning did not even make it to the Final 4. Was nice to see some of the underdog’s go to the top. The other reason I am glad that is over – it is now time for Lord Stanley’s cup to be awarded. If you like Olympic hockey, just think we get to watch that intensity for about 8 weeks. It is my favorite time of the year.. This year is going to be even more special – the Phoenix Coyotes made the playoffs!

The playoffs have been set, the pairings are getting ready to play. Below is a picture of the pairings for the first round. Pick away…

I would like to see what people think..

 Who do you have going all the way? NCAA bracket is cool that you see the complete picture to the finals.. But, with the NHL we get reseeding after each round! This makes getting to the winner all the more harder. Give it a try. What are your predictions? 

My predictions..

  • East – Caps, Devils, Buffalo, Pens – Staying with the favorites. Next round East – Pens will upset the Caps. Buffalo will beat the Devils (go complete upset). Out of the East for Champs – Pens.. They will go back to the Stanley Cup.
  • West – West – Sharks, Blackhawks, Vancouver and Red Wings. Next Round – Wings will upset San Jose. Vancouver will be Blackhawks – Goaltending the only difference. Coming out of the West – Vancouver.
  • Disclaimer – I will be cheering loudly for the Coyotes! I do hope that they make my predictions of the West null and void.
  • Lord Stanley’s Cup will be hoisted by the Vancouver Canucks. Nothing like going out on a limb.
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