Are YOU ready for Hockey?

The summer is over and school is ready to begin and that means the hockey season is right around the corner. I am excited to get back on the ice and to start working with this group of fine young men. It should be a very competitive team with a lot of new faces competing for ice time. I am looking forward to building on the momentum created from a great second half of the 2008-09 season. To meet this challenge of advancing the program forward we need everyone to be motivated. Motivation is the force needed if individuals are going to successfully meet any challenge. Two elements of motivation are known as intrinsic or extrinsic. Simply put, intrinsic motivation comes from within each player because they feel hockey and competition are fun and bring enjoyment. Extrinsic motivation can be characterized as playing hockey because of the reward and recognition associated with success. Coaches can influence a player's intrinsic motivation with their coaching style and instruction. Parents can influence player's intrinsic motivation with positive reinforcement and support at home. But at the end of the day it is up to the individual to motivate himself to reach his highest potential, moving outside his comfort zone to meet the challenges that hockey presents. Whether that is competing for a spot on the team, or competing for a starting role, or competing against a formidable opponent you must be motivated to excel. It will be up to you to prepare yourself and demonstrate to the coaches that you have the right skills, the right attitude, and the right work ethic to be a Blue Devil. I want you to begin to think and define what success means to you for this season, as an individual and as member of the Blue Devil Hockey team. Take some time and think about what you want for this program and for yourself, write these goals down on paper, then be prepared to explain how you are going to accomplish these goals with specific tactics for success. As I have always said, this is your ship, your team, and as players you will determine its course. I am really excited to see where this journey will take us and hope you are too.

'Play Hard and Play Smart' - Coach