Time to start thinking hockey

Now that summer is winding down and school is approaching quicker than anticipated, once again it is time to start thinking hockey. Although the thermometer may read 75 degrees outside, the real action is happening in the rink getting our team ready for next season.

Last weekend a smaller, restructured version of the Gaylord Blue Devils traveled north to Sault Ste. Marie to play in an annual preseason tournament held by the Soo Blue Devils. With only days until the tournament we were still shorthanded due to work schedules, family commitments, etc. so I called on a couple of friends from conference rival Cadillac to aid us for the weekend. They turned out to be a great asset to our team, putting more skaters on the ice and a couple more pucks in the net.

We started off the weekend against the hosting Blue Devils, and perennial Great North powerhouse. After we got rid of some of the first period jitters we skated to an easy 5-3 victory. Saturday presented little more of a challenge for our squad; we defeated an undermanned Big Rapids squad by double digits in what turned out to be a very chippy and physical game, and we downed Traverse City West by a much slimmer margin later in the day.

Sunday, however, showed us a bit more of a challenge. In the finals we faced off against Marquette, an always overpowering unit from the GNC. In the first two periods the Redmen got the best of us, but in the third we fought back hard and tied the game. Since it was the final game overtime ensued and we ended up falling by a goal in the sudden death period. Nothing was hurt, however. We realized that we did much better than originally expected and lost to a very good team. I was proud of the way we competed throughout the weekend.

I have to say that the physicality and pace of play was a great measuring stick for some of the new freshman and sophomores. Even though some of them got hit pretty hard, they all bounced right back up and showed good character and enthusiasm.

I remember the preseason games and tournaments really acclimatizing me to high school hockey during the summer and fall of my freshman year. They were the stepping stones that I needed to be ready to succeed at the varsity level as a younger player. That is why I am pushing to do more of these tournaments because each time you step on the ice the younger guys seem to look better and better.

It is definitely a scary feeling as a 14 year old who has never played with older kids or in front of a crowd to jump right into high school hockey. Knowing that there are hundreds of fans in the bleachers that have paid to watch you play can get you all riled up as it is, realizing that there are kids the are four years older on the opposite team can downright scare you to death.

On a separate note, there have been many doubters throughout the last couple of months that have been degrading the Gaylord varsity hockey program. People have asked me countless times if we are even going to be able to put a team together for the 2009-10 season. The answer is an absolute yes. With our rate of improvement we could most definitely surprise our opponents and critics. I believe that this year’s team will be willing to do whatever is necessary to succeed. As the countdown begins and the anticipation builds… we will be ready.

By Jim Ryan - GHS Junior

Hockey Camp Wrap Up

With the conclusion of camp last night I just wanted to say again how pleased I was with the level of effort and attitude all week. It was evident that you listened to the instructors and tried to apply the principles and skills that were being taught. Even though everyone was not always successful at the implementation of these skills no one ever quit trying, which for a coach was awesome to see.

It was very evident that some of you have been training hard in preparation of the upcoming season and some not so much. We need everyone to be on the same page and be in top condition when next season rolls around. So please keep up the momentum we started last week (on and off the ice) through August and our fall season.

Thanks again for your time and effort last week I hope you truly had a fun time and learned a lot. I would also like to say a special Thank You to Bill Wilkinson for his on ice instruction, Jason Clement for his on ice instruction and for his help behind the scenes with organizing this week, Dave Samalik who did the screen printing on the jersey at the last second, and to Bill Michaels for his help with ordering jerseys, booking ice, and taking registrations. If you see these guys please thank them for their efforts.

Just remember that HARD WORK WILL ALWAYS BEAT TALENT, WHEN TALENT DOES NOT WORK HARD!

'Play Hard and Play Smart' - Coach

Summer Camp

I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and taking time to have fun. I just returned from five days in Canada where we saw many relatives, ate too much, and talked a lot of hockey. I am really excited about the upcoming camp. We have a great plan on paper for the week and I have been watching past film for more ideas.

I am also looking forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces and getting to know the new players. Building on our success last year will result from developing and improving our team chemistry with our new and returning players. I hope you are all remembering your chosen core values for success: RESPECT, TRUST, LEADERSHIP, DISCIPLINE, PERSEVERANCE, and yes .....PREPARATION.

In terms of preparation it will be important that you are coming into camp in shape. You have had a plan in place for some time now so it will be evident who is working at improving their conditioning and who is faking it. I hope we do not have anyone faking it this year. So remember to bring a good pair of running shoes and a water bottle on Monday night.

'Play Hard and Play Smart' - Coach.

Happy July 4th

Welcome current players, families, hockey alumni, and friends of Gaylord High school Hockey, to our new blog. This is a first for me so please be patient as I navigate my way through the blogosphere world. This blog has been developed to keep everyone updated on what is happening from the 'Coaches Perspective' in regards to our hockey program. I hope everyone finds it insightful and entertaining.



With that being said I want to wish everyone in Blue Devil nation and happy and safe July 4Th holiday. And look for continued weekly updates throughout the summer.

'Play Hard and Play Smart' - Coach