When did you start writing about the game? That’s a question that I get quite a bit. “Well, that’s a long story,” I usually reply. This is where it all started from a writing perspective, my first blog/article was an email to parents after my longtime friend Kelly MacNeil and I took over from the Head Coach of the Bantam AAA Stars that stepped down in mid-December.
It’s crazy to think back, it’s crazy to think how long I’ve been writing about the game. Here’s the email or 1st blog which turned into the Co Coaches Corner Blog which evolved into me writing on LinkedIn, which in turn morphed into the FDS Podcast Network #FDSHockey #InFocus platform.
This is when and where it all started.
12/13/2012
Good Afternoon Parents,
Forecheck…To Chase With a Purpose
Yesterday’s practice was a good indication of what to expect moving forward, we have to continue to get better in all 3 zones on the ice. Yesterday’s focus was on creating better forecheck habits and puck pursuit. All our players have the ability to “puck pursuit” we have to generate turnovers through our fore check to increase our offensive zone time.
Breakouts and Zone Entries…A How to Guide to Generate More Offense
Yesterday, we also worked on entering the zone with speed and puck possession, with the focus on hitting the open player in the high slot. We have been turning pucks over a little too often and not generating scoring chances on odd man rushes, this will be something that will be drilled into the players moving forward.
Breakouts have been our “Achilles heel” with far too many turnovers from all 5 positional players on the ice, we will continue to on Defensive Zone Coverage aspect as well. We have to limit our opposition’s chances by getting into shooting lanes and passing lanes. Breakouts will be covered every practise in order to execute while under pressure in. We need to breakout as a Unit of 5 and not relay on one player to lug the puck always out of the zone.
Coaching Philosophy
We will be a team that will be “tough” to play against, that is our goal moving forward. We will challenge your child to become better, we will also motivate and encourage. Speaking for myself, I will not be afraid to stop a drill for a “teachable moment” or to reinforce our team systems. We have to re-establish team systems, and make sure that every player is successful within that system. Players will be given every opportunity to prove themselves in every game situation moving forward.
Yours in practise,
Craig Eagles
Thanks for all those people that have supported and continue to support and share my writing, I really appreciate it, it means so much to me. Your insight and input over the years continues to inspire and empower.
Thank you!
Hope to see you at the rink,
FDS Sports Blog 