Hive Hockey
Message Board
Winter Session
Important Items:
* Our first game of Winter session is on Jan 11.
* Player fees are $207.70 and due in full by Dec 14.
Our roster is:
9 forwards- Jeff, Drew, Clay, Cort, Ian, Casto, Taylor, Melissa, Sam
4 defense - Jake, Dan, Ken, Mo
Goalie Bob
subs:
Matt Corey
Ryan Bunce
Pink Betty
Justin Sharpe(goalie)
Jeremy Rogers
If you are planning to not play or need to be moved to sub status, please give me a courtesy email letting me know by Nov 26. This will give me time to get players in position to get our team fee paid the deadline.
Thank you all so much, captaining this team has been a thrill!
mo
Learning the Game - Skills for Defensemen
::: 3 KEY SKILLS FOR DEFENSEMEN :::
#1: Make a great first pass
Ds must be able to make a great first pass in all 3 zones of the ice. Not only
do you have to make good decisions while under pressure on the breakout,
but you have to be able to pick the best passing option in the chaos of the
neutral zone and also know when to go D to D or put pucks back in deep
when up at the point. If you're a defenseman, you know this is one of the
toughest skills to execute under pressure. You've got to be able to protect
the puck, get your feet moving and read your best option instantaneously.
#2: Get shots through from the point
We all know it looks cool when you can get a majestic slapshot off from
the point. But does it hit the net consistently? Can you get it off quickly?
Can you get it through traffic and create secondary scoring opportunities
for the forwards in front of the net? As a D, you must be able to get the
right shot off at the right time - and be able to adjust if the best option changes.
For example, you may see a lane to the net for a big slapshot, but once
you wind up, you see that you're under pressure from a forward. Can
you adjust to get the puck in deep or keep your feet moving to create
a better option?
#3: Win 1v1 battles in all 3 zones
Defenders must be able to defend. It sounds silly to say it, but it seems
that there is such a premium placed on offensive defensemen these days
that the art of defending seems to be getting lost a bit. As a D, you must
be able to defend the front of your net effectively by moving out bodies and
controlling the attacker's stick. You have to be able to step-up effectively
in the neutral zone to keep the attacking team from getting an easy entry
into your in-zone. And you must be able to pinch down the wall effectively
and come up with the puck, the body or both. This all requires excellent
skating skills, great stick positioning and the ability to read the play quickly
and make the right decision.
Learning the Game - Skills for Forwards
::: 3 KEY SKILLS FOR FORWARDS :::
#1: Generate scoring chances
Not everyone is a 50 goal scorer. You don't have to fill the net every game,
but do you know how to use the right shot at the right time? Do you know how
to get your body in the right position to put the puck in the net quickly?
Can you get shots through to the net on 2 on 1s that generate juicy rebounds
that your linemates can put in the back of the net? Quick release shooting
is critical to generating scoring chances, as is being able to find yourself
time and space in the scoring areas with smart timing and body positioning.
#2: Manage the puck
Puck protection is an important skill for defensemen as well, but it is
especially critical for forwards. Can you protect the puck along the boards on the
breakout to make sure you get it out? Can you win battles in the corner in the
offensive zone? Do you know how to drive around a defenseman without putting
the puck in a position where it can be taken away? Managing the puck means
knowing when to hold onto the puck and when to move it. There's nothing worse
than watching a forward work hard to win a battle down low only to have them
throw it out into the slot blindly and have it end up as a breakout pass for the
opposition. That's puck management.
#3: Ability to break into openings
In my opinion, your ability to read time and space on the ice is the #1 ability
that separates good players from great players. Do you understand when
you should be going full-speed and when you need to slow down and "save" ice?
Are you patient when you're in the slot waiting for the pass or do you jump down
too early and end up in traffic without any time or space to release the puck?
Being able to do this effectively is absolutely crucial if you want to get to and
play at the next level.
It's Coming!!!
Important reminders:
o Fall Session starts for us on Sunday, Sept 7. Game time/location not announced yet.
o USA Hockey membership/insurance is due: $40 per year MUST be paid prior to first game.(current usa hockey insurance expires Aug 31, 2014). Register online at www.usahockey.com. All players will need the 2014/15 registration. Be sure to update your www.chillerstats.com profile with new number!
Thank you all for paying fees enabling our team to save $100 off of the team fee!
See you on the ice!!!
mo