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Make It Fun By Keith Andresen
H
ockey in the Metroplex has seen phenomenal growth over the past 15 years. Hockey in the non-traditional hockey markets is booming and participants of all ages are playing the games at all skill levels. Dallas/Ft. Worth has become a mecca for youth hockey coaches wanting to earn a living by providing quality instruction to young players. There are also numerous volunteer coaches who dedicate their time to house, high school and select programs. With all this growth our region has become recognized for quality hockey teams that compete on a National level. Successful coaches work hard to develop skills and teach young athletes proper training techniques both on and off the ice. While these “ingredients for success” are important, there are two “ingredients” that are equally as important; FUN and PASSION. Developing a passion for the game and making each trip to the rink fun are critical in the development of all young players. Just as skill development and hard work make a player improve physically, fun and passion keep the fire and desire burning inside. It’s what makes an 8 year-old jump out of bed at 6 AM for
an early morning game or practice. It’s what makes a 45 year-old go to the rink at 11 PM for a beer league game. As coaches there are things we can do to help make sure passion is developed and not inhibited. A good coach will help players realize their potential while making sure they have fun and develop a passion for the game. I believe there are several important ways coaches can help build passion in their players. First and foremost a coach must have a positive attitude. Coaches must use positive reinforcement when working with today’s kids. I think a 10-1 ratio of positive v. negative instruction is critical in getting the most out of each player. While it’s important to correct mistakes it’s equally important to do it in a positive way. While a loud voice will have an impact it must be channeled into a positive result. Constant yelling at a player will only cause that player to “tune-out”. Use the loud voice for impact once in a while but coach with enthusiasm, not anger. Second, allow players the space they need to grow as individuals and as a team. Don’t micromanage. Allow your team to create an environment in the locker room
Dallas Stars Select Midget Minor AA celebrate a goal.
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by letting each player exhibit their personality. The bonds that are formed between the players off the ice will carry over to the games and practices. However keep an eye out for any disciplinary issues and deal with them in a fair and consistent manner without causing embarrassment to any single player. Finally, coaches must create a fun environment for their team. Many coaches are afraid that by promoting fun they will lose the opportunity to win. In my experience I have found the opposite to be true. When an environment is created that includes fun while promoting skill, hard work and character the winning takes care of itself. Every team faces adversity during a season, however, it’s the team that keeps a positive attitude when things are not going well that persevere. Positive attitude will be easy to cultivate when everyone has a smile on his or her face. Remember to smile; it’s contagious! Just a Thought: As a player you must be prepared to play when you arrive at the rink. If your coach requires you to arrive 60 minutes prior to game time, be on time and be prepared. Prepared means you’re not running around the rink getting your skates sharpened, taping your stick
Keith Andresen, Senior Director, Hockey Programs Dr. Pepper StarCenters Dallas Stars Hockey Club
or replacing screws on your helmet. Keep your equipment in good order and check it at home to make sure you are ready to play. Don’t be a distraction to your team; be prepared when you arrive at the rink. ■
Dallas Penguins Squirt Major AA celebrate following the Squirt Platinum finals.
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Power Skating - The Hockey Application
From the Bottom Up By Craig Yeaton
F
irst off I would like to thank a couple of people that took photos for me last month. I am such a “Diva” when it comes to photo media! So, thank you Trish Sinel and Karen Hall for putting up with the awkward angles for the skate pics in last month’s edition. Now, on to the business of the basics of hockey skating. Although I have a lot of respect for my fellow skaters, figure and speed, it is important to note that hockey skates and skating are different than the other forms of ice skating. Hockey skate blades (not including goalie skates) are 33% thinner and have significantly more “rocker” than either speed or figure skates. The result is that hockey players are skating with very little “steel” on the ice. The other significant difference is the “balance point”, hockey skaters skate more toward the toe of the skate than other skaters. If you have ever watched figure skaters, they set up most of their jumps skating backwards. This is because their skates have a blade that has “toepicks” in the front and a long flat surface that goes past the heel in the back. If you rolled forward in a figure skate you would catch the toepick of the blade and the results “aint pretty”. In a hockey skate you
bend your knees and lean forward toward the toe of the skate. Basic Stance should be just slightly less than shoulder width apart. This varies from skater to skater based on size, length of legs and style of skater, but should still be approximately shoulder width. Basic Forward Skating, or stroking as it is called, in hockey skates starts with the feet just slightly less than shoulder width a part. Then the “stroking foot” pushes back, extending all the way through the toe of the skate. Then the knee (and this is the important part) is pulled forward until the skate returns to the starting position. One of the most common mistakes I see is a skater “slipping” the end of their stroke by lifting their heel. The only reason to lift your foot off the ice in normal stroking is to keep the toe from scraping on the ice during the “return” stroke. Remember this is forward (front toward) skating so your toe or front of your skate, should point in the direction you are skating. Basic Backward Skating, or stroking is easily accomplished by simply setting your feet slightly less than shoulder width apart and turning your heels out. This will cause your feet to move further apart
Dixon Whitehead - Dallas Stars Selects Midget Minor AA - Aucoin
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making you move backward. At that point lifting the knees one at a time returning the foot to it’s starting spot so that you don’t end up doing the splits. Eventually you will turn this into “C” cuts on the ice. Basic Hockey Crossovers are very different versus figure and speed skates crossovers. In both figure and speed skating the skater does more of a cross around, bringing the “crossing foot” in front of the “planted foot”. In a hockey crossover it is important to lift the knee and point the toe across and down as you cross “over” the “planted foot. It is impossible to do a “hockey style” crossover in a figure or speed skate because of the shape, length and (on the figure skate) the toepick. The most common error I see in hockey skating technique is lifting the foot. Note that when I talk about crossovers and stroking I say “lift the knee” not “lift the foot”. Although this sounds like the same thing it isn’t. Lifting the foot can be done without lifting the knee, but lifting the knee brings the foot straight underneath the body limiting excess movement and keeping the upper body from moving to counter balance for the extended leg/foot. Remember that the whole goal of this series is “the Hockey Application”. If you
Craig Yeaton has been a youth hockey coach and powerskating instructor for some 20 years. He served as a hockey trainer and stunt double in the second Mighty Ducks movie and was the hockey coordinator and instructor for Mystery Alaska. He now coaches for the Dallas Star Selects.
have to move your upper body to compensate for your skating, than your stick has to be adjusted as well. I have often told my students that if I could find a way to leave their upper body at home for the skating and then bring it back for the stick handling I would. Since that isn’t very likely we find ways to “quiet” the upper body that will make it easier stick handle, pass and shoot once we incorporate the puck back into the picture. You would be surprised how many “stick handling” and “shooting” problems can be fixed by adjusting the players skating. These skating techniques give a solid base from which the rest of the game can be played! “Proper technique increases speed”! Happy Playing! ■
Scotty Moritz with Dallas Stars Captain Brendon Morrow
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Trey Ogle (Wolves PeeWee - Schneider)
Celebrating the Goal! Euless DSS MMAA - Aucoin.
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Tanner Woody (Alliance U16 AAA - Fry)
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Kim Tinkham (1957 - 2010) Ice Times Magazine is dedicated to the memory of Kim Tinkham. Kim lost her brave battle with breast cancer Tuesday, December 7, 2010. Kim was a hockey mom, wife, youth hockey enthusiast, and editor and publisher of Ice Times. She will be greatly missed.
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Monthly Columns For The Good of The Game . . . 3 Power Skating . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Crull Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Rickard Report . . . . . . . 19 Behind the Bench . . . . . . . 20 Adult Hockey . . . . . . . . . . 22
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Find Doright somewhere in the magazine.
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Beat the Heat Tournament - Jarrett Taylor (Wolves - Schneider)
Niko Ala-Kokko of the Alliance Bulldogs Bantam U13 – Lehtola.
Wyatt Gentry (18) taking the face off Dallas Stars Selects Midget Minor AA - Aucoin
Texas Aces Defenseman #19 Bronson Adams holding his ground.
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From the Editor by Scott Tinkham
Old hockey players never die, they just achieve their final goal.
T
To Coach Boots from TAHA: “Boots Williams, a kind, gracious, and dedicated coach -- and pioneer of Dallas area youth hockey -- died September 14, 2011. He will be buried on Monday, in full military fashion, as a Captain in the US Army. Boots epitomized a different time -- a time when being a humble, dedicated, nurturing, and proud husband, father, teacher and coach -- was valued and defined”being a good man.” Boots stood out as rare among many, because Boots preached to his players the virtues of duty, responsibility, and humility. Many of us did and can learn from this example. Defining “being the best,” he lived his life to show that this had very little to do with winning, although he led many teams to championships, and everything to do with being honorable and good. His actions and words were always mindful of the needs of all and the needs of others. His life’s endeavor was to be an example and teach others to “Be the Best -- No Matter What.” “Dallas Hockey will be hard-pressed to find a man and coach who puts others’ interests and needs before his own. Any player who has ever had the good fortune to be coached by Boots Williams, will hopefully take the life’s lessons and honorable skills he taught, and continue through their lives remembering”: “HUMBLE IN VICTORY, GRACIOUS IN DEFEAT.” To Coach Boots from Coach Steve LaMere: “Boots was a great friend & mentor. He cared about kids & loved coaching hockey. He was one of few coaches I’ve met who cared more about the development of the players, on & off the ice, more than winning a game. He would try to teach players how to be a good person with good morals. Boots wore his team jacket with much pride! He truly felt lucky to be around kids coaching hockey. Always smiling, in a good mood, and leading by example. Texas hockey will miss Coach Boots! I miss my buddy, my golf partner, & my assistant coach, but will always remember him & the legacy he left behind”. To Coach Boots from the Jackson family: “Coach Boots’ life positively touched many young boys in the hockey world. We appreciated knowing him on the ‘98 Alliance team. He was dedicated to hockey and always had a smile on his face at the Valley Ranch rink. I believe he was like a good-hearted grandfather figure for the boys, and in particular, our son Franklin Jackson. Our sincere condolences go to Mrs. Boots Williams and the family. May you be comforted at this time and may Boots rest in loving peace”. ■
he time has come for the Zamboni guy to close the doors on a job well done. The ice is smooth and clean and fresh like the first snow of winter or a spring shower. Maybe the title should say old hockey players never die they become coaches. They become coaches because they love the game that taught them everything about the game of life and have a burning desire to give back to the game that made the man. Boots Williams was a friend of mine, a mentor and my sons coach many seasons ago. When I walk into the rink the first thing I do is look to see who is on the ice. Many times I would look out and see Boots. I’ll never forget how I would stop and watch for a minute and Boots would be talking to a player and he would notice me watching him and he would stop and look at me with his big smile and wave at me, not just a head nod, he used his whole body to smile and wave at you like he hasn’t seen you in years. When I think of Coach Boots the words of William Penn comes to mind. “I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again”. Well done Boots.
Rest In Peace - Coach Boots Williams September 11, 1943 - September 14, 2011
If you cannot be a mighty redwood tree in the redwood forest, only a blade of grass, be the greenest blade of grass in sight. If you cannot be a rainbow trout, only a bass, be the liveliest bass in the lake. We can’t all be Captains; some of us have to be crew. There are big jobs and small ones for us to do, and the tasks are at hand for us to complete. It isn’t by size alone that you win or lose, but by being the best you can be, no matter what you choose. -- Coach Boots
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Off Ice Strength and Conditioning
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By Luke Beltrand
Strength and Conditioning Coach/Manager Crull Fitness
I
am very excited about the start of another Hockey Season as once again my fitness home is filled with countless hockey players of all skills and ages ready to get bigger, faster, stronger, and more athletic! I should provide some background information about myself as this is my first article for Ice Times. I grew up locally in McKinney, Texas and at that time there were no local ice rinks so my hockey career got started with the encouragement of my dad (Former Div. 1 Hockey Player at the Air Force Academy) in my home driveway. I grew up playing many sports but it was not until “Ice Bound” was built in Plano, Texas that I got to actually begin to play hockey at the age of 9. My passion for hockey was birthed in the heart of the Dr Pepper StarCenter in a Plano House League, where I played for many years, until My Dad (Craig Beltrand) and many others formed the Texas Aces Hockey Club my 8th grade year. I played for the Aces all through my High school years. During this time, I realized that Hockey was something I wanted to pursue beyond just having fun. I wanted to play College Hockey, bad! I knew I needed to get better other than just getting ice time and practicing skills; this is when I met Coach Brian Crull. I began to work out with Coach Crull when I was a freshman in high
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school. He trained me in all aspects of Strength and Conditioning. I began to grow in every facet of my game as I constantly trained. I attribute most of my Success to Crull Fitness and My Dad. Other Local Coaches like Peter Wood and Alan May were integral in my success as well. After my senior year, I played 2 years of juniors for the Northern Junior Cyclones and the Helena Bighorns (5th in the Nation) and finally to achieve my dream and play for St. Johns University (NCAA Div. 3). Alongside my success in hockey, Coach Crull began to cultivate a strength and conditioning coach, giving me my first Training job. I was a sponge as I picked up anything I could learn from him and Professional Coaches like Peter Twist (Former Vancouver Canucks Strength Coach) throughout my career always implementing and testing training techniques as I played from year to year to determine what worked best. Today, I am entering my 3rd year as the Manager of Crull Fitness Valley Ranch and we are currently training over 40 Hockey teams throughout the Metroplex. My goal is to give our players the tools to be the best they can possibly be through our strength, speed, conditioning, injury prevention, core, balance training and much more. I encourage them to dream big, work hard, and pursue excellence
Luke Beltrand is a Former Collegiate Hockey player and Current Manager of Crull Fitness Valley Ranch. Luke is Certified as a Certified Fitness Specialist through the Cooper’s Institute and Sports Performance Coach through USA Weightlifting. Luke is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for over 40 local Hockey Teams..
in everything they do. I am teaching them how to train like professional athletes so that whatever their hockey goals are they will be equipped to overcome any obstacles and achieve success. My goal through this Column is to provide informative and useful techniques for parents and players to help improve on ice hockey performance; a few things I will be discussing are Nutrition, Hydration, Sports Supplementation, and Injury Prevention. I am here to make you better! ■
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Tornado 18U Recreate the Magic by Corey Hersch
T
he Texas Tornado held their Black and Gold game on a recent Sunday afternoon, an intrasquad scrimmage to signify the end of training camp. For fans of the team, it was a chance to sneak a peek at the Tornado before the home opener against Fairbanks on September 30. And for most of the players on the ice, they were able to fine-tune some things before donning the black and gold sweater at the Combat Hockey/NAHL Showcase Tournament in Blaine, Minn. on September 14. For four skaters in Sunday’s game, however, it was a chance to show the coaching staff what they could do. Tornado head coach and General Manager Tony Curtale selected four players from the team’s 18U squad to play in the Black and Gold game with the junior club. Johnathan Appell, Dylan Durham, Quinton Vitek, and Luis Barrera all took part in the scrimmage on Sunday.
Durham
“Sunday’s opportunity is what our PHL Development Program is all about,” Curtale said. “It fits in with our goal of ultimately getting more local players involved in Junior A Hockey.” Appell and Durham, both ’94 defenseman, spent last season with the Tornado 16U team. That squad made it to the USA Hockey Tier II national championship game before falling to the Summit Plastics in April. Appell also collected an assist in Sunday’s game. Vitek, was a member of the 16U Alliance Bulldogs in 2010-2011, while Barrera played on the Dallas Stars Elite Hockey Club 16U team. Both Vitek and Berrera are ’94 forwards. All four will be on the ice when the 18U Tornado look to recreate the magic from last year’s 16U team. ■
Appell
Wolves PeeWee - Schneider scrimmages against McKinney Lightning PeeWee - Mauer
Barrera
Vitek
Labor Day Texas Shootout - William Blake (39) and Ryan Whittaker (30), Alliance Bulldog Squirt Gold, congratulating each other after a win.
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2000 Alliance Bulldogs preparing for a big game in the Texas Shootout.
Alex Yuk, Alliance Bantam AA, playing the boards.
McKinney Lightning PW AA team after the championship game of the Texas Shootout.
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Noah Mehr Midget Minor AA Allen Americans Texas Shootout Tournament scoring by deflecting the puck into the net.
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Connor Weemes (McKinney Lightning - Mauer)
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Payton Starks Houston Aeros
Jeffrey Rucci Dallas Stars Selects
Kile Martinez - Jr Brahmas SQ
USA Hockey presents a new Coaching Education Program: Online, Age-Specific Coaching Education Modules.
What It Means... If You’re a Parent...Know that your coaches will be armed with the latest information specific to your child’s age level. If You’re a Coach...You’ll have the information needed to help every player on- and office. If You’re a Player...You’ll learn from coaches who are prepared to help you be the best player you can be. For more info, visit USAHockey.com/Coaching
A number of new rule changes were approved at the recent 2011 Annual Congress of USA Hockey. All coaches, officials, players, league administrators, and member association representatives are strongly encouraged to review the Rule Change Summary prepared by USA Hockey. Also, everyone should also review closely the Rule Change Commentary prepared by Ken Reinhard, TAHA Referee in Chief. The Rule Change Summary and Ken’s Commentary are posted on the www. tahahockey.org website, so everyone should visit and review closely. The 2011-13 Official Rules of Ice Hockey is online at www.usahockey.com.
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Amon Weihmuller Dallas Stars Selects
Joshua Ray & Tyler Lasiter - McKinney Lightning
Roman Di Domizio Dallas Penguins
Austin Ballard - Texas Aces
2011/2012 Planned Events Nov 5 ..............................Try Hockey-for-Free Day Jan 28 .......................TAHA Winter Meeting (Dallas) Feb 10-12 ................................States Tier I & Tier II (TAHA Host in Dallas) Feb 17-19 .. USA Hockey Weekend Across America Mar 1-4 .....................................Districts Tier I (CO) Mar 2-4 ........................Districts Girls/Women (AZ?) Mar 5-7? .......Texas Cup Gold HS Champs (Dallas) Mar 16-18 ............................. TAC Boys/Girls (TBD) Mar 21-25 .................. Nationals High School (SLC) Mar 23-25 ...... Texas Cup Silver HS Champs (TBD) Mar 28-Apr 1............. Nationals Tier II Girls (Dallas) Mar 28-Apr 1...................Nationals Tier 1 & II Youth (sites vary) Mar 30-Apr 1.....Nationals Women A/B/C (site TBD) Apr 6-10 ..................Nationals Tier I Girls (site TBD) Apr 13-15 ...........National Disabled Hockey Festival (Dallas) Apr 13-17 ....... Americas HS Showcase (Pittsburgh) Apr 27-29 ...........State Adult Tournament (site TBD) May 2-6......................................... RMD PDC (SLC)
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Mckinney Pays Tribute M ckinney teams paid tribute to a coach and friend at the recent Texas Shootout Tournament. The McKinney PW-Sutherland team recognized their Coach Rich Sutherland by wrapping their sticks in red tape and putting a sticker on their helmets with the initials “RS”. Coach Sutherland suffered a serious head injury a few weeks back. He
remains in the hospital and has a long road to recovery ahead of him. That team lost in the Semi-Final round of the Gold Division, going 3-1-0. The McKinney team wants the DJHA, Americans, and Wild (where his grandsons play) teams to know they really appreciated that they also sported red for Coach Sutherland, thanks. ■
A helmet with the tribute sticker and a wrapped stick.
We wish you a speedy recovery Coach Sutherland! McKinney PW-Sutherland team holding a tribute for their Coach Rich Sutherland.
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Zach Teter of the Bay Area Hounds from Houston Texas takes a roll.
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Daniel Kowalski (Pikes Peak Miners U18 AAA - Vanover) in the snow.
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Love of Hockey For Local Hospital N
ot many hospitals in the Dallas Fort Worth area can say they have their own hockey team, but Texas Health Resources can. Since 2011, Texas Health Plano’s hockey team has been showcasing their talent on the ice. This team consists of employees from throughout Texas Health Resources. Organized by Dave Doucette, R.N., who works in Texas Health Plano’s Non-invasive Cardiology Department, employees and their family members have been participating in the athletic event. During the team’s first season, they went undefeated. The team earned a spot in a more advanced league (up two skill levels from original league) and are currently in fourth place and competing in the playoffs. In late September 2011, the team will move to another league where their home rink will be the DPSC McKinney located in McKinney, Texas, near Alma Road and Highway 121. Along with getting their exercise while having fun, the faith-based hockey league encourages members to pray during practice and even before and after games. “I especially like the prayer circle we do at the end of the games,” said Doucette. “It falls in line with our faith-based hospital’s mission and values.” Doucette’s goal is to have several teams in various leagues representing Texas Health throughout the metroplex. “I want to see our hospital’s logo in most every ice rink on the west side, which is
quite a few,” added Doucette. According to Doucette, hockey experience is not required, but participants must know how to ice skate. To learn more, contact Doucette at 972-981-3779. ■
Team Members: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Dave Doucette (Captain), Non-invasive Cardiology, Texas Health Plano Gina Dugger, Non-invasive Cardiology, Texas Health Plano Aaron Yuschak, Security, Texas Health Plano Levi Gonzales (goalie), OR Dept., Texas Health Plano Eric Johnson, OR Dept., Texas Health Plano Brett Lockhart, IT Dept., Texas Health Resources Jake Consolver, Business Services, Texas Health Denton Randy Dwyer, House Supervisor, Texas Health Allen Brian Bullock (husband of Teresa), House Supervisor, Texas Health Plano Chris Schuler, M.D., Texas Health Plano medical staff DJ Arrieta Respiratory Dept., Texas Health Plano Stephen Smith (son of Susan Smith), ICU educator, Texas Health Plano Michael Toney, ER Dept., Texas Health Plano Jeremy Pankin, City of Allen’s Fire Department Jason Reyes, City of Allen’s Fire Department Joe Krais, City of Allen’s Fire Department
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The Rickard Report by Karen Rickard
The State of Girls Travel Hockey in Texas
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elcome to the Rickard Report! Hopefully many of you reading this article already know who I am and if you have a daughter who plays hockey in DFW, I’ve probably been in touch with you about having her come out and skate with my girls’ teams at Alliance. For the rest of you, I’m Karen Rickard – former Division I Collegiate Women’s Hockey Player at the University of Wisconsin and proud Coach of the Alliance Bulldogs 12U & 14U Girls Teams. Yes – that’s right, for the next 6 months my life will be run by 10-14 year old girls and their parents. 30 girls to be exact – and there are 30 more between the 16U & 19U Girls Teams. While the girls travel program is housed at Alliance today, this wasn’t always the case. In fact, the program had very humble roots when it was formed 7 years ago. It began in March 2004 when a group of girls and their parents came together from boy’s teams to form a single girl’s travel hockey team. The team started at the Ice Jets and bounced around to the Texas Attack and Dallas Stars before it finally found its home at the Alliance Youth Hockey Association in 2009-2010. When the President of the Alliance Youth Hockey Association, Dr. Paul Freudigman, was asked what it means to have the only girls travel hockey program in TX and OK he said, “Alliance is proud to be the only travel hockey association in the TAHA affiliate to provide a full complement of girl’s hockey teams. Alliance has been and will continue to be the backbone of girls’ hockey training in Texas and Oklahoma. These girls and young women need a home to train and develop together. Alliance provides that home under the direction of Karen Rickard as well as David Horn and Stan Tugulukov.” With Karen, David, and Stan at the helm of this program, the girls who play at Alliance receive coaching – not just a coach who “runs a practice”. They also develop into hockey players – not just girls who play hockey. Last season was a huge success – the 12U, 14U, and 19U teams all competed at Nationals in Los Angeles with the 19U Girls capturing their first ever Tier II Girls National Championship. This year, there are four teams – 12U, 14U, 16U, and 19U at Alliance and their sights are set on the National Championships, which are being hosted by Alliance in March 2012 at the Dr Pepper Star Centers here in the DFW area. In addition, the girls program in Texas saw the ultimate product of its work – Emily Federspiel, a 19U player in 2010-2011 was recruited by a Division III College
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(The University of Massachusetts – Boston) to play for them this coming season. As a former student-athlete myself, I can tell you it doesn’t get any better than when a girl from the program reaches her goal of playing college hockey. The girl’s program at Alliance is recognizable not just in the DFW metroplex, but across the state as well. Girls from San Antonio, College Station, Houston, Austin, and even Oklahoma are proud to call Alliance home. It’s actually a very unique situation for the girls. In places such as Minnesota, Canada, or New England, girls’ teams would normally play against other girls’ teams. However, Alliance has the only girl program in two states so the North Texas Hockey League (a traditional boy’s hockey league) has been very accommodating in allowing the girls to compete in a regular season schedule in between girls’ tournaments around the country. And if you ask any of the girls who play they will tell you that playing with other girls is what makes it such a fun experience – getting to play on the same team, sharing the same locker room, and “beating up on the boys” together without feeling like outsiders is truly awesome for them. As the 2011-2012 season gets underway, it’s only conceivable to have one really great girls travel hockey team in each age bracket in the DFW area. There are just not enough girls in the city or state to field two different teams that will remain competitive against other teams across the Nation. As the Alliance program continues to grow, I look forward to a day when the association can rival AAA girls programs such as the Minnesota Thoroughbreds, Assabet Valley, or the Lady Ducks of Los Angeles. However exciting the future may be, the success of the program depends on girls and their families who are looking for something more competitive than house league, who understand the benefits of playing on an all-girls travel team, and those who believe in the spirit of working together to grow girls travel hockey in Texas. Best in Hockey, Karen Rickard ■
Coach Karen is currently the Head Coach of the Alliance Bulldogs 12U & 14U Girls Teams. She grew up in Bowmanville, ON Canada, currently resides in Dallas, TX and played Division I Women’s College Hockey at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Player Profile – Peri Donaldson
Age: 12 Team: Alliance 12U Girls Hometown: Calgary, AB Canada Favorite Female Hockey Player: Hayley Wickenheiser Peri enjoys her time at Alliance because she gets to make friends with awesome people and she is looking forward to getting shutouts against the boys this season!
Player Profile – Sierra Yoshida
Age: 10 Hometown: Coppell, TX Favorite Female Hockey Player: Coach Karen! Sierra likes playing at Alliance because she and her teammates can get together like one big family and she is looking forward to everything this season, but especially having fun!
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BEHIND THE BENCH By Mark Dyslin
Plan for Perfection
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he perfect practice plan. How does one construct a flawless set of instructions for the entire year? What role does divine intervention play in the process of setting forth an impeccable, infallible, and otherwise immaculate lesson plan; the likes of which may very well unravel the mysteries of life? Today I lift the veil on the centuries old secret that has been piously guarded by various secret societies: from Knights Templar, to the Freemasons, to the Bilderberg Group, to the Fanglepop 51. Here, right now, I unravel the enigma that is the perfect practice plan. Ready?
There is none. While I like to think I always plan iron-clad practice, truth is I know I have had misses. Ask the boys on my High School team. To them a well developed practice includes: scrimmage 20 minutes, drink water for 20 minutes, scrimmage 20 minutes, go home. The basic question to ask yourself is: should there be a core set of values the practice plans encompass? If you didn’t answer, “Yep”, then ask yourself again until you say, “Yep.” Your practices should be built taking into consideration three essential components: 1) talent level; 2) 3-4 critical milestones to improve players/team, and; 3) goals to achieve by year end. I know coaches who use the same set of drills year in and year out. Then there are those who wing-it based on their own experiences as a player. No consideration is given to the caliber of talent on the team. In other words: they’re lazy. Evaluating talent level is essential in determining what has to be developed over the season. If you have a majority of new skaters or kids who just moved
up to the next age level, you have to run practices taking that into consideration. If you have a bunch of know-it-all’s, build your practices..well, actually, good luck with all of that. Your practice plans should have skills/theories that build on each other, week over week. Pen your plans well in advance (e.g., not in the car on the way to the rink). Review what you did last time and build on that. Consider what you want to do next practice and start introducing concepts today. I’ve talked with pro coaches and they generally run no more than 20-25 different drills per year. They will add nuances to the drills throughout the year to keep them relevant. But there is a foundation they use for every practice. They also add situational elements to each practice as game experiences dictate.
Mark Dyslin has been coaching youth sports for over 15 years and coaching youth hockey since 1999. He is currently one of the coaches for St. Mark’s Junior Varsity Hockey Team.
Mix it up, but use repetition as a means to build skills and confidence. You don’t need a full set of new drills/small area games every week. Spend more time planning your practices, you’ll find the actual practice event more effective. Running more effective practices means achieving goals. Achieving goals means big, sloppy happiness all over the place. ■
20 Keep your kids out of hot water – put them on ice!
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Keep your kids out of hot water – put them on ice! 21
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ADULT HOCKEY By Brad Aho
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ith most of the falls seasons having started or getting ready to, I thought I would take a moment to remind us as to why we play this game. We should play it for the love of the game, h, and for many out there, the coveted post-game beer. I would venture to say that almost all of us play our game on our given night of the week and still get up and go to work at our regular job where we are not paid to play hockey. Yet, the attitude on the ice has changed dramatically. There has been a rise in the blatant disrespect for the game, the opposing team and the officials. Reggie Hall is the President of the Adult Section of Player Conduct. Reggie has been around the game for nearly 40 years. In his role, he chairs hearings of player who have received penalties in games that need to be presented to the board
Naya Penn (Wolves - Victorson)
for possible suspension. Last month alone he chaired 6hearings for adults. Three of these hearings resulted in 6 month suspensions; two of them resulted in one year suspensions. Mr. Hall says, “Players have somewhat moved away from playing for recreation sake. Many of the games now contain more physical play even though these are non-checking divisions. Some guys do push the envelope with contact and the resulting reactions are to be expected.” Not only that, but rarely does a week go by that he doesn’t receive a report of game misconducts and at least one match penalty. There seems to be an increase in reckless play and lack of respect for opponents, officials, and the game. We have to remember why we play. “Most players are simply out to have fun and enjoy the team
atmosphere. The play hard, smart and within the rules, have a few beers and go home. That is what this sport is all about at the adult level. There are a few players that go overboard and have lost sight of what adult recreational hockey is really supposed to be. Players need to understand that we are closely monitoring penalties and behaviors in an attempt make adult hockey fun and safe for player and officials.” With the start of the new season, let’s remember why we play. Respect the game, the competition and the officials. We can make it a better year for all involved. ■
Jacob Tate - Dallas Stars Selects McBey
Blake McIntyre (Alliance U16 AAA - Fry)
22 Keep your kids out of hot water – put them on ice!
Dustin Parman # 88 Bay Area Hounds – Houston, Texas.
Hunter Lane (DSEHC 00 - Hanas)
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Keep your kids out of hot water – put them on ice! 23