2003 Fusion Player Meeting

Introductions Who are you? What school do you go to? Who is your favorite NHL player? What do you like to do outside of hockey? What don’t you like? What do you want to improve on?

Expectations Team Expectations The coaches want you to have fun, to work hard and to become the best person and the best player possible. Playing games, of course, is almost always fun, but remember that practice – the preparation to win – sometimes is not fun. Observing the simple three-word slogan listed below and following each of its guidelines will have a direct impact on both individual and team success. POISE, PASSION, AND PRIDE

Poise Listen and learn in practice; react during games. Practice is the time to work on elements of your game that need improvement, as well as time to perfect the elements of your game that already are strong. This is the time to make mistakes, to learn what to do during each specific situation you might encounter during a game. If you attempt to play beyond your means and outside the team concept during games, then wins will be sparse. Coaches at all levels look for BOTH hockey sense and talent. Never retaliate. If you get hit with a cheap shot, suck it up, and then the team will take advantage on the power play. No trash talk allowed. You have nothing to say to the referees or the other team other than “good game.” If anyone tries to engage you in trash talk, skate away. We do our talking on the scoreboard. No one ever won a game by committing the most cheap shots or by using the wittiest dialogue. Winning the right way is more important and rewarding than simply winning.

Passion Play each shift as if it’s your last. Outworking the other team makes up for many shortcomings. Sometimes you can’t control the bounces of the puck or the calls the officials make, but you can always control the amount of effort you exert while playing. Max effort every time! Play under control. As John Wooden often said, “Never mistake activity for achievement.” In other words, skating around full of energy with no regard for your position on the ice or the particular system being used at that moment in the game results in chaos, and usually, goals against. Be ready at the drop of the puck. Different players need different amounts of time and use different methods to mentally and physically prepare for games. Respect each other’s process. Some players focus under pressure and some fold. BALANCING PASSION WITH POISE WILL DETERMINE WHICH TYPE OF PLAYER YOU BECOME.

Pride Have pride in your abilities and your effort each and every day. Show respect to your parents, team members, coaches and officials. Disrespect to any of these people will have repercussions. Pay attention to detail. Winning is a habit built by developing a successful daily routine in the classroom, and in the locker room, not just on the ice. Place the team above yourself. Playing your position and staying within the parameters of the systems we utilize will result in both you and the team achieving their respective goals. Support your teammates and encourage them. We all succeed or we all fail. UNTIL YOU ARE PERFECT, NEVER YELL AT A TEAMMATE WHO MAKES A MISTAKE. Leave the criticism to the coaches.

7 Great Hockey Skills Great players have great habits

1. Good Sticks (stick to the puck): All over the ice Passing lanes Strong on stick in battles Going to the net Defensive zone – lead with stick, flush, play up boards 1 st man on fore-check must make long pass difficult – Forwards 7 Great Hockey Habits

2. Body Position: Make them come through you to the net If the puck is in doubt, be on the defensive side Battle hard, stick on the ice, and keep position 7 Great Hockey Habits

3. Stop in front: Go to the net hard Stick on the ice – STRONG on stick Battle for loose puck Bury your chances Shots MUST hit the net Traffic in front of the net to screen goalie – Forwards Any shot is a good one 7 Great Hockey Habits

4. Feet Moving: All over ice Winger getting puck out – Forwards Quickness through neutral zone Go to the net and STOP if you want to score - Forwards On the back check Work their defense; take puck to the net every opportunity – Forwards All the way to the bench if changing – RAISE YOUR HAND 7 Great Hockey Habits

5. Support Teammates: Get available / open and want the puck Puck side support on all breakouts Defense support through middle – keeping gap tight PROTECT goalie; get between opponent & goalie - do nothing after the whistle 7 Great Hockey Habits

6. Discipline: On attack get it behind their D – Dump puck hard Shift length 45 seconds Don’t retaliate after the whistle OWN the bluelines – chip it out D zone – get it deep in theirs Be positive all the time Remain disciplined under ALL circumstances Back-check as hard as can Commitment to the team – do whatever it takes 7 Great Hockey Habits

7. Great Decisions: Supporting on breakouts Changes – hard and be aware Defensemen – when to jump and must get back RIGHT AWAY – job is ‘’D’’! CAREFUL when pinching Forwards – hard fore-checking - 2 men ON THE PUCK! 3rd man stays high (top of circles) Getting the puck to the net or deep React – trust your decision A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be. – Wayne Gretzky 7 Great Hockey Habits