Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Be the example, Do NOT let them see you're rattled


I recently attended the playoff game of one of my better students.


High level, Game 5 in a 7 game series, his team was up 3 -1 going in. He played very well, but had a little issue with rebound control that cost him 1 goal for sure.


The game was 2 - 2 heading into OT and his team should have won it several times in the 3rd, but a couple of bad bounces allowed the other team to stay in it. Just over a minute into his team makes a bad pass all the way down at the other teams blue line and they make a beautiful pass to spring a break away - deke to the backhand and a high shot beats our guy to the glove side.


Now you've all seen goalie lose games and sometimes they get upset and sometimes they show class and skate away. I personally love Tim Thomas' reaction to an OT loss, he sprints off the ice as fast as he can and he's 'outta there'.


Well, our boy didn't have a reaction I was proud of and the problem with a major reaction to a goal, especially in a series, is that it gives the other team confidence and lets them know that they CAN get to you.


Lets just say the 5 or 6 stick slams, the 4 or 5 spinning out of control fits of rage and the smashing of the glass were something the coach should have addressed (I have no idea if he did or not) and something that was embarrassing to watch.


Everyone in the building saw this reaction and if the other teams coach was on the ball (again, I don't know if he was or not) he saw this and made a point of telling his team "we can get to this guy, get him off his game".


'Jimmy' played well and had nothing to be ashamed of, he was beaten by a good shot on a broken play by his team, it happens! But his reaction was something I'd expect to see from a little kid, not a 15 year old very skilled goalie at an elite level.


The students at our schools and Training Centre get 3 seconds to be pissed off, that's it. I would be disappointed if a goalie weren't mad when he/she got scored on. And each of us reacts in a different way. As noted, I allow my guys 3 seconds, you can swear or bang a stick or hit your head, but only for 3 seconds. Then it is imperative that you regain focus and dignity. Even at the end of a game, its key not to let the other team see you 'explode'.


Coaches and parents need to make this a focal point for all players. Everyone should be able to win and lose with dignity and grace. No one wants to lose, but you can't let it get the better of you.


Game 6 went to the other team and our guy didn't play, series is now 3 - 3. One wonders if the momentum switch created by his reaction made a difference. Hopefully he'll get another shot in game 7 and I'll update this post at that time.
UPDATE: Our man got the start in game 7 (that was 5 out of the 7 games he played, losing only 1 in OT) and he put on a clinic, winning 3 to 1, despite being outshot. I was quite proud of the way he handled the lone goal against, no reaction! His team remained composed and didn't score until early in the 3rd period and after that he shut the door. CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE!

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