Hello, everyone! It's Eric Weinrich, here, former player and newly appointed assistant coach of the Portland Pirates. I would like to take you through a season and let you experience and take part in the life of a coach, our players and some of how a family lives during a year, as well as some perspective from a former pro player who now sees life and sport through the eyes of a coach and my children. I can assure you the perceived similarities are not always as they seem. This will be my first season in 18 years that I won't be playing. But, it will be the first year since 1988 that I will be living full time in the state of Maine. It will also be the first time in my life that I get to watch my children get on the bus everyday of the week and have the opportunity to attend their activities. Who says retirement is all bad?

Although our weekend consisted of two short trips to Worcester and Manchester, both wins for all you Pirate fans, I am a bit wiped out. The rigors of coaching seem to take a toll on you in a different way than that of a player. As I sign off tonight, I look forward to sharing thoughts, stories and whatever else is going on with you. Hope you enjoy the ride...

E-mail this entry to a friend