Hey folks, sorry about the tardiness. I am always looking for time to write and some days it just doesn't happen. There is so much hockey going on for me, it is coming from everywhere.
Playing again has been a blast, especially at a higher level. For me, practicing what you preach is easier when you can actually show guys on the ice. Last season as a coach it was tough and when I started playing I couldn't execute everything. But this season I feel fresh and with a little jump.
I find myself watching more hockey and actually wanting to see more games. I think as a coach you may suffer from a little overload sometimes. This year, I have really enjoyed coming to the rink and I have attended some informal skates with the guys from Yarmouth High School. I would like to get to more games in the area and try to help out with the youth hockey as well.
We had our traditional "Rookie Dinner" this week. If you don't know, this is when the rookies buy the rest of the team dinner. And, they dress up in a theme determined by the guys. 70's and 80's rock stars or wrestlers was the choice this year and the outfits were outrageous! It is far less humiliating than the rookie initiation I went through, but that story is better left untold...
As a player, many more opportunities have arisen, be it golf outings and softball games in the summer or promotions during the season. It has helped me network a little and created some new friendships. I feel connected to the community more than last year. Today I was up in Waterville helping the Pirates and Shipyard Brewery with a promotion. WTOS, the radio station was alongside airing a segment from there as well. It was fun to hang with Mr. Mike from the morming show. Having him there was actually a blessing because more people came up to talk about his show, and didn't even know who the Pirates were!
Have you been watching to see how Bergeron from the Bruins is making out since he suffered a tough hit a few weeks ago. I have always been critical of hits from behind, and I know all the arguments. I feel with the new rules, more spinning and turning in the tight areas will create more instances when players have their backs in front of a defender. When I started, you could wrap a player up. When this happened, quite frankly, it prevented most hits from behind. Brian Burke, the GM in Anaheim, has presented a scenario for the League to consider concerning this action. He wants the wrapping up of a player in the corners and along the boards when a defender is engaging a puckcarrier to be allowed. I agree with Burkie on this one. It makes it safer for both parties. My feeling has been if a player is venerable, don't hit him. As a defenseman, we get in those spots alot, and I want players to play with a little respect for players close to the boards. We can't wear stop signs on our backs like the youth players do. Get well soon, Patrice...
Sidney Crosby is REALLY for real. You have to be impressed everytime you watch him. Not just his scoring touch, but also his tenacity and power. He is a bonified star...
Starting next Friday, we start a 9 game in 14 day stretch. That will be a test for these ol' legs. Time to see if the cycling this summer has payed off. So far, it has been a plus.
A dream of mine was to play in Portland, but the prospects of that didn't appear possible. When I got the opportunity this summer, I had no idea it would be this much fun. How many people play out their childhood dream in their choice of city? Going on 41...
Finally, I have always wished, like every Dad who is an athlete, that my son or daughter would follow in my footsteps. Of course, if they didn't that wasn't important. In fact, my wife and I have never pushed our children into anything but have been supportive of any activity they have shown interest in. But, I must tell you when my 13 year old son told me he wanted to play on the Middle School hockey team, I almost cried right there. He has never played hockey and really has never skated much. I will be on the ice with him and his teammates, watching him through the eyes of an extremely proud father. I never expect him to be me, just to create his own memories and experiences. I think he is finally realizing that he is his own man, and that people don't care who his Dad is or what he does. It will be a thrill to see him suit up for the ice! Weino

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