tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46419966713790062162024-02-19T19:49:01.800-05:00The Hockey Edge NHLAn in depth examination of the biggest trends happening in the NHL and relating the mental and competitive lessons to you - the coach, player, or parent.Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-10553662975217577852013-05-22T15:07:00.002-04:002013-05-22T15:07:57.281-04:00Last Post on the Hockey Edge Blog<div>
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To readers of the Hockey Edge Blog...<br /></div>
This will be my last post on the Hockey Edge Blog. I appreciate you reading the posts and giving comments. I hope you found the posts to be informative and interesting.</div>
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I have decided to take a new path, I have left Michigan State University and I am closing my
consulting business. I have accepted the Mental Skills Specialist position
with the United States Tennis Association Player Development
department. I will spend almost all of my time consulting and working
with world-class tennis players and coaches. For this new position I
will move to Boca Raton, Florida to the USTA PD headquarters.<br />
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Due to the need to focus 100% on the needs of our American
coaches and tennis players from professional to junior I will no longer
be consulting with hockey nor writing about it in blogs and the
Hockey Edge newsletter. This obviously was a big decision, I am very passionate
about hockey and helping those in the game. While I will no longer be contributing my insights in the blog world you can trust that I will be following the game
closely, and always feel free to reach out for assistance or just to
say hi.<br />
<br />I wish you the best in your hockey endeavors, and in life. Keep supporting the great game of hockey by doing what you do!<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />LarryDoctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-35949572027477451572013-03-26T18:00:00.002-04:002013-03-26T18:00:29.212-04:00Minnesota Hockey: 4 Ways to Make Morning Practices EasierDo you have trouble getting your child awake and to hockey games on the weekend? Susan Caminiti, writing for Minnesota Hockey website, provides four ways to make it easier.<br />
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<a href="http://www.minnesotahockey.org/news_article/show/207060?referrer_id=80568-news" target="_blank">Minnesota Hockey: 4 Ways to Make Morning Practices Easier</a><br />
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In the article she quotes me several times from a different article. I think there are some very practical suggestions (and not just mine) that can help you. I know from being a parent of a four and five-year-old that getting them up for school is tough enough. You do not want to have struggles on the weekend, too.<br />
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In summary, you can make morning practices easier by: <strong> </strong><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<strong></strong><br />
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<li> Explain the ground rules from the start.</li>
<li>Don’t withhold information. </li>
<li>Help them see the big picture. </li>
<li>Keep communicating.</li>
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How can you require your child to go to practice when she doesn't want to?<br />
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Ultimately, remember that your child should enjoy the activity and forcing them to go every time really is a recipe for disaster. Your child will feel controlled (by you) and also feel a lack of ownership over their sport involvement. This creates a young athlete that plays for you instead of for the love of the game. Eventually, playing for you will turn in to a burden and she may resent you for it. And, she will probably leave sport when the opportunity presents its self because of a lack of intrinsic motivation.<br />
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Find a healthy balance here. Make your child live up to commitments and at the same time give him the option to do something else when the season is over. Never be afraid to give your son or daughter an "out" of playing sport. Otherwise, you will drive him away and hurt your relationship in the process. <br />
Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-45315619262909568742013-03-25T16:56:00.000-04:002013-03-25T16:56:33.924-04:00Hockey Edge Newsletter: Psychological Recovery from InjuryThis post comes from Dr. Dana Voelker sport psychology consultant and professor at Brockport State University. Dr. Voelker provides a great recap of her own injury experience and what both players and coaches can expect. <br />
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My Injury Experience<br /><br />I have always loved ice hockey and was fortunate enough to have played for the Penn State Lady Icers between 2003 and 2007. During all my years in competitive sport, I never sustained an injury that completely rocked my world. I had come out of years of lifting, running, mountain biking, skiing, competitive figure skating, and ice hockey without any major injuries – lucky me. Unfortunately, that came to an end a year following my last season at Penn State while instructing a college hockey class at Michigan State. What an unlikely scenario. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />What I remember is that I got hit hard from the right, stepped awkwardly to left, and somehow fell face forward. Quickly realizing that I had just been knocked down, I got up and limped to the boards with the aid of my student hockey players. Something wasn’t quite right, but like many current and former competitive athletes do, I began convincing myself that I was perfectly fine. “Just a sprain,” I said as I began moving my left knee to show the class that I was pain-free – not quite. Unable to hide my grimace, my co-instructor urged me to get it checked out. Still convinced that I just needed some ibuprofen, I remember thinking that all the appointments would be a complete waste of time. “Anterior Cruciate Ligament,” the doctor said, “But we should do an MRI to verify.” Amazingly, I didn’t believe her, but went through the motions of an MRI anyway. The following was suggested: Complete ACL tear, partial PCL tear, torn meniscus, partially torn quadricep, bone bruises, and fractures to the head of the femur. Great - just what I had hoped for.<br /><br />I finally came to grasp the severity of the injury and how my life would change during the recovery process at the meeting with the surgeon. He talked to me about surgical procedures, crutches, knee braces, and rehabilitation programs. What I really cared about at the time was how long until I could get back to sport and exercise participation. Statements like “6 to 9 month rehab” and “sometimes 3 years until the knee truly feels normal again” were pulsating in my brain. I thought I would never be the same and never get better. Let the catastrophizing begin. <br /><br />Now I was angry. If I had just gotten more sleep the night before and if only I was more alert or had my head on a swivel like I was supposed to, this would have never happened. I remained in a straight-leg brace for 5 weeks waiting for the swelling to subside, and my leg atrophied to mush. That was hard for an avid exerciser. Eventually, I learned to face the music and made a purposeful decision to accept what was done and focus my energy on the things I could control to recover and move forward. My fear of surgery transformed into an eagerness to embrace the challenge of what I knew would be a long journey.<br /><br />The post-surgery experience and rehabilitation process was nothing short of challenging. There were times when I handled pain well and other times I did not, times where I made progress quickly and other times slowly, times when I thought I would never reach pre-injury levels, and times when I thought I would come out stronger. The highs and lows really tested my patience, and I learned a lot about myself. For example, patience is indeed a virtue, I am mentally tougher than I thought I was, and I know it is ok to ask for help, among other lessons. <br /><br />In addition to my personal experience, my education and professional expertise has allowed me to understand the psychology of injury and help athletes to optimize their recovery through mental skills training. The remainder of this article offers a sample of recommendations for the recovering athlete and their coaches in coping with injury. These best practices are based on scientific research, personal experience, and what I have found to work well when working with athletes and coaches. <br /><br />Recommendations for Injured Athletes<br /><br />1. Understand that every athlete recovers differently<br />When I hit the 5 month mark and was still not cleared to begin running, I remember people being astounded at the long duration of my recovery. I often received unsolicited advice from unqualified friends and acquaintances about the activities I “should” be doing, and I felt terrible. Stay the course by remaining focused on your own recovery. Listen to your body and attend to the recommendations of the qualified professionals treating your injury. <br /><br />2. Gain acceptance and think optimistically<br />After acknowledging and reflecting on what has happened, move towards accepting that the injury occurred and make a deliberate choice to focus on what you can control. Shift your attention from what could have been to what you can do to make the most of your circumstances moving forward, even when the injury is potentially career-ending or life-changing. Meaningful cue phrases such as “Look at life through the windshield, not the rearview mirror” (Byrd Baggett) can be helpful in honing your attention on forward-focused efforts. <br /><br />Thinking optimistically can also go a long way in optimizing recovery. Decades of research suggests that self-deprecation and negative thought processes impair performance. When injury is seen as an impossible barrier, a useful way to facilitate positive thinking is to identify 8 to 10 ways your injury can also present opportunities. Although difficult, this exercise forces us to challenge our adverse thinking patterns. For example, my injury was an opportunity to accomplish the following:<br />* Practice, test, and develop my mental toughness.<br />* Increasingly focus on the mental aspects of sport and exercise participation. <br />* Rest and rebuild my body. <br />* Develop a greater appreciation for my body as well as sport and exercise participation.<br />* Learn about injury, recovery, and new forms of exercise. <br />* See another perspective of my sport (e.g., through a coaching and mentoring role).<br />* Share my experiences and help others struggling with similar adversities.<br />* Build my support network and develop stronger relationships. <br /><br />3. Monitor your progress<br />Gather information from the professionals treating your injury to help you set realistic goals for your recovery. On days when I was only focused on the outcome of my rehab (e.g., return to sport and exercise), I felt like I would never get there. This was especially true at the beginning of rehab when I could barely contract a muscle. To keep myself going, I kept a daily log to help me acknowledge and appreciate the progress I was making, even when that progress seemed so small. Remember that recovery is seldom a linear process and that you may experience setbacks or plateaus. This is all the more reason to document those challenges and how you moved forward to overcome them. <br /><br />4. Utilize social support<br />Initially, it was difficult for me to rely on others for support because I felt like a weakling whose independence had been stripped away. Still, I knew that social support was necessary. So I reframed my perspective - asking for help can been seen as a considerable strength during recovery because it means you are optimizing your resources to get better. Identify what type of social support you need at a given time (e.g., a listening ear, emotional support, information and practical suggestions) and seek out those resources. In addition to family and friends, it is often helpful to network with others who been through a similar experience. <br /><br />Recommendations for Coaches of Injured Athletes<br /><br />1. Provide support and maintain relationships<br />Injured athletes often feel isolated from their coaches and teammates and essentially forgotten. Help in optimizing recovery by maintaining contact with the injured athlete, demonstrating empathy and support, and including them in team practices, games, and other functions as much as possible. Give them active roles that they find meaningful to demonstrate their value both on and off the ice. For example, you might ask them to document their observations on specific plays or ask for their input during practice. Assisting the athlete in sharing their injury status and progress with teammates can be helpful in maintaining team rapport and keeping the lines of communication open. Finally, strike a balance between reinforcing the athlete’s progress while demonstrating patience and the value of a safe recovery. <br /><br />2. Understand individual differences<br />Athletes view injury in many different ways. For example, injury may be seen as complete devastation, an opportunity to show courage, an easy way out of the sport, a chance to escape tedious practices, or save face for poor performance. The type, intensity, and order of emotional responses to injury experienced also vary, such as frustration, disappointment, denial, relief, and acceptance. <br /><br />As a coach, it is imperative to recognize these individual differences and provide the appropriate support. For example, upon acknowledging my injury, I responded with emotional upheaval followed by an intense determination that actually led to over-adherence to rehab and risk for re-injury. If I had a coach at the time who reinforced that pain and injury are equated with weakness or who promised a starting position if I returned quickly would have likely done more harm than good. When it comes to optimizing recovery, understanding individual differences and an athlete’s perception of their injury, irrespective of severity, is what counts. <br /><br />3. Look for signs of poor adjustment <br />Many athletes tend to cope with injury well, but a significant subset express more serious cognitive and emotional disruption. Coaches should attend to signs that an athlete may be poorly adjusting to their injury, such as prolonged denial, anger, withdrawal from important others, excessive guilt, and depressed mood. When cause for concern, refer athletes to a qualified mental health professional, preferably one with a specialty in sport and exercise populations (e.g., clinical or counseling sport psychologist). <br /><br />4. Understand the importance of psychological recovery <br />Full recovery is often equated with medical clearance, while psychological recovery is largely ignored. Even when the physical injury is healed, psychological factors such as anxiety, fear of re-injury, and low confidence, may hinder an athlete’s ability to safely return to play. Discuss the athlete’s physical and psychological readiness with the professionals who treated the injury to develop realistic expectations for their return. Talk with the athlete to develop a safe plan for return in which all parties are comfortable. <br /><br />While psychological recovery from injury is dynamic and complex, the process can be optimized with these recommendations. Importantly, injury is a challenge that can also be seen as an opportunity. Even in writing this article, my own injury experiences are continuing to pay themselves back in the form of an opportunity to help others.<br /><br />
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About the Author<br />
<br />Dana K. Voelker, PhD, NCC, CC-AASP is an Assistant Professor at The College at Brockport, State University of New York where she teaches and conducts research on positive youth development through sport. She is a certified performance enhancement consultant for athletes and teams at the youth, high school, collegiate, and elite level out of DKV Performance Consulting in Western New York. Dana earned her bachelor’s in psychology with highest distinction from Penn State University as well as her master’s in counseling and doctorate in kinesiology from Michigan State University where she specialized in the psychosocial aspects of sport and physical activity. Dana has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2012 Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship, the 2011 Outstanding Doctoral Degree Student Award, and was a University Distinguished Fellow at MSU. As a former figure skater and captain of the Penn State women’s ice hockey club, she has also been recognized for her many athletic accomplishments. <br /><br />Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-74015598973944171292013-03-11T23:31:00.002-04:002013-03-11T23:31:53.992-04:00Avoid Outbursts to Save Your Pride - Something all Players Should Understand (Post 3 of 10)How many times have you seen it? A player loses the puck or his man. The other team scores and the player at fault skates towards the bench with his head down. He then in frustration slams his stick off the boards making a load, echoing noise that catches the attention of everyone in the rink.<br />
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What do you think people watching this player think? Sometimes they think that he needs to grow up or is a hot head. At the same time, those same people would probably say that the player cares greatly about the game, and that they will take that passion over the player that does not show his emotion.<br />
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I think we are duped sometimes by the reactions players have - specifically why they do them.<br />
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A stick slammed off the boards should not be necessarily equated with passion for the game. In my experience these behaviors are often ego saving moves.<br />
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3. Avoid negative outbursts to save your pride.<br />
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Hockey players don’t need to express negative emotion to show others that they care or are better than the performance. I see this situation a lot (and was a culprit at times, too). A good player goes out and has a tough game. Things are not going well. He is frustrated and believes that he should be outplaying his opponent. So, instead of finding a solution and recommitting to a better performance, the player focuses on his negative emotion to show everyone on the team and in the crowd that he is not on his game and how disappointed he is about it.<br />
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The player is trying to send the message that “I’m better than him, he is lucky.” Negative outbursts are a way to show that you are not happy with your performance, but also excuse your performance. I am not playing like normal; if I was I would be winning. It is a way of protecting your pride. And, it is also a giving in to the loss.<br />
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Negative outbursts, while they make you feel better momentarily, will not benefit you or your team. And, the reason the player is being emotional; to prove to everyone that he is better than his performance, only makes observers think the player is immature and selfish. Trust me; this is what coaches say all of the time about players that blow up on the bench.<br />
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If you are committing some of these negative outbursts think about how you play afterwards. Are you really playing better? And, think about your reputation. Do coaches look at you as a “hothead”, someone they cannot trust in a close game because they are afraid you will lose it and take a penalty? Focus on what your team needs - a good, hard working shift next time out. Not theatrics and drama.<br />
<br />Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-29831926944368533292013-03-08T09:29:00.000-05:002013-03-08T09:38:48.377-05:00More Meaningful Hockey Trophies for Kids by Brad Jubin of APIVEO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is tradition for hockey programs to give
participation trophies at the end of the season for, well, participating. Unfortunately, what does participating really mean? In this post
Brad Jubin, youth sport coach from Atlanta and co-founder of APIVEO, explains the
issues with mindlessly handing out trophies.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I would like to begin by saying that I am not in favor of “participation”
trophies for youth athletes. The reason is not that we are giving out trophies
to every player; instead, it’s the lack of creativity in what we call them and
the meaning behind them. After coaching dozens of youth teams, I know that an eight-
year-old player who came to practice, worked hard, played in the games and
cheered on his/her teammates is not excited to be recognized as a “participant.”
As parents and coaches, we have to be able to come up with something more
meaningful than “participant.” </div>
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<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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Kids love getting trophies and adults love handing them out.
Trophies are a good thing. However, there is something missing here: the sense of
accomplishment. Think back to the beginning of the season when the coach made
the statement: “it’s not all about winning and losing; it’s about having fun.”
I would like to take that a step further. While I agree it’s not all about
winning and losing, I also think it’s about a lot more than just having fun.
That’s why I set an achievable goal at the beginning of the season, continue to
emphasize it during the season and then reward it at the end of the season. The
goal I set for every team I coach is simple: Always Play 4 Each Other! I spend
the season teaching, coaching, reinforcing and modeling leadership through
service so that each player understands that they have a unique opportunity to
help our team. This idea is not a subtle concept; leadership through service is
an intentional effort and that is exactly the way I teach it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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When our season ends each player receives a trophy with the
inscription “Always Play 4 Each Other”. Each player is recognized for his/her
service and his/her leadership throughout the season. I make a big deal about
what great leaders they all are and how they can continue to lead through
service at home, in their school and their community. By using this approach we
are not only celebrating their developing leadership, but are inspiring them to
continue to be great leaders. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
never handed out a trophy that wasn’t earned and appreciated.</div>
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I suggest that parents and coaches decide at the beginning
of the season if they will hand out trophies rather than the last minute emails
at the end of the season. In this way team goals can be established, reinforced
and rewarded. These goals help ensure that it’s not “all about winning and
losing”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will never forget our baseball celebration a few years
ago. We had a BBQ along with our “Always Play 4 Each Other” trophy ceremony. The
kids and their parents had a great time, and there was a true feeling of
friendship and achievement. During the celebration one of our coaches looked at
me and said, “This is the happiest 2 and 12 team I’ve ever seen.” I smiled and said,
“Really, we were 2 and 12?”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Set a goal, make a plan, execute it and give the kids a
trophy that is meaningful!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Learn more about Brad Jubin and APIVEO's message of "Always Play 4 Each Other", and practical ways to inspire your athletes to lead at http://www.apiveo.com/ </div>
Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-80733490896540075142013-02-19T08:46:00.001-05:002013-03-08T09:30:32.999-05:00Jonathan Toews of the Blackhawks Talking About the Winning StreakThe Chicago Blackhawks are attempting to make history tonight as they take on the Vancouver Canucks at the United Center. They are attempting to draw even with Anaheim Ducks of 2006-07 for the best start in history - 16 games without a regulation loss.<br />
<br />
I have watched the Hawks a number of times and I am impressed with the confidence and dominance they exhibit. They are skating and showing great skill, and yet are winning the dirty battles on the boards and in front of the net. The Hawks will score beautiful tic-tac-toe goals and then also jam the front of the net and push the puck across the line.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Chicago has been winning in so many different ways. They win by having great starts and finishing off their opponent, hanging on to a lead, and by coming back from behind. The Hawks captain, Jonathan Toews, talked about why everything seems to be going their way:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A lot of people want to look at this streak
and think that we're just incredibly hot right now and that everything
is going our way, but really we're playing a simple game, we're playing
smart and we're getting good starts to games. ... Everyone is
contributing and when you have that lack of satisfaction and that hunger
every single night, it doesn't matter who you're playing. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
— Chicago captain Jonathan Toews after the Blackhawks' 3-2 win over the Kings on Sunday, nhl.com, February 18, 2013</blockquote>
The Hawks have great momentum that seems to be carrying over from game to game. They come out the gates fast and really push the other team on their heels. With all of this being written, I thought Anaheim played Chicago straight up last week, and Vancouver won their only match-up with the Hawks this season. So, while everything seems to breaking the Hawks way, which is not all luck but more based on the effort, confidence, and simplistic style of hockey they are playing, they will need to be ready for a Canucks team that would like to stop the streak.<br />
<br />
Starting out of the gates like Chicago does not equate to a Stanley Cup championship. The West is far too deep and competitive for the Hawks to think it will be an easy run based on the start of the season. Tough times are coming and the way the Hawks handle those tough times will tell us a lot about their chances in the playoffs. Nonetheless, if they continue to play the way Toews is talking about, simple, smart, prepared, with hunger, they just may lift Lord Stanley's Cup later this year.Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-36836322565476970302013-02-16T10:05:00.003-05:002013-02-16T10:13:52.187-05:00Skill of Letting Go of Guilt and Embarrassment - Something all Players Must Have (Post 2 of 10)Joel Ward of the Washington Capitals lived a hockey nightmare last May. With his team up in the third period of Game 5 versus the New York Rangers, Ward received a double minor for high sticking. Helplessly he watched the Rangers score with 6.6 seconds left in regulation to tie the game. To make matters far worse the Rangers carried the second power play opportunity in to overtime and won the game on a power play goal. Needless to say, Ward was very upset after the game.<br />
<br />
Nicholas Cotsonika of Yahoo! sports wrote about Ward's feelings of letting his team down after the game:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Three times, he said he let down his teammates. Three times, he said
there was nothing he could do as he sat in the penalty box. Three times,
he said he had been hoping for a chance to redeem himself. He called it
"a little mentally disturbing." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
He could have just called it "hockey." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"It's a game of inches," Ward said. "It happens pretty quick. We were a
few seconds from winning, and it turned into overtime into a loss, just
like that." (<a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nhl--joel-ward-s-late-penalty-gives-rangers-the-chance-they-need-in-game-5-ot-win-over-capitals.html;_ylt=ApF5J_CUDlzM8qtf6gOUGuk5nYcB" target="_blank">Ward's late penalties give chance to Rangers, yahoosports.com</a>)</blockquote>
How disappointing would that be for any hockey player, let alone an NHL player? Ward was feeling guilty and probably a little embarrassed about his penalties and how it changed the outcome of the game. <br />
However, there is no benefit for Ward, or any player for that matter, to dwell on these feelings of guilt and embarrassment. Other than using them to fuel your commitment to preparing for the next game, dwelling on these feelings can become a distraction, lower your energy and confidence.<br />
<br />
2. Avoid dwelling on guilt and embarrassment.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Many times players make a big mistake, even a small one, and feel they have to beat themselves up. They feel the need dwell on how bad they feel and how they let the team down. Thinking such as "I let in a soft goal so I must be a horrible goaltender" can take up too much brain space and cause the player to begin doubting. This kind of permanent thinking lowers confidence and affects future performances - in a bad way.<br />
<br />
<br />
Why do we beat ourselves; hurt our own confidence? Society trains us to think in this way; you make a mistake and you should feel guilty and embarrassed for some time. Society tells you to take your medicine and be quiet. Go hide somewhere because you screwed up. Go cower in the corner, you let your team down. This is exactly the opposite of what we should be teaching hockey players!<br />
<br />
Feeling down, beating ourselves up, and trying to do too much are not good responses. My response to your guilt and embarrassment after tough games and mistakes - I am giving you the right to not focus on your feelings of guilt or embarrassment. You do not need to dwell on the mistake and how it feels because you feel obligated to do so. Everyone makes mistakes. I promise you that coaches and teammates would rather have a player that bounces back quickly and plays fast, physical, confident hockey than one that sulks when things are not going well. Get over the habit of feeling the obligation to feel bad. Hockey is full of mistakes. Move on!<br />
<br />
It seems like Cotsonika was trying to do this for Ward in his Yahoo post. In an effort to remind readers that Ward was a primary reason why the Caps were even in the second round, Cotsonika wrote:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Remember why the Capitals are in the second round in the first place.
They upset the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins by winning
the tightest series in NHL history – the first in which all seven games
were decided by one goal – and they won it in overtime of Game 7. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
On a goal by Joel Ward. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
That night in TD Garden, the puck bounced Ward's way. He backhanded a rebound into the net. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Remember why the Capitals had a 2-1 lead to blow Monday night. The
Rangers' Mike Rupp went off for hooking early in the third period,
because he had no other option to prevent a scoring chance. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
On a rush by Joel Ward.
</blockquote>
When you mistakes as a player you need to do the same thing as Cotsonika is doing. Recognize what you have done well. Remember a mistake or bad shift, period, game is only one instance. It is not going to define your hockey career, unless you let it. And, focus on solutions instead of feeling down because of guilt and embarrassment. Bounce back strong and your coaches and teammates will admire your resiliency. More importantly, you will have exhibited to yourself how you can come back and play great hockey immediately after a mistake or bad shift!Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-22453228621265215622013-02-07T17:34:00.002-05:002013-03-11T23:33:21.505-04:00A Mental Game Plan - Something all Players Must Have (Post 1 of 10)<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Nothing like a good plan in a bad situation.</blockquote>
<br />
This sentiment about having a plan comes from the character Sam Axe from the show Burn Notice. It is a popular show on USA Network that details the life of a burned spy. In every episode the burned spy, Micheal Weston, has to come up with an elaborate plan to either to bring down the bad guys or save himself, his friends, or someone in need of protection. At the show's core is the idea that a spy has to plan and be prepared for difficult situations to execute under pressure.<br />
<br />
Like Weston and Axe, you too need a good plan to succeed in pressure hockey games. And, because pressure hockey games are as much mental as they are physical, players need to develop a mental game plan that will allow them to be confident, focused within their role.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
So, the first thing that every hockey player must know (out of the 10 I will post in the next 5 weeks) is to have a mental game plan.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Have a Mental Game Plan</b><br />
<br />
According to former world heavyweight champion boxer Mike Tyson everyone has a game plan until they get punched in the mouth. This is true for some hockey players, but surprisingly some players have no mental game plans for how they are going to handle tough situations.<br />
<br />
To become an elite hockey player you must know what triggers poor performances, a lack of confidence, and negative responses from you. Is it chippy, dirty play and you lose your focus? The “after the whistle” smack talk and chippy play used to get Vancouver Canucks center Ryan Kesler off of his game. Once he learned how to stay focused he has turned in to a force.<br />
<br />
So, you need to know yourself. What gets you off your game? Not scoring a goal for 5 games or a defensive mistake? Coach yelling at you? Know yourself and how you react to these situations. Then, plan a positive response.<br />
<br />
Below list your most likely response to these common negative triggers:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Coach yells at your in front of the team<br />
You are sat a shift<br />
You have a bad 1st shift<br />
You have not scored a goal in five games<br />
You make a big mistake that leads to a goal<br />
You are losing early in the game by 2 goals<br />
You are losing late in the game<br />
You get a bad call<br />
You have an unlucky bounce that costs you a goal </blockquote>
Now read what you wrote. Which situations do you handle well and not so well? What are you doing well in the situations where you do respond in a positive way?<br />
<br />
Most importantly, what could you do to respond even better in situations where you struggle?<br />
<br />
Players respond differently to these situations, but a couple things are clear. First, you do not totally control whether or not these things happen. Second, what you control is how you respond to them. Third, how you respond can make the difference a good and bad game, and winning and losing.<br />
<br />
To respond positive in these bad situations be like Sam Axe - have a good plan. In hockey, a good plan should consist of avoiding bad immediate responses like slamming your stick - respond (positive or neutral). The plan should also involve you taking deep breaths to calm yourself down and regain your composure (deep breaths). And, finally, your plan should include knowing what to refocus your mind on like the game plan, performance cues, or even just positive things like "you can do this".<br />
<br />
I call this routine the 3 R's:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Respond<br />
Relax<br />
Refocus</blockquote>
Example 3 R's Routine for the Negative Trigger of Bad Calls<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Respond Neutral (turn away from official with mouth closed)<br />
Relax (take some deep, slow breaths to clear your head of the trigger, think let it go)<br />
Refocus (focus on performance cues of move your feet and get the puck to the net)</blockquote>
Developing and then practicing a 3 R’s routine to respond positive, to relax, and refocus on your game is critical to performing well when things are going bad. A plan is the best thing in a bad situation.Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-17281529401167604602013-02-03T12:30:00.002-05:002013-02-03T12:30:26.932-05:0010 Mental Toughness Strategies Every Hockey Player Should Know<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Want to develop your hockey mental toughness? Then you are ready to take your game to the next level. </div>
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While many players think mental toughness is something you are born with; this is not completely true. Yes, some players are more mentally tough just by their nature, but most develop their toughness over seasons of hockey. Mental toughness can be developed through your experiences. Furthermore, it can be learned by systematically training your mind to handle the pressures of hockey. </div>
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What you need to know is that mental toughness is not a cure-all and is something you work on all the time. You do not master mental toughness and then never have to use mental skills again. Like communication, mental toughness is something to be mastered and continually worked on. </div>
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As I work with elite hockey players I am realizing
that there are 10 keys every hockey player needs to know related to the mental
game of hockey that are not talked about enough or at all. These skills or strategies you should use the rest of your hockey career.</div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Have a mental game plan</li>
<li>Avoid dwelling on guilt and embarrassment</li>
<li>Avoid negative outbursts just to save your pride</li>
<li>Venting is important, but do it in a positive way</li>
<li>You are not perfect; it’s about the bounce back</li>
<li>Before big games break a good sweat in warm ups</li>
<li>Set process goals for games</li>
<li>Train to play your game under pressure</li>
<li>Recovering your energy is as important as training the body</li>
<li>Develop mental weapons</li>
</ol>
Over the next five weeks I will post each one of these skills and provide details on how to develop it. Come back to the hockey edge blog to read some of the most important mental toughness strategies you will ever learn, and probably will not learn just by experience.<br />
Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-1064979691962056922013-01-19T14:04:00.001-05:002013-01-19T14:04:22.955-05:00How will a Lockout-Shortened Season Affect the NHL?Here we are, January 19, 2013. We find ourselves, finally, at the start of the 2012-2013 NHL season. Beyond the excitement of finally seeing the best in the world in action, questions abound.<br />
<br />
What should expect from a lockout shortened season? The NHL season, which can be normally viewed as a 82-game marathon followed by 2 months of grueling playoff hockey, is now a 48-game sprint to the finish. How will this change the quality of the game we see on the ice, as well as the fortunes of the teams and its players?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>First and foremost, I believe you will see more intense hockey throughout the season. Players will be focused knowing that every point counts. For instance, in a full schedule last year the point difference between the #1 seed and #9 seed in the East was only 20 points and in the West 21 points.<br />
<br />
As of January 28, 2012 the difference between the #1 seed and #9 seed was 13 points in the East and 11 points in the West. A little over half of the schedule was played at that point last season. So, expect a very close difference between the top seed and #9 seed that will be just out of the playoffs. A difference of 11 points is 5 wins and an overtime loss. That is not much.<br />
<br />
Teams will have to avoid long losing streaks. Otherwise, it could be the end of their season because teams will be bunched together. Gaining ground at the end of the season could be extremely difficult. Teams that make the playoffs will avoid extended losing streaks, put together winning streaks, and be consistent throughout.<br />
<br />
Check out this article on <a href="http://hockeymentaledge.blogspot.com/2013/01/hockey-edge-newsletter-december-2012.html#more" target="_blank">How the Kings Regained Momentum</a> after their first two game losing streak in the 2012 Playoffs<br />
<br />
If I know this then for sure the NHL coaches and players know it. Therefore, we should expect high intensity, focused play throughout the season. However, I am not so sure with a week of training camp teams will be in physical condition to play this intense brand of hockey. So, unfortunately I think we could see injuries become a big part of team's fortunes, more than usual. Add to this the stress players will be under to perform when their minds and bodies might not be at mid-season form and this will increase the likelihood of injury.<br />
<br />
While I have concerns about injuries, I also think the quality of play will be hit and miss early on in the season. These teams have not been together for much time. Chemistry will most likely be lacking. Special teams performances could suffer early in the season due to the lack of chemistry. And, I think play may be sloppy because the players will be pumped up to start the season and get off to a good start without much time to prepare. Too much energy is not always a good thing, especially when you have not had the time to clean up the issues in your team play.<br />
<br />
So, expect sloppy, but high energy play for maybe two weeks. Then, I think it will be on. I am excited to see just how intense these division and conference games will be; there will be no inter-conference play for an overtime loss. Teams will not want to give their rivals any points. Every point will be precious.<br />
<br />
Needless to say it is going to be extremely difficult to extend any kind of point advantage in the standings and a buffer from being out of the playoffs. This should create an amazing run through April that fans are going to enjoy. Every team, more than usual at the start of a new season, will feel like they have a chance to make the playoffs. <br /><br />
So, it will not be surprising that some perennial playoff teams will be on the outside looking in when the playoffs begin. Other teams that missed last year will get in. Now, this is the case every year, but I would expect it to be more of a roll of the dice in a 48-game season. With some teams making major changes in the off season like the Carolina Hurricanes and the Minnesota Wild, and others ready to emerge like the Edmonton Oilers, your guess is as good as mine as to the teams that will make the playoffs.<br />
<br />
As NHL teams embark on a lockout-shortened season hope and optimism are plentiful. Get on a good streak to start the season and you might just get in the playoffs. As every season, however, the consistent teams will be there at the end. Ultimately, it is best to keep a game-to-game focus, and evaluate performance on 5 or 10-game blocks. I think this goes for the pros and for the fans. Otherwise, this crazy, emotional rollercoaster of a season will drive us all nuts.<br />
<br />
<br />Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-87419307720949644102013-01-17T14:55:00.001-05:002013-01-17T14:55:33.589-05:00Hockey Edge Newsletter December 2012: How the Kings Regained Momentum Just in Time to Win the Stanley CupThe 2012 Stanley Cup Finals looked like a rout. The Los Angeles Kings were dispatching easily of another opponent; this time it was the New Jersey Devils in the way of the Kings' destiny with the Cup. After taking a 3-0 series lead and then losing two potential
clinching games, it was "sweaty palm time" for the Kings. Momentum was flowing against them and the Devils seemed to grow more and more confident.<br />
<br />
Coming home for Game 6 after being up 3 games to 0 had to have the Kings feeling the heat. Certainly they did not want to have it come down to a Game 7 in New Jersey. So, Game 6 at home was a must-win to avoid a huge collapse. <br />
<br />
In Game 6 at Staples
Center the Kings finished ferociously just when the sixth-seeded Devils appeared to have a chance for
one of the biggest comebacks in finals history. How were the Kings able to change the course of the Finals?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
One penalty abruptly changed the tone of the series. Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter
and Trevor Lewis scored during a five-minute power play in the first period
after Steve Bernier was ejected for boarding Rob Scuderi, leaving the
veteran defenseman in a pool of blood. Goaltender Jonathan Quick took it from there,
finishing a star-making two months by allowing only one goal in a 6-1 cup-clincher.<br />
<br />
Captain Dustin Brown talked about how the Kings handled losing momentum and two straight games to the Devils. <br />
<br />
"You never know. You get to the dance, you never know what's going to
happen," Brown said. "We calmed down after losing two. It was the first
time we had done that all playoffs, and we finally got off to a good
start."<br />
<br />
This mindset is crucial in the process of the Kings bouncing back and winning the Cup at home. According to their captain, the Kings did not focus on the potential of giving up a three-game lead and the Cup and instead relaxed and just played hockey. Relaxing when you feel you are losing grip on something you owned is not easy. The Kings had this series wrapped up and allowed it to become tight. <br />
<br />
<br />
Martin Brodeur stopped 19 shots for the Eastern Conference champion
Devils, just the third team to force a Game 6 in the finals after
falling into an 0-3 hole. Rookie Adam Henrique ended Quick's shutout bid
late in the second period after the Kings had built a 4-0 lead, but
Lewis and Matt Greene added late goals for the Kings.<br />
<br />
"We never lost our confidence," Quick said. "We had to take it on the
chin to keep moving, losing two, and we looked at it as, 'Hey, we still
have to win one game to win a championship. And we have two chances.'
Finally, we were able to do it at home."<br />
<br />
Quick's quote is a clear example of a player finding the positive in what could be considering a difficult situation. I love the idea of focusing on having two chances to win the Cup. If given that situation at the beginning of the year you know the Kings would have jumped at it and viewed it as a great situation. Funny how the course of a series changes the outlook of a situation. <br />
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Read more: <a href="http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/jun/11/bc-hkn--stanley-cup-1st-ld-writethru485-urgent-6/#ixzz2AJYkGmfO" style="color: #003399;">http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/jun/11/bc-hkn--stanley-cup-1st-ld-writethru485-urgent-6/#ixzz2AJYkGmfO</a>
<br />
- vcstar.com<br />
<br />
What is the message for developing hockey players? Find the positive in any situation. It will allow you to relax and play your game. If you are losing stay committed by reminding yourself and your teammates that there is time left in the game or talk about getting pucks on the net and then anything can happen.<br />
<br />
Finally, how can you regain momentum when you have lost it? In the King's case they were helped by a major penalty and scoring an early barrage of goals. There is nothing better to help steal the momentum. However, you cannot count on your opponent helping you out with a timely penalty. Instead, you have to create your good fortune. And, it starts with the fundamentals. Play simple, fast, physical hockey. Move the puck and your feet to create flow in the game and scoring chances. Win the board battles and spend most of your shift in your opponent's zone. Begin to dominant puck possession. By doing these things a hockey team can steal momentum. Oh, and it does not hurt to score a goal...</div>
Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-50914558552081719242012-12-12T08:23:00.000-05:002012-12-12T08:23:53.498-05:00The Effect of the Lockout on Player CareersThe NHL Lockout has gobbled up all games up to December 30 and time is running out on having a season. What effect might this have on the careers of players? Check out my thoughts on the unintended side effect of the lockout at Get Real Hockey.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.getrealhockey.com/2012/12/11/the-unintended-effect-of-the-nhl-lockout-on-player-careers/#more-4007" target="_blank">Get Real Hockey - Unintended Effect of the Lockout on Player Careers</a>Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-58956251264028267592012-12-03T14:51:00.001-05:002012-12-03T14:54:40.426-05:00Dr. Larry on ESPN Outside the Lines<a data-mce-href="http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/index" href="http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/index" title="Dr. Lauer discusses youth football boutnies on ESPN's Outside the Lines">Dr. Lauer discusses youth football bounties on ESPN Outside the Lines </a><br />
<br />
My part is not included in the link, however...<br />
<br />
The show re-airs Friday, December 7 at 3 pm eastern on ESPN.<br />
<br />
The podcast is also available on itunes search Outside the Lines<br />
<br />
Go to <a href="http://larry-lauer.com/">larry-lauer.com</a> for my thoughts on the show Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-43426528094551985642012-11-26T16:00:00.002-05:002012-11-26T16:00:32.255-05:00Answering the Question How Do I Become a More Consistent Hockey PlayerI have the fortune of working with some of the best players in the world. And, while they have the best skill sets, speed, power, you name it they all wrestle with a question that will determine the fate of their hockey careers. How to become a consistent hockey player at an elite level.<br />
<br />
I am asked this question often by players and coaches. I think they sometimes assume either I have a trick to make it happen or the answer is so difficult that it is unrealistic for a player to carry out. The answer is, however, somewhat simple but requires much discipline. Brett Henning writing for the Avalanche Cares web site breaks it down rather simply: You, the player, chooses whether to be average or great in the way you prepare for and think about each game.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.coloradoavalanchecares.com/columns/coaching/playing-consistent-hockey/" target="_blank">Playing Consistent Hockey comes down to a Greatness Approach by Brett Henning</a><br />
<br />
I agree with Henning that your approach, mindset, preparation plan for each game are the keys to consistency. You need to consistently make the commitment to be your best. Messier's approach was to play each game like it was his last. Bringing that kind of intensity is good for many hockey players, however, the mindset does not work for all players.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Ultimately, if you want to be consistent you have to take personal pride in your performance as well as feel compelled to support your team (or flip it, not let them down). You must understand yourself, your goals, why you want to be an excellent hockey player, and what personally can get in the way of you being committed to excellence.<br />
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Through self-awareness you make the choice to pursue greatness. Then, you plan to avoid and overcome the distractions that sidetrack the most well intentioned hockey players. Therefore, each player will have his own approach to keeping himself motivated to bring his "A" game everyday. The real trick is in determining what preparation routine, what mindset consistently brings out the best in you.<br />
<br />
One of the biggest distractions we all face - the trick of time. I have time to get better, to make the team, to win this game, to be ready to play. Time has a funny way of disappearing without us taking advantage of the time to pursue greatness. It is human nature to lose sight of the goal, to become bored, to lose focus. Players with a greatness approach waste less time than their teammates and opponents. And, they take more advantage of their time by making each repetition in the weight room, each sprint in off-ice, and each drill during practice count.<br />
<br />
The true secret to consistency - constantly encouraging yourself to be your best.Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-11081692957292330072012-10-16T14:15:00.002-04:002012-10-16T14:15:50.601-04:00How to Think About Poor Games as a Goaltender; Lessons from BrodeurIf you are a goaltender you are going to suffer from poor games now and then. Face it, the position of goaltender is tough. Everybody knows when you make a mistake, the puck ends up in the back of the net. So, any goaltender recognizes that the key to success is not being perfect, but instead being able to bounce back from poor games.<br />
<br />
The way we think about our losses is important to either bouncing back and playing well or beginning to lose confidence and potentially spiral in to a slump. You want your thoughts to be flexible, focused on what you control, positive and productive.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Martin Brodeur of New Jersey was pulled from Game 3 in last season's first round of the playoffs against the Florida Panthers. There were questions, at least in the media, as to whether he would start Game 4. Brodeur not only started Game 4 he shut out the Panthers. Read carefully Brodeur's quotes about bouncing back from the poor performance in the Fire & Ice blog.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/brodeur_never_doubted_hed_get_game_4_start_dineen_wont_reveal_if_clemmensen_will_start/" target="_blank">Fire & Ice blog from April 18, 2012 Brodeur never doubted he'd get Game 4 start...</a><br />
<br />
Brodeur was able to keep the loss in perspective and spin his thinking so he did not get down on himself. For instance, instead of thinking "I am getting old, have I lost it" Brodeur said in the media that, “For me, I know what I can do and what I can bring and I’ll try my
hardest all the time. I’ve played a long time in this league not to have
doubts in my mind when I’m coming down to the end here.”<br />
<br />
Brodeur's thoughts about playing Game 4 are flexible in that he understands that he can bounce back and that he has not lost his skills. He does not feel sorry for himself and he does not make permanent claims about how poorly he is playing. Too often I hear goalies say "I have no confidence" or "I don't have it". Marty trusts himself and knows that he will play well in the next game.<br />
<br />
Marty's thoughts are also very positive and productive because he is reminding himself of his accomplishments and that he can do it again. It is this self-reassurance that stops the dwelling and allows the goaltender to focus on the next game.<br />
<br />
Finally, Brodeur was very clear about focusing on what he controls - trying his hardest all the time. He was accepting of his poor game and took strides to make sure he was ready to play Game 4. Instead of wallowing in self-doubt Brodeur trusted himself and prepared to play the next game. Brodeur's thinking is adaptive and is one of many reasons he will be in the Hall-of-Fame. <br />
<br />
The take home message here is to pay attention to how you think about your poor games. If you are dwelling on how bad you feel, played, or the fact you let your team down you are not being resilient. Bouncing back starts with changing your thoughts. You control the way you think and how you respond to the bouncing puck. You don't control the bouncing puck.<br />
<br />
<br />Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-3167413101942626872012-10-12T07:40:00.000-04:002012-10-12T07:42:50.265-04:00Are hockey parents worse today?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">(first posted on the <a href="http://www.nwcaonline.com/NWCAWebSite/Blog.aspx" target="_blank">NWCA Youth Sport blog</a>) </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Sport
parents are getting as much press as professional athletes these days.
And, it is not in a positive way. "Bench the parents" (1) and "Are
Parents Ruining Youth Sports" (2) reflect the mood towards sport parents
in the US. Parents are often seen as crazy and the root of all issues
in youth sport.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Coaches want more resources on working effectively with parents? <a href="http://hockeymentaledge.blogspot.com/p/resources.html" target="_blank">Link to my webinar on the Resources page. </a></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">The
"crazy sport parent" has become modern lingo for parents that are
overinvolved, controlling, too demanding, and outright just annoying and
dangerous. I talk with sport parents frequently in my work as a sport
psychology consultant. It is funny to me when a parent is about to try
and convince me of their decisions about their child's sport and he or
she prefaces it with "I am not one of those crazy parents." There is
great concern about the actions of parents on our fields and courts.
But, are parents really that much worse today?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">
</span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Following
media reports would probably lead you to believe that parents are more
of a problem in today's world. In reality we do not know if parents are
more violent, meddling in the coaches business more often, or more
controlling of their children's sport experiences. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">While many believe that parent violence at sporting events is on the rise, we do not have the evidence to verify it. </span>One
of the issues relates to defining parental behavior and how we track
trends in society. In fact, just following media reports can be
misleading. Many media reports focus on parental violence but actually
are misleading and are about booing or poor sportsmanship (3).
Furthermore, with increased media exposure, focus on "shock news", and
the explosion of social media the amount of news that is available to us
is exponentially greater than has been in the course of history. So, it
may be that many of these crazy parent behaviors happened in the past,
we just did not hear about them. Finally, you must take in to account
that high school and club sports have never had so much media exposure
as they do today.<br />
<br />
My gut tells me that bad parent
behavior could be on the rise. Coaches, officials, and administrators
will almost 100% agree. However, what is most important is how we work
with parents. The mistake many coaches, for example, make is to treat
the parents as the enemy, or at the least a distraction. Do not assume
all parents are bad or that they should act perfectly. Instead,
recognize these human beings who are invested in the success of their
child. With direction many times they can provide a great deal of
support to make a coach's season so much easier. Make them a part of the
team, not the enemy.<br />
<br />
Myth: Crazy sport parents, and just bad behaviors, are on the rise.<br />
<br />
Fact:
The craziness in parents could be on the rise, but we don't know. What
is more important is to educate parents about the role in sport.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(1) Bissinger, B. (2008). Bench the parents. New York Times,
Retrieved on September 13, 2012 from
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/opinion/23bissinger.html?pagewanted=all</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">http://ayso1c.org/are-parents-ruining-youth-sports/</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"><div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">(2) Mason, J. (2012). Are parents ruining youth sports. Retrieved September 13, 2012 from </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">(3) Heinzmann, G. S. Parental Violence in Youth Sports: Facts, Myths, and Videotape</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Retrieved
September 20, 2012 from
http://youthsports.rutgers.edu/resources/general-interest/parental-violence-in-youth-sports-facts-myths-and-videotape
</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">NWCA Youth Sport Blog</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Grappling with the
Toughest Youth Sport Issues</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Because Youth Sport Athletes Deserve Quality Coaching and Positive
Parenting</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Larry Lauer, Ph D</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Director of Coaching
Education and Development</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Institute for the
Study of Youth Sports</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Michigan State
University</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="mailto:lauerl@msu.edu">lauerl@msu.edu</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.youthsports.msu.edu/">www.youthsports.msu.edu</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.larry-lauer.com/">www.larry-lauer.com</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
</span></span></span>Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-29348204811716283932012-08-21T09:35:00.004-04:002012-08-21T09:35:57.981-04:00Even the Cup Finalist Kings and Devils Experience NervesDo you get nervous before an important game? Worry not, you are not alone. The NHL's best feel nerves, too. Rewind back to the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals. Los Angeles won in overtime 2-1 over New Jersey, but both teams felt they played far less than their best game on the brightest stage. After Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals the Devils and Kings cited nerves as a reason for the sluggish start and poor decision making .<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Devils pointed to poor execution, careless play with the puck and
Game 1 jitters. President and GM Lou Lamoriello spoke to the team after
the Eastern Conference final about the distractions of the Cup.<br />
The team still felt nerves, however.<br />
"The
reality is, you know, until the puck drops and the games start, this is
a different situation you're dealing with," said DeBoer. "You have to
handle it the best you can."<br />
While acknowledging hindsight is
20-20, the Devils coach said there wasn't anything he would have done
differently in the leadup to the game.<br />
Kings coach <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8451801">Darryl Sutter</a> said a lot of his players said they felt sluggish Wednesday.<br />
"I thought we had some nervous players," he said. (<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=633366" target="_blank">from NHL.com)</a><a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=9911" target="_blank"></a></blockquote>
More on a nervous Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=9911" target="_blank">Devils show some nerves in Game 1 NHL.com</a></blockquote>
So, the best in the game, playing the best hockey of their lives felt nerves that caused them to be sluggish and make mistakes. When you get nervous you are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with it.<br />
<br />
To experience stress and anxiety often called nerves is not unusual. In fact, if you look at it in the right way it can help your mindset going in to a big game. It is all about how you interpret the physical and psychological symptoms of your body preparing for an important game. Sweating, butterflies, heart pumping, accelerated breathing, mind racing are all things that are attributable to stress. But, a little stress is not a bad thing. It helps us prepare to play our best. Martin Brodeur, who has often been considered one of the most mentally tough goaltenders in league history, describes thinking beneath his cool demeanor under pressure:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
<div class="O">
<div style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1; mso-line-spacing: "100 -32 0"; mso-margin-left-alt: 230; mso-text-indent-alt: 69;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; font-size: 156%;"><span style="color: #2da2bf; font-family: "Wingdings 3"; font-size: 68%; left: -2.71%; mso-color-index: 4; mso-special-format: bullet; position: absolute; top: .43em;">}</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">“I love it! I like the fact that whether there is going to be ten shots or forty shots, I’m going to make a difference. Just one of those shots could mean a win or a loss for us, and that for me is a great pressure, knowing that I can make an impact at any moment of the game.”<i> (Rush, </i><i>May 2001)</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="O">
<div style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1; mso-line-spacing: "100 -32 0"; mso-margin-left-alt: 230; mso-text-indent-alt: 69;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils, when asked about the pressure of being a goaltender</span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
The message then is to interpret, or view, your stress as a normal part of the process of preparing for a game. Most players will tell you once you start the game the nerves go away, especially after the first shift when you take or give a hit.<br />
<br />
In the end it is normal to experience nerves before games. If you did not experience nerves then you might question whether you are ready to play. The key is to not allow butterflies in your stomach to create doubt. Like Brodeur interpret the pressure in a way that helps you feel confident and ready. <br />
<br />Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-44807430757226656272012-07-27T13:57:00.001-04:002012-12-12T08:27:51.082-05:00A Player's Perspective on the NHL Labor Contract NegotiationsWe hear many different views on the potential for a lockout next season. I found one NHL player's anonymous blog and his perspective on the contract negotiations quite interesting. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/player-really-stake-nhlpa-collective-bargaining-nhl-141923225--nhl.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">The Player/Puckdaddy blog</a><br />
<br />
The easiest complaint for hockey fans is that professional athletes are pampered, entitled, spoiled and overpaid. This is an often-used and tired complaint. If you were in the top 1% of all the professionals in your field and you were paid accordingly you would take it. The market determines what players are paid. If fans stop buying tickets and merchandise then the market would shift downward eventually.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, to assume that players do not work hard enough for the money they make is inaccurate. Sure, some guys take the money and slide through, but the players I know or have seen working out are giving an honest effort. In an 82-game schedule there will be nights when teams do not have jump or intensity. Do you go to the office with the same intensity and "jump" every day? Yes, they are professionals and they are paid handsomely but they are also human, just like you.<br />
<br />
With the specter of another NHL lockout looming please try to argue something other than the players are overpaid. For the risks they take with their health, the travel and training schedule they go through, and the level of expectations that are placed upon them by the public I would expect to be paid very well.Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-57028019789270809312012-07-03T17:41:00.000-04:002012-12-12T08:28:19.570-05:00When TV Analysis Affects Contract Talks: Semin a "Coach-Killer"?Is Alex Semin a coach-killer? Pierre McGuire says he is and said it on TSN's Free Agent Frenzy telecast on July 1.<br />
<br />
Watch it here thanks to <a href="http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/is_semin_a_coach_killer/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">Kukla's Korner</a><br />
<br />
Semin's agent, Mark Gandler, was not happy because he feels it will effect his client's talks with potential teams. I can see Gandler's frustration, McGuire's comments could cost him and his client money. But, that is if you think that general managers listen to these telecasts and use the information discussed on them as data in making their decisions. That could be a stretch. I would imagine general managers interested in Semin have already done their own research talking to whomever they can. They likely have formed their own opinions.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
This situation brings up an interesting question in general. How much influence do the comments of television analysts have on decisions made in the game? We will never get a real answer to this question as NHL front office staff would not reveal it if they did use analysts' opinions in making decisions. A guy like Pierre McGuire knows everyone in the NHL and is a former coach. It is conceivable that decision makers listen to him and his opinion is valued, at least off-the-air. Then again maybe they see this as on-air antics made to entertain the masses and ignore what he has to say.<br />
<br />
Craig Button disagreed with McGuire, while not addressing McGuire directly, by saying that Semin was receiving unfair treatment. Button then showed Semin's plus-minus over the last four years: +92. This puts him fourth for forwards and ahead of Pavel Datsyuk. You can be sure that Semin's agent will be pumping this idea to general managers and not the "coach-killer" reputation. <br />
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Who do you believe, Button or McGuire? It is a little confusing and hard to know the true character of a player. I would speculate that if you put Semin in the right situation meaning the right players, coaches, and organization he can be close to the guy people expect. Button mentioned Detroit as the best place for Semin. Is Semin best for Detroit? I am interested to see where Semin winds up and how he performs. Then we will have a better sense of the man's character and not have to rely on analysts.Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-72826705509486902322012-06-22T13:16:00.000-04:002012-12-12T08:28:33.476-05:00Will the NHL have a Work Stoppage Next Season?After a banner year that saw revenues increase again in the NHL there is concern that another lockout or at least work stoppage will occur. At the end of the Finals it was a bit depressing. In my mind I was thinking is this the last live NHL hockey game I will see for over a year? Are we in for a repeat of 2005 - the lost season? If the NHL and NHLPA are wise they will not do this to their fans again. Hockey fans are loyal, but losing more games due to politics will damage the game greatly.<br />
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I am by no means a professor of sport business or even business. So, let me link you to several posts I found helpful as we look forward to the NHL Draft tonight, free agency July 1, and then the black hole of CBA talks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.humankinetics.com/inside-sports-business-archives/sports-business-weekly/after-banner-nhl-season-is-trouble-on-the-horizon?associate=6857&hq_e=el&hq_m=1798962&hq_l=13&hq_v=0ad92cb375" target="_blank">HK Sport Business Blog</a><br />
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This link provides a succinct overview of the contentions between the NHL and NHLPA.<br />
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<a href="http://proicehockey.about.com/od/nhlnewsscoresstats/a/Nhl-Lockout-In-2012-A-Look-At-The-Issues.htm" target="_blank">Pro Ice Hockey - NHL Lockout in 2012?</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2012/5/18/3028644/nhl-lockout-cba-talks-nhlpa" target="_blank">Is it time to worry yet? from SB Nation</a><br />
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I think it is time to worry if you enjoy the NHL. We are living in an era where owners and players do not get along. In the past 20 years all of the big 4 professional sports have lost substantial parts of seasons (baseball and hockey did not crown a champion). It is possible to have labor strife in the NFL, NBA, and NHL in a one-year period. Ridiculous. <br />
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The NHL and NHLPA, despite their past history, need to think about getting this CBA done by September for the fans. The NFL is a megalithic entity that could solve just about anything, but the NFL still found a way to finish labor talks and not lose meaningful games partially because of the fear of fan reactions.<br />
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<br />Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-2427985634615029252012-06-13T10:46:00.000-04:002012-06-13T10:46:12.132-04:00Mentally Tough Performer of the Week #8 2012 NHL Playoffs: Jonathan QuickThe Los Angeles Kings won their first Stanley Cup in team history Monday night capping an unbelievable run. The Kings went 16-4 in the postseason, 10-1 on the road, and ended the Devils' hopes with a 6-1 stomping in Game 6. <br />
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As a team the Kings demonstrated tremendous grit, toughness, preparation, focus... you name it. LA reached its potential in this years playoffs and provided a great example of how a group of players can come together and win a championship despite a recent history of not reaching their potential. <br />
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The Mentally Tough Performer of Week #8 really backstopped this whole amazing run, Jonathan Quick. Without his confident play that had to give the Kings the belief that they could win it all, this run does not happen. Quick was amazing in net and was rewarded with the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. Quick allowed 1.41 goals per game in going 16-4, and had a whooping .946 save percentage.<br />
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Even more than the numbers, Quick created an invisible wall in front of the net and got in the heads of the Kings' opponents. Quick intimidated opposing teams and gave his team the much needed trust to go out and play their game. I thought Tim Thomas provided one of the most amazing goaltending efforts in last year's playoffs. Jonathan Quick topped that in 2012.Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-21951044905214983192012-06-13T10:37:00.004-04:002012-06-13T10:37:50.396-04:00Hockey Mental Edge Quote Anze Kopitar on Winning the Cup"This is unreal. Every single emotion in me is coming out. The biggest thing has been the belief inside the locker room. We had 25 guys believing in one thing. I can't be more proud of the guys."<br />
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Kings' forward Anze Kopitar on winning the Stanley Cup (from NHL.com)Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-35389653452339550532012-06-10T08:38:00.002-04:002012-06-10T08:38:49.341-04:00Devils Not Finished Yet Force Game 6New Jersey is the first team in 67 years to lose the first three games in the Finals and force a Game 6. How have they staved off elimination? Perseverance, timely goal scoring, and big time goaltending from Martin Brodeur.<br />
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I think the turning point in this series came in Game 4. Despite a tough boarding call on David Clarkson in the third period and then giving up the game-tying goal, the Devils responded with impressive effort and intensity. The Devils had the better of the play after the Kings tied it and they eventually won that game on a rocket to the top shelf by Adam Henrique.<br />
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Before Game 4 prognosticators were predicting the end of the series in LA. In fact it was said that the Devils look defeated in Game 3. Well, if so they did not let it carry over. They have bounced back with an impressive effort to not only win in LA, but to end the Kings 10 game road winning streak in Game 5.<br />
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The Devils are exhibiting great resiliency. They did not allow the fact that Quick and the Kings' defense was shutting them down to make them negative or give in. They kept battling. They continued to believe that hard work would lead to positive results. And, it has. This is a good lesson for all of us. When things are at the worst you have to keep working and doing the right things. If you do your fortunes may just turn around.<br />
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For the Devils to win I mentioned that Brodeur had to steal a game. He did that in Game 5. Los Angeles carried the play for much of the game but Marty was unbelievable. He has been able to flip the focus from the Devils being unable to score on Quick to the Kings not being able to score on him. Brodeur is making huge saves when he needs to and controlling his rebounds. The Devils defense is not allowing second chance opportunities and minimizing the Kings power play opportunities. Brodeur has been especially good in the first period.<br />
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Brodeur has been huge for the Devils in the last two games and really throughout the series. Just as huge has been getting the first goal. The Devils scored first in Games 4 and 5. It takes a great burden off of the shoulders of the Devils and helps them focus shift-by-shift. When you get behind you can hear the clock ticking on your season and panic can set it. New Jersey has gotten the first goal and created a positive feeling on their bench which has allowed them to persevere when the Kings have brought the offensive pressure.<br />
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If you read my earlier post on the <a href="http://hockeymentaledge.blogspot.com/2012/05/six-factors-that-are-needed-to-comeback.html" target="_blank">Six Things Teams Must Do to Comeback When Down 3 Games to 1 </a>you will notice that the Devils are achieving some of these principles. The Devils have continued to expect success. They have been talking a good game like they can comeback and win the Cup. They also have changed momentum by scoring the late third period goal in Game 4. Furthermore, the Devils have been able to stay focused and play solid hockey games, not having extended periods of time where their defense lapses. Finally, Brodeur has gotten hot and they have gotten some puckluck. Combine that with the fact they have taken Dustin Brown out of this series and you have a recipe where a comeback is possible. Game 6 is going to be a dandy!<br />
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By the way, I want to give props to Justin Williams of the Kings who was awesome all night long. He was the most dangerous King in Game 5 and I expect Williams to play an important role in Game 6. Watch for him to score another goal before this series is over.<br />
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Looking forward to Game 6 the Kings need to remember that they still have the lead and look forward to the opportunity to win the Cup on home ice. They cannot allow their minds to dwell on the fact that they have lost two opportunities already. The Kings must focus shift-by-shift and get that first goal Monday night. For the Devils, keep doing what you are doing. Their intensity and effort is paying off. Brodeur must continue to outduel Quick and when they get the chance the Devils' power-play has to strike. That could be the difference maker in what has turned in to a very interesting and exciting Final.Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-19210195145777374842012-06-07T18:18:00.002-04:002012-06-07T18:18:51.387-04:00A Response to LeBrun's Save it for June: How to Reduce the GrindIs the quality of play in the Stanley Cup Finals poor compared to previous rounds? I think that is debatable but it is the core argument made by ESPN hockey blogger Pierre LeBrun.<br />
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<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/17595/save-it-for-june-how-to-reduce-the-grind" target="_blank">Save it for June: How to Reduce the Grind</a><br />
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LeBrun argues to reduce the physical and mental wear and tear on players the following five things should occur (albeit some are not realistic as he admits):<br />
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1. Shorten camp and play fewer preseason games, and start regular season in mid-September. Agree!<br />
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Not a bad idea. I have argued that the season goes on too long for people to keep their interest. More importantly, to keep good ice in June is difficult especially in places like Los Angeles, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Detroit which have hosted Finals games recently. The ice deteriorates rapidly affecting the quality of the play. Ice issues in September are not as big a deal.<br />
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2. Cancel All-Star Weekend. Agree!<br />
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All-Star games do not hold the interest of the public anymore. The skills competition brought a flare for awhile, but the Winter Classic is a greater celebration of hockey as it stands. For pure competition I am in favor of bringing back the World Cup of Hockey!<br />
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3. Shorten the second round to best-of-five and keep the first, conference finals, and finals at best-of-7. Disagree<br />
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No way should this happen. It messes with the competition too greatly. Some of the best hockey occurs in the second round and it is actually a playoff round that many fans can still afford and attend the games. Playing the second round as a best-of-five reduces the margin of error in the first two games. You go down 0-2 in a best-of-five and you are toast before going to your home arena.<br />
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4. When teams have to travel more than one time zone make it a 2-3-2 series format. Disagree<br />
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Again, I do not agree with this suggestion. This messes with the integrity of the competition even more than playing a best-of-five. A higher seed should not have to play more road games in the first five games. It is unfair. Many series do not go past 5 games and losing one at home would be devastating. The World Series is a perfect example. The team that has three straight at home I believe has a big advantage. Win one on the road in the first two games and you know you can win the championship at home.<br />
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5. Reduce the regular season to 78 games instead of 82. Disagree <br />
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I partially agree in theory with LeBrun. But in reality, like he writes, it will not happen. Four games and one week off the schedule may not have the desired effect LeBrun is suggesting anyway. The physical and emotional wear and tear of the season is partially due to the length of the season, the travel, etc., but also due to the intensity and physicality of play in the playoffs. Four less games in the regular season is not going to prevent broken and bruised ankles and wrists because guys are blocking shots and taking slashes in intense Stanley Cup playoff games.<br />
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Is the quality of play suffering in the Finals? I was talking to a former Division 1 hockey player today and he thought that the level of play was at such a high level and so clean defensively that the teams were minimizing the number of mistakes and, thus, we were seeing fewer offensive chances. The quality of play in the Finals is probably as much or more due to the match-up and the injuries those teams have experienced.<br />
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What is the solution? Fans may not like it but if we are concerned that the players are exhausting themselves and the quality of play is being effected here are four recommendations:<br />
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1. Reduce the amount of travel by realigning the divisions based on geography.<br />
2. Play more games against teams closer to you geographically.<br />
3. Start the season in early September and end prior to the American Memorial Day holiday. This will give you better ice conditions and keep fans interested. Furthermore, shorten the preseason and give players more off days between games. This way players have more time to recover without actually reducing the 82-game schedule.<br />
4. Consistently penalize players that slash, knee, cross check, rough, elbow, board, etc. I love the physicality of the playoffs but eliminating much of the dirty, illegal play will keep players healthier in the long run.Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4641996671379006216.post-69596474409496911322012-06-07T14:03:00.002-04:002012-06-07T14:03:30.552-04:00Mental Toughness Quote of the Week Adam HenriqueIf you are going to win four straight games to win the Cup and do the improbable then you better have an attitude like Adam Henrique:<br />
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"There's no quit in the group in here. We know we can do it. We know we can put 4 together and come back."<br />
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<br />Doctor Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03133622246702285551noreply@blogger.com0