itm nov 2010

“Keep your kids out of hot water, NOVEMBER 2010put them on ice”

The Official Hockey Magazine of the Texas Amateur Hockey Association

Ethan Harrison

Hockey Day In Texas

HelmetHints

Hockey is Expensive

This Magazine is FREE

Does YourCoach Have

A PositiveAttitude?

TOP 5THINGS FOR GOALIE PARENTS

Hey, Watch Your Mouth!

Is Your Kid A

Wimp?

WHY CAN’T

ALL THE RINKS WORK

TOGETHER?

IceTimesMagazine

2 Keep your kids out of hot water – put them on ice! icetimesmagazine.com

IceTimesMagazine

888-878-8465 Keep your kids out of hot water – put them on ice! 3

Our first ever Texas Hockey Day was held Oct. 30 to promote grassroots growth by getting kids ages 4-9 to come to a local

rink to “Try Hockey for Free!” The event resulted in 374 kids at 15 different rinks to try hockey out with many signing up for

“learn-to-skate” classes. Go to

www.ComePlayYouthHockey.com for more information about this very

successful event with others planned in Feb 2011. Thanks to all participating rinks,

OneGoal, NHL, and Courtney Welch with USA Hockey who coordinated this great event.

2011 Planned EventsJan 29 TAHA Winter Meeting (Dallas)Feb 11-13 States: Tier I & II (Dallas)Mar 3-6 Districts: Tier 1 Youth (Dallas)Mar 4-6 Districts: Tier Girls (UT)Mar 18-20 TAC Boys/Girls (Dallas)Mar 25-27 Texas Cup HS States (TBD)Mar 23-27 Nationals: High School (Chic.)Mar30-Apr3 Nationals: Tier II Girls (CA)Mar30-Apr3 Nationals: Tier I/II Youth (varies)Apr 1-3 Nationals: Women A/B/C (Varies)Apr 6-10 Nationals Tier I Girls (MI)Apr 13-17 Americas HS Showcase (PA)May 5-8 RMD Player Dev. Camp (SLC)

TAHA has placed renewed emphasis on USA Hockey’s “Zero Tolerance” policy based on many reports of unacceptable behavior. The policy has been in place since the 1992/93 season and can be found on pgs 33/34 of USAH’s Annual Guide. The policy is directed at players, coaches, officials, parents, & spectators. Simply put, inappropriate behavior will no longer be tolerated!Effective immediately, officials within TAHA are directed to strictly enforce the rules by assessing penalties according to the USAH Rule Book on all such behavior infractions.Regarding verbal abuse, Zero Tolerance is in place for: Profanity, vulgar language Threats of physical abuse Ethnic or racial slurs Gender slurs

Michael Rose, McKinney JV, Silver.

Nick Hill, Garland Stampede JV, Silver. Nick Kirkendall, Texas Aces Bantam AA – Sharon.

www.tahahockey.org

IceTimesMagazine


In 2008 I was diagnosed with a very rare disease that has changed my life

for the better and for worse. Eosinophilic Esophagitis, otherwise known as EE, is a chronic disease triggered by eating a food that I am allergic to. My body thinks that food protein is bad for me; therefore, white blood cells are sent to attack my throat and stomach. This leads to severe fatigue, abdominal pain, and problems swallowing. When doctors realized I was allergic to many different types of foods, they did patch and scratch tests. Food content is applied to the skin and set over time to see if there is an allergic reaction or not. It was discovered that my whole body was reacting severely to all of the foods, and I was put on a restricted diet consisting of turkey, peaches, and apples; I went for eight weeks eating nothing but turkey, peaches, and apples. I also had to drink prescription formula. I was so depressed I did nothing but sit in my room and play Xbox. My disease was so severe that my doctor in Texas said he could not do anything to help and referred me to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for further treatment. We had to wait three months to get in to see the doctor. On our first visit, we meet all of the doctors over a weeklong period. They then performed an endoscopy, which is a camera that is put down your throat and stomach to look for inflammation, and biopsies are taken. After the test results

Allergies Don’t Keep This Hockey Player DownZeke’s Story

By Zeke Angel

were good we then started food trials, which is a test of foods over a certain amount of time to see if I reacted of not. After being on a limited food diet I was then able to add back one food at a time. Some examples of foods I have added back to my diet are potatoes, white rice, brown rice, pears, chicken, and sweet potatoes. I continue to go to Cincinnati every three months for check-ups and to extend my food trials. This disease has changed my life for the better and for the worse. The worst part about my disease is seeing friends and family members at holidays and special occasions eating when I have to drink my formula. The best part about my disease is how much stronger I am mentally and how much I have grown up and want to do better in life. I want to help find a cure for my disease; and I can’t do it alone. In May 2010 there was a big event that included a golf tournament and party. At this time we have already raised over eighty thousand dollars. In finding a cure, I hope to eliminate what I had to go through to get to where I am now because it has been the longest year of my life. For more information about what you can do to help Zeke and his cause please visit www.angelsforeos.org. ■

Silver Sticks Champs Dallas Penguins.

Silversticks Bantam Champs Ice Jets.

Ken Hatley Photographywww.kenhatleyphotography.com

214.718.0263

Specializing in Team, Individual and Action photos.

Reserve your date now!

3829 West Spring Creek Parkway, Ste. 106 • Plano, TX [email protected] • 405-413-8623

Justin Walters, B.S. Exercise PhysiologyCertified Strength and Conditioning Specialists

Get elite, top level fitness coaching based upon scientific training principles. Classes are starting now at a fraction of the price of the large gyms. No gym fees or long term contracts. You only sign up for what you plan to use. Finally get the results you have been looking for.

Every Year The Number One New Year’s Resolution Is To

GET FIT AND LOSE WEIGHT!Why wait when you could start NOW?

ONLY 30 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Classes are filling up quickly

Call Today!

www.kenhatleyphotography.com

IceTimesMagazine

Hockey in the Metroplex has seen phenomenal growth over

the past decade. Hockey in the non-traditional hockey markets is booming and participants of all ages are playing the games at all skill levels. Dallas/Ft. Worth has become a mecca for youth hockey coaches wanting to earn a living by providing quality instruction to young players. There are also numerous volunteer coaches who dedicate their time to house, high school and select programs. With all this growth our region has become recognized for quality hockey teams that compete very well with teams from around the world. Successful teams work hard, develop skills and teach young athletes proper training techniques both on and off the ice. While these “ingredients for success” are important, there are two “ingredients” that are equally as important; FUN and PASSION. Developing a passion for the game and making each trip to the rink fun are critical in the development of all young players. Just as skill development and hard work make a player improve

physically, fun and passion keep the fire and desire burning inside. It’s what makes an 8 year-old jump out of bed at 6 AM for an early morning game or practice. It’s what makes a 45 year-old go to the rink at 11PM for a beer league game. As coaches and parents, there are things you can do to help make sure passion is developed and not inhibited. A good coach will help players realize their potential while making sure they have fun and develop a passion for the game. I believe there are several important ways coaches can help build passion in their players: First and foremost a coach must have a positive attitude. Coaches must use positive reenforcement when working with today’s kids. I think a 10-1 ratio of positive v. negative instruction is critical in getting the most out of each player. While it’s important to correct mistakes, it’s equally important to do it in a positive way. In most cases, yelling at a player will only cause that player to “tune-out.” When correcting mistakes, don’t yell, teach. Second, allow players the space

they need to grow as individuals and as a team. Don’t micro-manage. Allow your team to create an environment in the locker room by letting each player exhibit their personality. The bonds that are formed between the players off the ice will carry over to the games and practices. However keep an eye out for any disciplinary issues and deal with them in a fair and consistent manner without causing embarrassment to any single player. Finally, coaches must create a fun environment for their team. Many coaches are afraid that by promoting fun they will lose the opportunity to win. In my experience I have found the opposite to be true. When an environment is created that includes fun while promoting skill, hard work and character, the winning takes care of itself. Every team faces adversity during a season, however, it ’s the team that keeps a positive attitude when things are not going well that persevere. Positive attitude will be easy to cultivate when everyone has a smile on his or her face. Remember to smile; it’s contagious!


Keith Andresen, Senior Director,

Hockey Programs

Dr Pepper StarCentersDallas Stars Hockey Club

For the Good of the GameBy Keith Andresen

Make It Fun

Just a Thought: As a player, you must be prepared to play when you arrive at the rink. If your coach requires you to arrive 60 minutes prior to game time, be on time and be prepared. That means that you’re not running around the rink getting your skates sharpened, taping your stick or replacing screws on your helmet. Keep your equipment in good order and check it at home to make sure you are ready to play. Don’t be a distraction to your team; be prepared when you arrive at the rink. ■

Ben Wilkins of The Brazos Valley Bucks at the face off. David Kendall, Texas Aces Bantam AA – Sharon.

On the CoverNovember 2010Now In Our Fifth Season!On The Cover:Ethan Harrison, Team Captain of the Scots Squirt AA team skates up ice just before he scores.Photo courtesy of KenHatleyPhotography.com

Want to be our next cover shot? Send in your high resolution picture [email protected]

Cover Shot Contest! PARENTS: Send in your picture and if it makes our Cover Shot of the Month you will win a gift certificate to

YOU SHOOT. YOU SCORE… THE KEG!

Monthly ColumnsFor The Good of The Game . . . . . . . . . . 5Life Lessons on Ice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Pro Shop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Hockey From The Neck Up . . . . . . . . . 15Metroplex Hockey Officials Assn. . . . . . 16Grow The Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Strong Hockey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Behind the Bench. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20From The Stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Ice Times Magazine is published monthly by Tink Ink Publications, LLC & distributed free of charge at ice rinks and pro-shops. Copy and Photographs are welcome and must be submitted by the 20th of the month prior to publication. ITM reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. Reproduction in whole or part without express written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.

Kim Tinkham, [email protected]

Publisher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tink Ink PublicationsSpecial Thanks to Connie Holubar for lending us a hand in the Editing Department

Advertising Opportunities . . . . . . . [email protected]

To submit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.icetimesmagazine.com• Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .click on “send info”• Photographs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . click on “send pics”

Advertise in theONLY

amateurHockey

magazine in Texas and Oklahoma!

Advertise inICE TIMESMAGAZINE!

888.878.8465

Ice Times Magazine is distributed within the first week of each month and is entirely supported by

advertising revenue. Please spend your money

with the businesses that advertise with us.

It is their advertisements that make this

publication possible.

Thank you!

In stands 30+ days

and online for6 months!

Professional Photographers! Send in your shots for credit listing.

WIN A PRIZE!!Find Doright somewhere in the magazine. It’s not easy. Email us his location to [email protected] and be entered in for a drawing for a prize.OCTOBER WINNER ISDALE REINBECK.Thanks for playing and enjoyyour prize!!!


IceTimesMagazine


Nick Nietubyc, in a perfect defensive position, gets ready to stop the

attacker.Ben Bledsoe ready for his shift.Chilly from the Houston Aeros AHL team “chillin” with Houston Wild

Squirt “B” players. Photo courtesy of actionjunction.com.

Aiden Carr of the Oilers Mite team controls the puck.

www.playersbench.com

IceTimesMagazine

I’ve spent a lot of the last 15 years in and around hockey rinks, hockey players and hockey parents. Lately, actually within

the last 5 years, I have started noticing a trend. There are a lot of hockey players out there now who are wimps. Now, when I say ‘wimp’ I don’t mean that they go running to mommy and daddy every time they get hurt or when things don’t go their way. It’s more subtle than that. These players just don’t have a fire in them. They don’t hate to lose. They could care less. They get down 2-0 in a game and they give up. In hockey’s defense, it’s not just hockey players. I think it is, for the most part, an entire generation of kids that are coming up with the ‘WHATEVER- shoulder shrugging attitude’ when things get a little too tough or they have to spend more time and effort and energy to accomplish a goal. They just give up. Now, I have to say that it’s not the kid’s fault. It’s the parent(s) fault. Yes, I could be talking to you. I see it all the time. The hockey bag is a little heavy; so Mom carries it. The kid forgets something at home that should have been in his bag and Dad scurries home to get it or worse yet, buys a new ‘something’ at the pro shop. Start this ‘running interference’ for your kid when he is five and six he will come to rely on it when he is twelve and older. How many of you parents ‘step in’ when there is a challenge with ice time? I know that because you spend the money you think you should (or your player should) get the fair share of ice time. Why not encourage your player to get better so that he will get more ice time? What, that’s not fair! Life’s not fair.

Hockey’s not fair. If it were, then the team that spent the most money to get to a tournament would be proclaimed automatic winner. Get over the ‘fairness manifesto’ and realize that the main reason your player should be playing hockey is to help them build character not become a character, When most of us over the age of 40 were growing up we could organize our own teams and find ways to entertain ourselves. Parental involvement wasn’t necessary or welcomed. This new generation; not all of them-but most of them, rely on someone else to organize them, tell them what to do, entertain them. Just ask a coach what most of his young players will do if he gives them 30 minutes of free time on ice. You’d be surprised. Most of the kids just keep doing the same drills that they were doing. No one suggests that they should divide in teams and play each other. Do you know why? The need for competition has been taken away by a society that awards everyone for participating. Everyone gets a trophy, a ribbon, an at-a-boy. Yep, we have become a nation of people who just want everyone to feel good. That makes me sad. Because other countries are teaching their children to win, to compete at all costs, to come out on top and to not give up until they reach their goals. Parents, unless you want your kids to rely on someone else to feed them and take care of them you’d better wake up and start allowing them to grow up with a fire inside them to be the best. It can start at the rink and grow from there. Now, get out there and win! ■


Life Lessons On Ice by Kim Tinkham, Editor

Kim Tinkham is a hockey mom and wife, produces four magazines, a published author, marketing coach, guest on the Oprah Winfrey show, has been mentioned in Newsweek Magazine and is a cancer terminator. She is proudest of her ‘hockey mom’ title. Go figure.

Is Your Kid A Wimp?

Miss Kate Leigh McCook, sister of Garret McCook, original and long-time Alliance Bulldog, passed away Thursday October 28, 2010, after a courageous 2-1/2 year battle with cancer. Kate was 22 years old. Kate was a devoted Alliance sibling, as her brother Garret was on the inaugural Alliance Squirt team in 2001 and played at Alliance until Midgets. Garret was also member of the ‘91 Alliance team coached by Greg Vanover that miraculously won Rocky Mountain regionals as Peewees, and was a very special player and person. Kate attended every game that Garrett played in, and was a huge part of the Alliance Family. Kate, along with her mother Nanci - longtime Alliance Team Manager & Supporter, was a fixture at the rink during Alliance games, practices, and other events.

Hockey Sister and Fan Will Be MissedAll Alliance Bulldogs knew Kate, loved her, and will miss her terribly. Kate was born March 20, 1988, in Dallas, Texas, to Charles and Nanci McCook. She graduated from Plano West High School in 2006, where she was a varsity cheerleader. She was also an accomplished gymnast and diver. Kate was attending Texas Tech, studying fashion design and merchandising. She was an avid Red Raider fan and attended Creekwood Uni ted Methodis t Church. The Alliance Hockey Association expresses its deepest sympathies and condolences to Kate’s parents Charles and Nanci, and Kate’s brothers Garrett and Kyle. In honor of Kate, the family requests memorials be made to the SPCA of Texas at www.spca.org or a charity of your choice.

Kate Leigh McCookPatric Fun resting before

his next shift.

IceTimesMagazine


Silver Stick regional Midget Minor A division Champions, Dallas Stars Selects Midget U16- Niederkorn.

The Dallas Stars Selects - McBey take home the Championship in the Silver Stick Tournament - Pee Wee A.

Alliance 12 U Goalie deflects a shot. Alliance 12 U Allison Simpson breaks past the defense.

Dustin Parman of the Brazos Valley Bucks defends his goalie.

Jacob Mehr, skating with the puck, into the offensive zone.

Brent Johnson quickly changes directions in pursuit

of the puck.

IceTimesMagazine

Over the past 10 years, no one piece of safety equipment has changed

more than the hockey helmet. With the addition of the obstruction penalties since the lockout, the game has naturally added another dangerous element; speed. This new element allows players to cut to the middle, take bigger risks along the boards, and expose themselves to punishing hits in order to make the play. Well, the other side of this story is that now players, from the NHL to our own ATT&T High School League, are getting seriously injured. Many different aspects of the helmet have been modified or improved to give better protection and performance. In this month’s column I will dissect the new advances in helmet technology, discuss how to find the proper fit, and reveal the secret to head protection. The main safety system in the helmet is foam. The foam is glued to the inside of a plastic shell. This foam absorbs from 85% - 90% of all impacts against the skull. Every company describes their helmets as having the newest, lightest, most protective foam on the market;

however, all of these new “foams” are derivatives of EPP Foam. EPP foam, which is also known as “concussion foam” is used in many safety situations such as race helmets, bike helmets, and downhill skiing helmets. EPP foam is a great way to protect your head from concussions however; it is “single use” foam. “Single use” foam means after a big impact, the foam dramatically loses its protective characteristics. This is a common mistake parents make when going through the season. After a big impact, in which the helmet takes a direct blow, it is recommended that you replace the helmet as soon as possible. Also, because foam has a delicate chemical structure it is very susceptible to heat deformation. Make sure in the summer you do not leave your helmet in direct sunlight, if you do your EPP foam is most likely destroyed and has lost its protective capabilities. To properly fit your helmet you must first know your head size. Ask your local hockey shop professional to measure the circumference of your head. Then use the corresponding numbers to

each company’s particular helmet. After trying on many different helmets, choose the helmet which touches the largest area of your skull. The idea is have as little “negative space” as possible. Negative space is the gaps that occur between the skull and the foam due to different head/helmet shapes. Each helmet has a different fit and each head has a different shape, so make sure to take your time and try many different helmets on. The best advice I can give to a parent is not let the kid choose his/her helmet based on appearance. The best fit will provide the most safety; a hockey game is not a beauty pageant. About three times a year a concerned parent approaches me with wallet wide open stating that he/she will pay top dollar for the most protective helmet on the market. The more expensive helmets are not a panacea for every situation. The best way to avoid injury is to listen to your coach. Most concussions I have either seen live or have received were because either the player(s) or I was severely out of position. If you put yourself in a position to get hurt over


Joseph Otsuka has played hockey for twenty years, played Juniors and ACHA hockey. He has been working in the hockey retail industry for 8 years and is currently the manager of a Dr Pepper StarCenter Starstuff.

Pro Shop – Helmet HintsBy Joseph Otsuka

and over again with bad habits, it is just a matter of time before you get hurt. The best advice to avoid injury is to listen to your coach. Your coach has the knowledge to avoid dangerous situations within the game of hockey. I hope this knowledge helps you protect yourself and your loved ones! ■

Ben Wilkins of The Brazos Valley Bucks at the face off.

#19 Bronson Adams battling for the puck.


SESSION #1 Tuesday & Wednesday Dec. 21 - 22

Register online to compete in the tournament. We will assemble the teams. 75 minutes of ice per day – as many GAMES as we can fit in! 45 minutes of Off-Ice Fun Workouts(Mite, SQ, PW) and Dry land training (BT, MD).

3 vs. 3 (CROSS ICE)Mite, Squirt, Peewee

Mite — 9:00 – 10:15 am (optional off ice 10:30 - 11:15 am)SQ — 10:30 – 11:45 am(optional off ice workouts (9:15 - 10 am)PW — 12:00 – 1:15 pm(optional off ice workouts 1:30 - 2:15 pm)

4 vs. 4 (FULL ICE)Bantam, Midget

BT — 1:30 – 2:45 pm(optional dry land training 3:00 - 3:45 pm)MD (95, 94, 93, & 92) — 3:00 - 4:15 pm (optional dry land training 2:00 - 2:45 pm)SESSION #2

Tuesday & Wednesday Dec. 28 – 29

“BRING YOUR BEST” Open TournamentMite, SQ & PW Cross Ice 3v3 tournament divisions, AND Bantam & Midget Full Ice 4v4 tournament divisions. Register as a team of 4 – 6 players (for those who wish to), or as an individual (for those who don’t have a team we will place you on a team). This is a formal tournament format each team gets a minimum of 4 games.

COST: $50 per player for EACH of the sessions OR $85 for both sessions.

CAMPS ARE RUN BY CHRIS KOSTOPOULOS AND STEVE LAMERE ALONG WITH THE PROFESSIONAL COACHING STAFF OF AYHA.

3 vs. 3 …“We did it last year & it was awesome – SO WE‘RE DOING IT AGAIN!”

Please visit us at

AllianceBulldogs.orgto register on line. Players from all across the Metroplex are welcome – regardless with what Association you currently play.

www.alliancebulldogs.org

IceTimesMagazine


IceTimesMagazine

GOING PINK IN HOCKEY?By Michael PerdueTeam Manager, Wolves Squirt Major

The Grapevine Wolves Squir t Major Hockey Team recently

played in the 2010 Silver Stick Western Regional Championship Game. For the Championship Game, Head Coach Steve Schneider and his Squirts decided to “Go Pink” in recognition of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During the game, the Players wore Pink Tape around their game socks and had Pink Tape on all of their Sticks. On their Sticks, the Players wrote the names of the Moms, Grandmothers, Family Members, Friends and Teachers that they were playing for. Several of the Players have their own personal stories of what their family is going through right now with this form of Cancer. Coach Schneider stated that he was extremely proud of his Boys and this was such a great experience for the entire Team to be a part of. When the Team came walking out of the locker room decked out with pink trim on their uniforms and on their sticks, you could see that several people in the stands were choked up and some were even in tears. It was a surprise to everyone and it turned out to be a very emotional event that had a great lesson in life. The Wolves website stated, “These courageous women are in the thoughts and prayers of the entire Wolves Organization.” ■

Coach Schneider and his Assistant Coaches addressing the team during a timeout.

Coach Schneider and his Team Captains accepting their Championship Awards

2010 Western Region ChampionsMite Champions-CAHA Jr. Coyotes

Squirt A Champions-Grapevine WolvesPeeWee B Champions-Dallas Penguins

PeeWee A Champions-DSS PlanoPeeWee AA Champions-Dallas PenguinsBantam A Champions-Dallas Penguins

Bantam AA Champions-Ice JetsMidget Minor A Champions-DSS Niederkorn

Midet Minor AA Champions-Houston WildMidget Major AA Champions-Dallas Scots

The Dallas Penguins would like to congratulate the winners of this year’s

Western Regional Silver Stick competition and wish all the teams the best of luck

at this year’s International Finals!

www.djha.com

www.in-the-moment-photo.com

IceTimesMagazine


We are Brahmas!

Alliance 12 U Girls teammates celebrate a goal.

Arkansas vs. Tech

www.icetrainingcenter.com

IceTimesMagazine


Heading towards a goal.

Caitlin Ahlstedt(’02) – GV Wolves Girls Squirt team and sister, Chloe Ahlstedt (’04) – GV

Wolves Girls Practice Squad.

Austin Perdue taking the face off. Grapevine Wolves Squirt – Schneider Team.

Luke Evangelist Silver Stick Squirt A.

Price Dworkin, seeing how long he can stand on one leg. Texas Aces Goalie Luc Boulanger.

to theScots Midget Major AA

Dallas Texas Regional ChampionsNOW Advance to Sarnia, Ont. Canada

www.scotshockey.org

IceTimesMagazine


Hockey From the Neck UpBy Paul O’Donnell

Paul O'Donnell currently writes for the Hockey Stop Magazine. He has been coaching in the Chicagoland Area for the past 25 years. Paul grew up in The Greater Boston Area and played college hockey for Salem State College in Massachusetts.

Don’t Let Rules Prevent You From Leading

Many coaches find out quickly that the hardest part of coaching isn’t

teaching the game, or even dealing with parents - its leadership! While there may be some parents who can test the limits of even the most stouthearted coaches, finding the right balance between motivation and discipline to develop and mold a group of young individual hockey players into one cohesive unit, as quickly as possible, is a coaching conundrum that changes from year to year. One year, you may have a motivated group of very coachable athletes who soak in every tidbit of knowledge and wisdom you impart on them like a sponge. Another year you’re faced with a group of whiny malcontents, who think they know-it-all and you’re forced to put the “hammer” down to maintain discipline during the season. This usually requires setting hard and fast, limits and rules for the remainder of the season. I have a good example of this from personal experience. Several years ago, while coaching a high school team, I started the season with a group of young men who, while hardly whinny malcontents, as a team, took too many stupid penalties. Benching players wasn’t working as effectively as I had hoped. Knowing how much players hate to sit

on the bench, I was forced to make a rule that any player who took a bench minor of any kind, whether a 2 minute or 10 minute penalty, would be suspended for the next game. Well apparently my players didn’t believe me. They decided to test the limits and the very next game 3 players received bench minor penalties, forcing my hand to suspend them from playing the next game. Sticking to my guns the very next game, while taking a lot of heat from some parents, I made those three players watch their other struggling teammates lose that game 6 to 1. Nobody likes to lose – especially me. But my hands were tied. I made the rule and had to abide by it. I implemented that rule because when other less drastic forms of discipline such as verbal warnings and benching were ineffective more drastic discipline was needed to maintain order and team unity. Some parents were suggesting that I allow each player to serve their suspensions individually during different games, but I was having none of it. As a coach and especially a leader, I will always do what I say and say what I do. What kind of example would I set if I did anything less? Fortunately for me and the team,

this story has a happy ending. From that point on, until the end of the season, that year’s team went from being the second most penalized team in the league at the beginning of the season to the second least penalized team by the end of this season. And, while I was tested many other times by those players during that season, we won a league championship in our division and it turned out to be the most important coaching experience of my entire life.

Leading from the Front As coaches, we all have preconceived notions about how to coach. If you’re like me, you’ve probably established your own coaching foundation by emulating the leaders and mentors who taught you while you were growing up. Unfortunately, I found out fairly quickly that what works well for one age or skill level doesn’t necessarily work for another; and that also applies from generation to generation. During my own personal coaching development over the past several years, I began using Coach Krzyzewski’s philosophy on rules as a cornerstone while developing my own leadership style. My current belief is, when all else fails, some rules are necessary to maintain

team order and discipline. Just remember one thing before implementing any rules: Once you’ve establish the rules, you also have to abide by them if you hope to establish and maintain any kind of credibility and respect. Finally, while you’re developing your own style of leadership, you need to ask yourself one thing: Do you want to lead your team or follow the rules? To read this article in its entirety visit www.neckuphockey.com. ■

Jordan Almeida fighting for the puck.Harold Chung skating up ice.

www.neckuphockey.com

IceTimesMagazine

Other youth sports don’t tolerate it; neither should ours. Along with

several others, I was recently asked whether on-ice language was any worse this year than before. Regrettably, the consensus of the group was “yes,” language on both the ice and the bench seems to be deteriorating. The overwhelming consensus of the group was that hockey seems to be the only sport that “accepts” this type of behavior. We also acknowledged to each other that some officials do an excellent job penalizing this type of behavior while others do not. We at MHOA are working to ensure that we have more of the former and none of the latter. When striving for positive change, it’s usually a good idea to begin with one’s self. USA Hockey charges its registered

officials with the task of adopting a “zero tolerance attitude toward verbal (my emphasis) or physical abuse.” As officials, this task starts with policing our own. In addition to being required to “act in a professional and businesslike manner at all times” and to “set a good example,” the USA Hockey On-Ice Official’s Code of Conduct explicitly requires us to “never (my emphasis again) use foul or vulgar language when speaking with a player, coach or parent.” Are we, as officials, perfect in this regard? Of course not, like players and coaches, we too are human. The best officials however, keep their emotions out of the discussion and their language in check. As officials, when we stoop to inject profanity into the inevitable discussion, we begin to lose the most valuable commodity we


Metroplex Hockey Officials AssociationBy Ralph Hunter

Ralph is the father of four boys, all of whom have played and three of whom have also officiated hockey in North Texas during the past 11 years. An airline pilot by trade and a past president of the Allied Pilots Association, Ralph has also served in various capacities with the Metroplex Hockey Officials Association over the past several years. He is currently the President of MHOA.

You Can’ t Say That…possess as officials: our credibility. In addition to code of conduct provisions for parents, players and coaches, the USA Hockey Rulebook describes two specific penalties for the use of profanity. Not coincidentally, it ’s the first playing rule in the book, Rule 601. Interestingly enough—and contrary to popular opinion—the use of profanity need not be directed at anyone in particular to qualify for time in the penalty box. In other words, “I wasn’t talking to you” is NOT a legitimate defense. If the player can be identified, Rule 601(d)(1) provides for a mandatory 10-minute misconduct penalty for “using obscene, profane or abusive language to any person on the ice or anywhere in the rink before, during or after the game. There’s no gray area contained in that rule. In the case of it coming from an unidentified player in the vicinity of the bench, the team is assessed a bench minor penalty under rule 601(c)(1) which broadens the same description of the offense to include, “…or using the name of the Official coupled with any vociferous remarks.” Coaches’ profanity or otherwise abusive language is equally unacceptable; regardless of to whom it is directed. Rule 601(h)(2) uses very similar language in providing for a bench minor penalty against the team of ANY team official who uses “obscene, profane or abusive language or abusive gestures (including taunting) to any person (my emphasis) or using the name of an Official coupled with vociferous remarks.” Notice that no distinction is made for a coach who chooses to cuss out a player of his own team or yells obscenities at someone

else…food for thought. Are you starting to get the idea that this type of behavior is simply unacceptable in our game, particularly when impressionable youth are involved? It is not the intent of this column to camp out on the intricacies of the rulebook on this subject. Neither do we expect our officials to figuratively cup their hands to their “rabbit ears” every time they skate by the bench to hear every word the coach is saying. This is clearly nobody’s favorite penalty to assess or serve. It is time, however to clean up our mouths when it comes to the kids we’re coaching and officiating. As required by USA Hockey, all of us should expect Zero Tolerance for this type of language on (or near) the ice. See you at the rink, [email protected]

www.mhoa.org

IceTimesMagazine


Courtney Welch is the USA Hockey Program Services Manager for Texas. Courtney has worked as an administrator in hockey for 12 years.

GROW THE GAME By Courtney Welch

Hockey Day in Texas

Halloween weekend dressed up over 370 boys and girls as hockey players for the inaugural Hockey Day in

Texas celebration on Saturday, Oct. 30. Fifteen rinks across the state held Try Hockey for Free clinics for kids ages 4 to 9 to come out and try the sport without any time or cost commitment. This event allowed kids like six-year old Layni Whiteman, who dressed up as a cheerleader for Halloween, to step out on the ice for the first time. “She was balling before she went out on the ice,” said Bobbi Bradbury, Layni’s mom. “We had to talk her into the equipment and out on the ice, but once she was out there, she was eating up the attention from the volunteer that gave her one-on-one instruction. By the end she was skating on her own and loving every minute of it.” It was so much fun that the first words out of Layni’s mouth when she got off the ice was “I want more of this.” There will be additional opportunities to Try Hockey for Free in Texas throughout the year. To find an opportunity near you, visit www.ComePlayYouthHockey.com. ■

IceTimesMagazine


My daughter has been playing hockey in the DFW area for 3 years. With her recent game at the Allen Event Center, she has now participated in a game, practice, or tournament at every hockey rink in the DFW area except for ITC. We are fortunate to have 20+ full sheets of ice to play on here in Dallas, and for the most part, the facilities operated by the Dallas Stars and the independent and civic rinks are quite nice. But there is one problem that never seems to escape my mind.... Why exactly do the Dallas Stars and the independent rinks not work together to form one house youth hockey league? My child currently participates in both the DSYHL out of NyTex and the RHL out of GV Polar Ice, so I see the thick veil of separation that exists between the 2 leagues. Perhaps one of the issues is competition itself. The RHL set a Mites and Squirts Hockey rate that was roughly half of what the Stars operated rinks were charging this fall. But the RHL also lost its charter member in NyTex when they entered into an agreement to participate in the DSYHL. The DSYHL heavily markets the ‘experience of playing a game at the AAC, but is it worth nearly the double the fees for the average family? And why exactly can’t the kids from the 2 leagues so much as even scrimmage each other? It makes no sense that house league teams at GV Polar Ice and Arlington are not in the same league with kids at Euless DPSC and NyTex, when they are geographically close to each other. It makes even less sense that the house teams from the

4 Collin County DPSC’s are not playing house teams from Allen and Stonebriar. While I understand the need for each of the rinks to be financially viable, and if possible turn a profit, that should be balanced with working with competing rinks to best promote the game and provide a greater variety of teams while also minimizing excessive travel – especially for those of us on the southern end of the metroplex where travel times and fuel expenses are a challenge. Additionally, with the promotion of USA Hockey’s ADM program, it seems that the price of playing hockey should go down rather than go up, as prices did with DSYHL. With more kids on the ice, that means that prices should come down, and that registrations should go up. It ’s long past time the Stars managed rinks and the independent rinks get on the same page to promote the growth of hockey together. Surely there is a way to still be competitive in the rink management business, while putting differences aside from time to time for the good of the kids and the families involved in the greatest game on earth. Some will point out issues with waivers, ice conditions, consistent rosters, and other factors as obstacles, but those things can be worked out by mature adults… at least it seems they could be…

Erick — Hockey Dad Midlothian, TX

Editor’s Note: Can we get a response from the rinks? ■

Dear Ice Times,

Enjoying the Saint Louis City Museum are Crissy Clay (left) team manager Alliance ‘97 AA and Silvia

Mendes, both sliding down the rooftop 2 story slide.

www.stinehour.com

www.dannyforce.com

IceTimesMagazine


Kasie Strong is a hockey coach, hockey player and hockey enthusiast. A native of Groton, Massachusetts, Kasie currently resides in Trondheim, Norway where she is the Head Coach for the Astor Women’s Hockey Team.

Strong HockeyBy Kasie Strong

Strong Hockey is sponsored by Orthopedic Trauma Surgeons, 3600 Gaston Ave., Suite 755, Dallas, Texas 75246214 - 826-1730 • Dr. Paul Freudigman, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon

As Good As Gold – Giving Thanks to Deserving Teammates

Who’s the most valuable player on your team? The backup goalie who seamlessly works the door and never gets

mad when the first shot at practice goes whizzing off his or her mask? The defenseman who struggles putting the puck in the net but who has great gap control and always makes smart line changes? Maybe it’s the third line forward who works the hardest in practice, always has extra sock tape and supplies the pre-game music? No? Well how about the player with the incredible knack for the net who has the most points and can practically burry on command… yes, that’s what I thought. So much attention is given to MVP’s. Sometimes, I think too much. When you’re an MVP, life is good. After each goal, you get your name announced, the coach gives you the proud head nod, and you always get to lead the handshake celebration down the line of adoring teammates. Sometimes you are rewarded with a trophy at the end of the season and in some European leagues, you get to wear the top scorers “golden helmet,” just in case there was confusion about who

the top dog is. While I don’t have a problem with celebrating the successes of the top contributor, after all, someone needs to put the puck in the net, I do have a problem with the lack of acknowledgment we give to the rest of our teammates. A good team is not made up of twenty hot shots. A good team is made up of a unique mix of players that all contribute in various ways. Those contributions working in harmony and towards a collective goal are what make a team successful, not one gold helmet. In my opinion, the MVP’s will get their time in the sun, but for the rest of the players that make a team a team, it’s time we help them by shining a little light their way. Let’s give them the acknowledgement they deserve. November is here and ‘tis the season to give thanks for everything and everyone we are grateful for. Yes, we are grateful for our MVP’s and their natural talent, but we are also grateful for the back-ups, the unselfish defenseman and the generous 3rd liners, who are needed just as much as our MVP’s and who truly are, as good as gold. ■

Twin goalies on the same team.

Evan Williams in left photo

and Ethan Williams in bottom photo.

IceTimesMagazine

One of my sons, in addition to playing hockey, also runs cross country for his high school. He has struggled

this year with injuries (I know, right… cross country people get hurt?). His pace was slowing and it got to the point where it was too painful to run. So we finally put him in rehab (again, this is cross country). During those few weeks of physical therapy I learned cross country is actually very hard on teenage knees, tendons, and shins. So now I bear the guilt of making my child suffer needlessly. Sigh. After all the doctors and physical therapists were done with him (and my wallet), he went back to running the long, lonely road. Upon his return, the coach commented how nice it was to see my son laughing at practice again. Now, if you knew this guy, that was an amazing comment. Up to that point I always thought fun was verboten in distance running. I figured it was some kind of strategy to be a sour puss. You know, look tough so no one jacked with you as you jumped over logs, mushrooms, and the occasional furry woodland creature. Hearing this guy actually recognize the value of laughter was surprising and wonderful all at once! Then it hit me: can laughter actually impact a student athlete positively? Methinks so. Loma Linda University researchers have shown laughing

lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, and increases muscle flexion. Flexion. That sounds… functional (Google it and see if it makes sense to you, and throw in “extension and saggital plane” for even more anatomy fun). Even Shakespeare gave thought to the salubrious values of laughter in The Taming of the Shrew, “And frame your mind to mirth and merriment, which bars a thousand harms and lengthens life.” So I started wondering if I put enough effort into making practices fun? Do I remember to play games? Do I remember to encourage the kids to laugh? Do I bear in mind that this is a game? We go to work/school and put up with “stuff ” all day. I’d like to think we are enlightened enough to say before each practice, “what a miserable, stinkin’ day… time for frippery and jest.” Listen, I know there’s pressure to win, but there is a nexus between having fun and winning. Why do you think people like Chris Chelios never wanted to leave the game? Because it is fun and he doesn’t want to grow up! So why would we run our young’un’s through practices that age them prematurely? One more thing: look up the word “frivolity” in a thesaurus. Among others, you will see the words “sport” and “game.” Coincidence? Methinks not! ■


BEHIND THE BENCH By Mark Dyslin

Mark Dyslin has been coaching youth sports for over 15 years and coaching youth hockey since 1999. He is currently one of the coaches for St. Mark’s Junior Varsity Hockey Team.

Personal Driver Service

How does work? It’s easy. Your “prearranged” driver reports to your home, office or wherever you may be and drives your vehicle to become your personal driver.

BE DRIVEN 877-257-3289For more information visit www.DrivenDFW.com

Don’t be THAT Guy.Life of the Party Service Eliminate the risk and embarrassment of a DWI while at the same time experiencing the enjoyment of being dropped off and picked up at the front door everywhere you go.Save 50% off the cost of a limousine company and hire a designated driver. Hire a professionally-trained designated driver for only $35 an hour.

A DWI can cost up to $16,000. Sobering, isn’t it?

www.drivendfw.com

IceTimesMagazineIce Sports Directory


Love Ice Times Magazine and want to help support it? You can donate to our cause of supporting the growth and success of amateur ice hockey in Texas & Oklahoma. Visit our website and donate what you can to help with the print costs. Thanks so much.

DFW MetroplexAddison Sq Gdn 972-960-7465Starbucks 972-238-1563 .3miOlive Garden 972.239-9096 .1miER CareNow 972-387-8900 2.1mi

The Allen Event Center972-678-4646www.alleneventcenter.com

American Airlines CenterHome of the Dallas Starsfor tickets 214.Go-Stars

Dr Pepper StarCenterEuless 817-267-4233Starbucks 817-684-7943 1.1miOlive Garden 817-251-0222 8.0miER CareNow 817-428-7300 5.0mi

Dr Pepper StarCenterFarmers Branch 214-432-3131Starbucks 972-406-8289 3.4miI Fratelli 972-501-9700 3.5miER CareNow 972-387-8900 5.9 mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter Frisco 214-387-5600Starbucks 972-668-9520 .9miOlive Garden 469-633-0406 .8miER 1st Choice 214.618.6800 1.8mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter McKinney at Craigs RanchMcKinney 469-675-8325Starbucks 214-383-4095 1miCareNow 972-599-0077 8mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter Plano 972-758-7528Starbucks 469-229-0100 .4miOlive Garden 972-578-8576 3.5miER 1st Chioce 214-291-0101 2.1mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter PSA 972-208-5437Starbucks 972-758-9565 .5 miOlive Garden 972.633.0406 3.2miER 1st Chioce 214-291-0101 2.1mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter Valley Ranch 972-831-2453Starbucks 972-304-1985 1miSiena Pasta 972-462-0499 1miCoppell EmCare 972-745-8097 3.6mi

ICE at Stonebriar 972-731-9600Starbucks 972-668-1750 0.1miOlive Garden 469-633-0406 .8miER 1st Choice 214.618.6800 2.4mi

Rinks with closest Starbucks, Italian Food and ER Centers AnD AssOCiATiOns (things change, please call before making the trip)

ICE at The Parks 817-419-0095www.IceAtTheParks.netStarbucks in mall outside of rinkOlive Garden 817-283-3121 11miER CareNow 817-465-4928 1.7mi

Ice Training CenterITC Richardson 972-680-7825Starbucks 972-238-1563 .3miOlive Garden 972-234-3292 2.0miER CareNow 972.387.8900 4.7mi

Polar Ice House Grapevine 972-874-1930Starbucks 972-874-1394 .6miOlive Garden 817-251-0222 4.1miCoppell EmCare 972-745-8097 2.6mi

HoustonAerodrome Ice Skating ComplexHouston 281-84-SKATEStarbucks 832-237-7586 .25 miOlive Garden 281- 890-0784Methodist Willowbrook Hosp.281-477-1000 across from rink

Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center281-265-7465Starbucks 281-265-8911Papa LaRosa Flying Pizza in rink281-313-3500Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 281-274-7000

Space City Ice StationFriendswood 281-486-7979www.spacecityice.netOlive Garden 281-488-1022Starbucks 281-488-9800ER Clear Lake l 281-332-2511

AustinChaparral Ice Centers - Austin512.252.8500

Oklahoma CityBlazers Ice Centre -405-631-3307

Arctic Edge Ice Arena - 405-748-5454

StarStuff Locations in all Dr Pepper StarCenters Rinks(except Valley Ranch)

Players BenchRichardson 972.808.9991Coppell 972.393.2777

PRO shOPs*

Forwards/DefenseDavid Ambler 817.905.4561David Fry 817.832.2847Phil Chaney 214.537,6997Cliff Cook 469.831.5441Sergey Deshevyy 214.498.6967Danny Force 817.903,5442Ryan McLean 469 525 1985 Stew Carson 817.253.7022 Michael Beck 972.571.7760Christophe Crossley 817.201.6211Chris Shakesby 214.597.1907Justin Walters 405.413.8623Corey Clarks 360.961.7162

Goaltending

Francois Lemay 469.766.1981Billy Pye 817.845.0133Andrew Norton 817.896.5084Cam MacDonald 817.800.2130

Power SkatingRob Warner 214.478.6605Ramil Sarkulov 817.805.0002David Horn 972.740.5513

PRivATe LessOns*ASSOCIATIONSAerodrome Ice Hockeyaerodromes.com

Alliance Bulldogsalliancebulldogs.org

Arctic Wolf Ice Centerarticwolfice.com

at&t Metroplex High School Hockey Leaguedrpepperstarcenter.com

Austin Roadrunnerswww.chaparralice.com

Bay Area Houston Houndshoundsicehockey.org

Corpus Christi Youth Hockeycoastalbendhockey.com

Dallas Ice Jetsicejets.com

Dallas Oilersdallasoilershockey.com

Dallas Stars AAAdallasstarsaaa.com

Dallas Stars Elite dsehc.com

Dallas Stars Selectsdallasstarsselects.com

Dallas Stars Youth Hockey drpepperstarcenter.com

DJHA Penguinsdjha.com

El Paso Hockeyelpasohockey.org

Grapevine Wolvesgrapevinestarcenter.com

Houston HERricanes Girlswww.houstonherricanes.com

Houston Hitmen Hockeyhoustonhitmen.com

Houston Hurricane Hockeyhoustonhurricanehockey.com

Ice Sports DirectoryHouston Wild Hockeyhoustonwildhockey.com

ICE at the Parks Hockey817-419-0095

Ice Skate USA Hockeyskatememorialcity.com

Interscholastic Hockey Leagueishl.org

Jackalopes Amateur [email protected]

Killer Bee Foundationkillerbeehockey.com

McKinney Ice Hockey Clubmckinneyicehockey.com

Oklahoma City Youth Hockey Association -www.okcyha.org

Polar Ice Housepolaricehousegrapevine.com

Rio Grande Valley Youthrgvyouthhockey.com

San Antonio Youth Hockeysanantonioyouthhockey.com

Scots Hockeydallasscots.com

Senior Stars Hockey Leaguedrpepperstarcenter.com

Sugar Land Ice & Sportssugarlandice.com

Texas Aces Hockey Clubtexasaceshockey.com

Texas Tornado Hockeytornadohockey.com

Tulsa Youth Hockeywww.tyha.com

Univ. of Texas Ice Hockeytexasicehockey.com

Wichita Falls Wildcatswfwildcatshockey.com

Want to be listed as an instructor? You must be a member of good

standing with USA Hockey. Contact [email protected]

You must have a valid USA Hockey membership number

Pro Shops are listed for free with purchase of a regular ad.

Contact us today to place an ad.

[email protected]

Readers, we need a little assist here. Don’t see your rink or

association listed, see something that isn’t correct?

Email us today [email protected]

with your information.

IceTimesMagazine

I have closely observed youth hockey players and their parents for many

years at all levels of competition. One of the things that seems constant with every team my son has played for is the perception that the parents of our goalies somehow are “different” or distant from the rest of us. They often seem to keep to themselves or hug tightly to the other goalie parents. They seem somewhat aloof. I am not sure they act this way because of what they believe we think of their children, but just in case that plays any role in their thoughts, here are five things most of the rest of us want to tell goalies and their parents.1. Goalies Are Always Appreciated.

Goalies play a special role on the team no other player can step into. The rest of a team’s players are mostly interchangeable, but the goalie is a unique element in the overall formula. Goalie equipment is expensive in ways the rest of us cannot imagine, which means your family is paying a premium to be on the ice with our kids. The goalie also plays the entire game, standing in one freezing-cold spot, in twice the equipment that skaters wear. He doesn’t get to go to the bench and relax while he thinks about what just happened. He is repeatedly hit point blank with f rozen rubber bullets traveling up to 90 m.p.h. His game is often marked by long periods of boredom punctuated with moments of sheer terror – just like a police officer, one of the highest-stress jobs

in the world. Because of these facts, we appreciate that the goalie – above all others – possesses tremendous stamina, amazing physical endurance, and uncanny mental and emotional toughness that would literally shock the rest of us if we could just glimpse it. And this is in addition to the blinding quickness and super-human eye-hand coordination required for the position. Goalies are special people in almost every way, and we are glad you are part of the team.

2. Goalies Are Not Hated When They Make A Mistake. No player likes to mess up, and when they do, every player from time to time feels the rest of their team holds it against them. This probably goes double for goalies since they are the highest-visibility position on the team and the last line of defense. Maybe you goalie parents also feel that way. If you do, we want you to know that such feelings, and those of your child, are misplaced. Oh sure, the other players may slam their sticks on the ice when a “soft” goal is scored, but more often than not when they do this, they are thinking NOT about what the goalie just did, but about what they themselves could have done better to have avoided putting the goalie in the position to have missed the shot. And even if our kids are not thinking that, you can be sure we parents are.

3. Goalies Are Not To Blame for The Team’s Losses. A long-time coach once said: “In hockey, the first team

to 10 goals, wins.” In other words, a goalie who lets in 9 shots with a save percentage of 0.00% is still on the winning team if his teammates score 10 or more. It’s simple math. In the game of hockey, the goalie is not responsible for scoring the team’s goals; that job belongs to the other players. In fact, even a goalie “assist” is a rarity. Every thinking player on the losing team knows that his individual effort (or lack thereof ) contributed to the loss, just as every thinking player on the winning team hopes that he contributed in some part to the victory. That’s just how it is in team sports and true “team players” all know this. As for the unthinking players, well, you should just ignore them. Hopefully, they will grow up some day. Same goes for unthinking parents.

4. Goalie Parents Are Not To Blame for Their Child’s Performance. While some parents seem to be living vicariously through their athlete children, this belief never flows the other way. That is, the rest of us do not think that other parents are actually the players themselves. While we parents sometimes talk about “our” victory in a game, or say “we played poorly,” or we congratulate a parent when his kid does something great, only the most clueless parent thinks he or she personally had anything to do with what happened in the game. We do not think your child’s performance is your doing. But we


From the STANDS IceTimesMagazine hears from its readers.

The Top Five Things We Want To Tell Goalie ParentsBy Jim Pikl

DO know how much you love your child, and we know how much we hurt when our own children are hurting. Far from blaming you, we empathize with you when you have to comfort your goalie when he or she is feeling lousy. And we rejoice with you in the good times.

5. If We Ever Say Or Do Anything That Betrays Points 1 Through 4 Above, We Are Sorry. We all suffer from foot-in-mouth disease from time to time. The heat of the moment is legendary for making perfectly sane people do and say ridiculous, outrageous things. Usually, it is an accidental slip of the tongue when we guffaw or curse after a bad play on the ice. Please, please realize that we are only human. For any time any of us have ever said or done anything that you perceive as violating or ignoring Points 1 through 4 above, we sincerely apologize and ask you to forgive us.

And now a note to non-goalie parents. One thing I have noticed about goalie parents: no matter what happens on the ice, no matter who coughs up the puck right in the slot, no matter who trips over the blue line and falls down creating a 4-on-0 offensive rush headed right at their kid, no matter how often other parents make snide remarks about the play of their goalie child, goalie parents NEVER berate, criticize, or make snide remarks about any of the other players on their own team. Did you ever notice this? Maybe I have just had great goalie parents on all 17 of my son’s teams, but I have noticed this in spades. And I have often wondered why that is. Here’s a thought: maybe, just maybe, goalie parents have an extra measure of the same uncanny mental and emotional toughness and otherworldly self-control as their children possess. Maybe goalie parents imprinted these qualities on their child. Maybe the apple did not fall far from their tree. Goalie parents: thank you for being the kind of parents we should all hope to be. Please come sit next to us in the stands. ■

IceTimesMagazine


Moments In Time Video Productions“The Best of Times… The Best of You”• Commercial Business Advertising• Marketing - Promotional Consulting• Training • Corporate• Music Videos• Special Events • Weddings• Video to DVD Transfers• DVD Authoring & Duplication• SD/HD Post Production

Joel Brooks • 817-771-8347jbrooks@mitvideoproductions.comwww.mitvideoproductions.com22 years experience in video and post production

Joel Brooks has produced video for national television programs DATELINE NBC, REAL TV, and HARD COPY,plus for organizations such as United Way, churchesand local television stations.

Silversticks Squirt Champs Wolves.

Ryan Nicks #42 moves the

puck up ice.

Get Your By Ian Clark Today available on Amazon.com

The 10 Quickest Ways to Improve Your GamePrice: $17.09

The 10 Secrets to Great Rebound Control Price: $19.99

Start or add to your collection of The 10 Series of Goaltending Handbooks today by getting your copies of The 10 Quickest Ways to Improve Your Game and Ian Clark’s latest book — The 10 Secrets to Great Rebound Control. These easy and simple-to-read compilations of goaltender skills and approaches are a great way to advance your game. Designed for goalies of all ages and skill levels, these collections show goalies how to make performance improvements quickly and efficiently. Best of all, these simple concepts can be easily established within a goalkeeper’s game.

The 10 Series builds on the philosophy that “you” can be your best coach and when equipped with the right tools and information that “you” can take charge of your development ... on your terms.

The 10 Series-Give the Gift of More Saves What better goaltending gift could there be? Give your avid goalie a 10 Series Handbook and give the gift of more saves. Go to Amazon.com and start your holiday shopping today!!!

www.mitvideoproductions.com

www.kegsteakhouse.com

2010-11 Season

itm nov 2010

Documents

texas hockey day

hot water

kids ages

tier girls utmar

girls camar30apr3 nationals

youth dallasmar

tolerance policy

different rinks