Coach's Corner

The first comment I would like to make is to the players, for an outstanding performance this weekend. With a short bench you guys dominated Stratford in game #1, you out shot and out played Oakridge in game #2, down 1 more player on an already short bench you battled hard against Waterloo in game #3, then blew away Oakridge in the semis to move on to the final game of the weekend. That was our goal all along, and you achieved that goal. I think that alone says it all about our team. I know we didn’t win the gold, but look back at the positives that came out of our season, and WE MADE IT TO THE PROVINCIALS. There were only 6 Kitchener teams of 19 teams that made it this year, and we were one of them. We’ve had a great year, and a busy year!! Take a look back on the website and on the calendar…the many social activities, you’ve all made new friends, we played a total of 66 games (with practices we were on the ice 97 times), we won 3 silver medals and 1 gold medal. Not bad for 6 ½ months of hockey!! You boys should be very proud of how far you’ve come this season. This coaching staff is proud, and your parents, families, and friends are too!!  Also, I would like to thank Justin Cotton for coming out this weekend to support our team as our back-up goaltender.

Secondly, I'd like to congratulate the Waterloo Ice Wolves. It was another good battle and a tight game right to the final buzzer.  

Well boys, we have one final activity planned for our team on April 25^th. I hope everyone is able to attend and celebrate our achievements throughout the season.   

"It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end.” 

Coach Len

First of all, I would like to congratulate the Waterloo Ice Wolves for their championship win. The coaching staff, parents, and players were by far one of the classiest teams we’ve played this season.

Second of all, I congratulate you boys for your hard work in the playoff round to get us to the finals and secure us a spot in the provincials. We are 1 of 4 teams of the original 13 at the Bantam MD level, who fought through playoffs and playdowns to extend our season. We’ve played 61 games in total, some good, some not so good, but each game taught us a lesson and you prevailed and are all responsible for keeping our season alive. GREAT JOB, BLUE!!  I had asked this team to step it up in each game throughout our playoffs and playdowns, AND YOU DID... BUT OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE LIES AHEAD IN TWO WEEKS. I must say, as a Head Coach, that I am very happy to be heading to the provincials for my second season in a row!!

A special thanks to Justin Cotton for filling in at the very last minute.

“THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IS NOT IN EVER FALLING, BUT IN RISING AGAIN AFTER YOU FALL.”

Coach Len

Hey players, I wasn't able to the make the game last night but I heard what happened, and we know what the Ice Wolves are capable of. We have to work twice as hard as they do. We have to be twice as determined, have twice the desire, and we need twice the effort. They won't make it easy!! We have to stay positive when the score board is not in our favour. Remember...the small things better!! We have 40 minutes to play the game...we have 40 minutes to win. Tomorrow, I'll be there, and I want each of you to be there fully prepared to win and go on to game #3.

"Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a vision."

Coach Len

What a nice win over Brantford last night!! Overtime, 5 minutes…you boys dominated 3 minutes and 35 seconds, the pressure in their end, and finally the goal which won us the game, and secured our team a spot in the Provincials…GREAT JOB!!  If this team believes, then we can continue to beat our opponents one by one. This coaching staff believes, and your families all believe. Each one of you has contributed to our successes throughout the season. We’ve done really well, and you should be very proud of your accomplishments. The coaches and parents are very proud of all of you and your efforts to make it to this point. AWESOME WORK, BLUE!!

“There's no ceiling on effort!”

"For every disciplined effort there is a multiple reward."

Coach Len

It was certainly not our best game. Yes we had some nice goals, but I’m sure each of you knows what went wrong last night, and what you need to do better tonight. I’m not going to dissect each period played, but clearly we have to get our game together if we want to win. Brantford will not let up at all, and it showed last night when we had the 5-2 lead going in to the third period. Don’t let your guard down against this team. When we had the puck, they worked hard to get possession of that puck. They lifted our sticks so easily last night and kept stealing the puck from us. You guys have to work harder to keep possession. Blind passes have to stop!! Lift your heads look and pass, and make sure you have the room to pass. How many passes did they intercept last night…TOO MANY!!  One other item I want to mention and I expect it from all players…is respect for the opponent, coaches, and officials. 

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners.”

Coach Len

I knew we were in for a battle last night, but the wrong kind of battle.  The Phantoms had nothing to play for, they were done.  After our last game against them in Hamilton, I knew what kind of game they were going to play. Thankfully the ref had a tight leash on their team, but their frustrations set in late in the third.  DISCIPLINE…I SPOKE FOR 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE GAME ABOUT DISCIPLINE.  I TALK ABOUT DISCIPLINE ALL THE TIME. The more disciplined team always prevails. We’ve seen it this season over and over again.  We were all over the Phantoms last night, and we played hockey the way it was meant to be played. We weren’t perfect, we made mistakes, but you know where the mistakes were made and how to correct them. In our next round against Brantford, I WANT 100 % DISCIPLINE, I WANT 100% EFFORT, I WANT 100% TEAMWORK, I WANT 100% DRIVE AND DETERMINATION, AND I WANT 100% FOCUS ON OUR GOAL AS A TEAM. I KNOW THIS TEAM CAN DO IT… SO LET’S SHOW EVERYONE THAT WE CAN.

“Discipline is remembering what you want.”

Coach Len

The Spitfires came to Kitchener last night hopeful for a win, but our team worked hard to stop that from happening.  I saw a great effort from all 3 lines, many good scoring opportunites...although it didn't pay off early, and a lot of good puck movement. We have one more playoff game tomorrow. Let's go out and play the same game with the same drive and determination to win.

"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination."

Coach Len

We outshot the Blizzard last night, and had some beautiful chances to capitalize, but each time we tried, we were robbed by their goaltender. We finally did score the first goal of the game late in the third, and I saw a more energized group, but then they tied it up. We have a goal, and what I want to see tomorrow, Monday, and in future games, is a group of players who are PREPARED, FOCUSED, ENERGIZED, and DETERMINED to win. We need more shots on net, and we need to use our points more often, ONLY if they are open for the pass. Lift your head, take a look, pass the puck, and we will see the points on the board.

"Goals help you channel your energy into action."

Coach Len

Sorry players, but the flu kept me home last night.  I heard about the game, and I guess it was a nail biter.  Glad to hear we got a point, but our shots on net were low. The Ice dominated with 3 times more shots on net.  Nick kept us in the game, no doubt!!  I know we had a 7 day break last week without any games, but we need to get back on track and focus on our goal.  We have to be disciplined at every aspect of our game...playing position, sticking to the game plan, carrying out assignments, avoiding unnecessary penalties.  I want to see short shifts, hard skating, controlling the puck right in to their net. Each line on this team can do it, and I want to see it in the remaining 3 games of our playoffs.

"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."

Coach Len

Wow, what a game!!  Heading in to this match up 3 players short, you guys stepped it up and played EXTREMELY well. Shots on net 38 (us) 27 (them)...both goaltenders played an amazing game!! Our double shifted defense stood strong and fulfilled their assignments, while our forwards had opportune chances to score over and over again.We saw a lot of heart in our game last night, a lot of effort against a team we've tied in our previous 3 meetings. Great job,Blue!! Let's continue working hard towards our goal...one step at a time.

Go Blue Go!!

"There's no ceiling on effort!" "One may walk over the highest mountain one step at a time."

Coach Len

But...we can't win games from the penalty box!! I know there were some questionable penalties, but the ref is not going to change the call, no matter what we say or how we react. Two power play goals led to our demise. WE HAVE TO STAY OUT OF THE BOX...plain and simple. Our first loss in the playoffs, let's work hard to make it our last. Tomorrow...Burlington... prepare, work hard, discipline, 2 points.

"Decide carefully, exactly what you want, then work like mad to make sure you get it!"

Coach Len

Great game last night!!  You guys dominated...with a few slip ups, kept your cool...EXCELLENT DISCIPLINE, you controlled the puck most of the game outshooting our opponent. GREAT JOB ALL IN ALL!!! Let's keep our drive alive in our battle vs the Ice Wolves today. In both match ups through regular season we've tied the Ice. We've had such great chemistry since St. Catharines...let's go to Waterloo and only settle for 2!!

"Develop the winning edge; small differences in your performance can lead to large differences in your results."

Coach Len

Pretty impressive stats...we were able to get 3 out of 4 points from a very good Brantford opponent. We certainly did a great job with our penalty kill last night as well. Overall team defense has done extremely well over the last 5 playoff games + since our St. Catharines tournament, we have only lost one game in our last 9, that was losing 1-0 to the tournament champions. Team Blue is on a mission. Let's move forward in our next 7 games with the same intensity, drive, determination, and hard work, and we will see success each time. Puck possession is vital. Getting the puck out of our own end is vital. Lifting our heads and passing to our own player is vital. We also need discipline in every shift of every game. Hamilton Spitfires on Saturday on their home ice, let's come back to Kitchener with 2 in hand.

"Success is focusing the full power of all you are on what you have a burning desire to achieve."

Coach Len

I was a little concerned with the slow start in the first period, but you boys kicked it up a few notches and scored some beautiful goals. Brantford came out pretty physical, but you were able to battle through that physical play and put some points on the board. GREAT JOB BLUE!! We had a few struggles getting it out of our own end, but all in all cycled the puck quite well last night. Great work killing off the 5 on 3!! Be prepared for our game tonight, Brantford will want revenge and 2 points back.  Remember...WORK HARD...at the face off, our puck, their end, look, pass and score...the small things better!!

"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender."

Coach Len

It was quite clear in last night's game which team kept their focus and discipline. Great job Blue!! You kept your cool, you walked away, you maintained your focus and discipline, and won this game against the Phantoms. They wanted something last night, and they got it...another loss!! We had ample chances on their net, but their goaltender kept them within reach.This game offers a good lesson on discipline, without it, your chances of success are nil. In my many experiences over the years, the undisciplined team always loses the battle in the end!! Next game is against Brantford. Let's keep that focus and discipline alive and send Brantford home with 0 points.

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments"

Coach Len

Definitely not our best game tonight! Burlington came to our city looking for their 4th win in this playoff round. They certainly proved to be a formidable opponent. We got bottled up in our own end way too many times in this game. Burlington was in our face when we had the puck, and we need to do the same when they have the puck. I'm happy we got a point, but I know you guys can play better hockey than you did tonight. We need to come out to every game hungry for a win. We need to work hard every shift. This is the playoff round Blue, a new start for us, and I want this team to move forward right to the Provincials.

"In the dictionary "success" comes before "work". Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price."

Coach Len

Good job against our first Hamilton rival, in our first playoff game. Period 1 and period 2 were touch and go, but in the 3rd period you guys exploded with 17 shots compared to their 3. We need this team to explode in EVERY period we play…we have 33 periods and 440 minutes in 11 more games!!  Positional play is so important. Each player should know where to be for that golden pass. Great passing last night led to 5 beautiful goals. Their goalie robbed us over and over again, but you guys kept coming, kept shooting…that is what we need to do ALL THE TIME!! Pressure your opponent, pressure their goalie, keep that puck in their end, and keep shooting on net.  

Burlington on Saturday, we’ve tied them twice in regular season, let’s show them what Blue is capable of!!

“Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work”

Coach Len

In all the years I’ve attended this tournament, this is the first year a team I’ve been on has ever made it to the semi final game.  It’s a tough tournament to advance.  With 12 teams and only 4 who move on to the semis, you can’t lose a game or you’re pretty much done!  You boys played some good hockey; 2-0-1!!  Our first game against Port Dover...you had back to back to back to back penalties and were able to kill off near 4 straight minutes of 5 on 3, and then were able to prevail with a 3-1 win.  Not too impressed with the ref that game, especially when he kept taking our centre man off the faceoff...no reason for that!! Our second game vs Timber... we started off slow then caught the Wolves off guard in the 3rd and were able to end it in a 2-2 tie. Third game... facing a team who beat us earlier in the season at the Cambridge Tournament, we certainly dominated and kept our heads in the game when they clearly had some cheap body shots against us. Great discipline from Blue and a nice 6-1 victory to advance us to the semis as the 3^rd place team. And finally, the semi-final game against Timber... truly an exciting one for sure, a 1-0 loss to the first place team in this tournament. Congratulations to the Waterloo Timberwolves for their gold medal victory!

We’ve had a decent run at our tournaments this season. With the many new faces on our team this year, we’ve made it to the semis twice; Cambridge and St. Catharines, we won SILVER in Brantford, and GOLD in Pittsburgh. GREAT JOB BOYS!!

Now we move on to our playoff round with 12 games ahead of us. We have to focus on positional play. Our regular season is history, our tournaments are done, we now start a clean slate, and from where I stand...THIS TEAM HAS THE ABILITY TO MAKE IT TO THE PROVINCIALS, SO LET’S DO IT!! 

“Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you SHOULD accomplish with your ability”

PLAYOFFS:  Teams in Tier 2 will play a home/away series round-robin against each team in their tier (for a total of 12 games). The top four after the playoff round robin will make it to the Tier 2 semi-finals (1st vs 4th & 2nd vs 3rd) in a best 2 out 3 series. The winners will play in the Tier 2 finals and both teams will compete in the Tier 2 MD Championship tournament in Stratford the weekend of April 9-11.

“MOTIVATION gives you the first push, but you need PERSISTENCE and SELF DISCIPLINE to get to the finish line of success”

GO BLUE GO!!

Coach Len

We lost composure, we lost our focus, we were not disciplined enough to win this game. If we would have played the first and third periods like the second, we probably could have won. 3-2 for Cambridge heading in to the third period...we were back in the game, but...you guys know exactly what I'd say after the word "but"!! And, we actually outshot them!!

We have to come to the arena PREPARED and FOCUSED. I did not see that last night, and it started at the pre-game warm-up. When we enter the doors at the arena, we have to be mentally, physically, and emotionally ready to play our best game of hockey. We have to come in to each game knowing our assignments and fulfilling them at 100%, lifting our heads to find our team mate for that perfect pass, skating our hardest and fastest in order to get to the puck first...ESPECIALLY AT THE FACE OFF, playing physical with proper body checks, and WE HAVE TO HAVE SELF-DISCIPLINE.  If we have all these, we will see success. 

St. Catharines this weekend...we have some tough opponents to face and they will want victory over us...but who will want it more...US OR THEM?

Playoffs start next Tuesday, this is the time for Team Blue to shine.

"Self-discipline begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do."

Coach Len

We played pretty good last night against the Blizzard...24 shots to 9, but there is always room for improvement!! You guys know what areas I'm talking about!! The buzzer certainly came at an opportune time!! We have one more regular season game next week vs Cambridge. We haven't played well against this team in the past, so...I EXPECT EACH OF YOU TO PREPARE YOURSELVES AND COME OUT TO WIN...I WANT TO SEE 17 PLAYERS CRAVE VICTORY!!

"Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire."

Coach Len

PHYSICAL…that’s how they played last year, and that’s how they continue to play.  I know the ref should have called some elbows, hooks, and head shots, but he didn’t, and unfortunately for as angry as I was behind the bench, there was nothing we could do.  Questioning a ref’s call doesn’t get us coaches anywhere other than more frustrated.  The same goes for you players.  I know it seems unfair at times, but we have to get over it, and continue to play our BEST hockey and be the BETTER team.  The ref is not going to change his/her mind on a call.  If anything we should get charged up and play even harder when the strikes are against us.  I noticed last night when a number of you came off the ice banging your sticks.  Why?  You guys know when you’ve made a mistake, so correct it next time.  You know what we practice, and I’ve said it over and over…take that practical experience and use it in EVERY game. Let’s focus on tonight’s game vs the Blizzard, and think positive, play positive, and act positive for 40 minutes.

“Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

Coach Len

After our regular season (consisting of 24 games (home/away per team)), the league will be divided into 2 tiers: Tier 1 will be the top six teams after regular season, and Tier 2 will be the next seven teams.

Playoffs:

Teams in Tier 1 will play a home/away series round-robin against each team in their tier (for a total of 10 games). The top four after the playoff round robin will make it to the Tier 1 semi-finals (1st vs 4th & 2nd vs 3rd) in a best 2 out 3 series. The winners will play in the Tier 1 finals and both teams will compete in the Tier 1 MD Championship tournament in Stratford, ON in April 2010.

Teams in Tier 2 will play a home/away series round-robin against each team in their tier (for a total of 12 games). The top four after the playoff round robin will make it to the Tier 2 semi-finals (1st vs 4th & 2nd vs 3rd) in a best 2 out 3 series. The winners will play in the Tier 2 finals and both teams will compete in the Tier 2 MD Championship tournament in Stratford the weekend of April 9-11.

...and took that fire on the ice vs Brantford. You guys played well and with such intensity.  Let's do the same this coming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday...our last 3 regular season games. Remember...the small things better!!

"Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did."

"Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak."

Coach Len

Remember what I said in the dressing room before the game about "The Test". Timber passed their test, and I congratulate their team. Tonight before our game against Brantford, I EXPECT EACH OF YOU to prepare for this next test, and the coaching staff WANT TO SEE SOME A+ RESULTS. Prepare + concentrate on the job at hand and work hard during testing = success...simple, isn't it?? That is all I want you to focus on tonight. Let's come home with 2 points against the Saints.

"Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success."

Coach Len

Not much I can say other than St. Catharines out played us, out shot us, and they dominated this game. This is why they are in first place, and should be with that level of play. Back on October 31st we beat them 2-0. I'm sure the coaching staff reminded their team of that, and they were 100% determined to win this one! Every game we play, whether against the first place or the last place team, we HAVE TO step out on the ice with DESIRE, DRIVE, AND DETERMINATION and each player should FOCUS on winning. FIRST SHIFT BOYS...SMALL THINGS BETTER!! What outcome do we want to see in our remaining 5 league games? I know what I want to see, and I know what you want to see...so let's pick it up a couple of notches and do it!! Don't look at where these team lie in the standings, upsets happen all the time in the NHL!! We have to come together as a team, on the ice, with the same want...the same drive...the same goal...and 100% EFFORT out of every player. 

"Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek."

Coach Len

We hope the team has caught up on sleep after an AWESOME long weekend in Pittsburgh.  We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend for players, coaches, parents and siblings…as there was much time for team bonding for both adults and kids, and of course shopping for the many avid shoppers on our team.  The weather, too, was a bonus…no snow!!  A “special thanks" to Julie for all the hours she spent planning this tournament. Thanks to Vern, our bus driver, he was great and catered to our every need.    

When it came to game time, all players got together and played as a team. They all know how to play hockey, but what we really stressed was doing the small things better. As some of you know I am not big on individual stats, but the team stats that I love to see are the “27 goals for compared to the 8 goals against” from this tournament. This comes from playing as a team and doing all those small things right. In our pre-game we really stressed making something happen on your first shift…like a goal, a good scoring opportunity, a hit, or just a good hockey play, and that’s what we did. Another team stat that people may not be aware of is we never trailed at anytime during this tournament. Chevy Chase gave us some trouble and they had a pretty good female goaltender who kept them in the majority of the game. The Princeton Tigers were a very good team and showed it in the two games we played, but once we got the lead, we were not going to be beat. The Clarence Mustangs, also a very good team, met their only defeat against us in the final championship game. Moving forward we know what we are capable of, and with HARD TEAM WORK we will continue a winning trend.

“Vision is not enough, it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs.”

Coach Len

We started out on a good note with a 2-0 lead, but Red knew they had to get back in to the game, and they did. The lesson here is that it isn't how you start, it is how you finish. We have to stick to our game plan for the full 40 minutes. We also have to respect every opponent in this league, knowing that any lead we have in a game, we have to work REALLY hard to maintain. I’ve said this before, and will repeat myself over and over throughout the rest of the season. It was a good game played by both teams, and I saw some good momentum, but…we need to remember: our positions, our individual tasks, to pass the puck more often, to shoot on net sooner than later, to lift our heads and know where our team-mates are at all times, what to do at the drop of the puck, our physical play, to dig hard in the corners and come out with that puck…you guys know all this stuff, but you need to execute it on a regular basis. 

This game is history, and we must now look ahead and enjoy our weekend in Pittsburgh, play some good hockey, and hopefully come home with some hardware.

Good Luck to our friends on Red, as they too will tackle some U.S. competition this weekend. 

“The key is not the "will to win"... Everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.”

Go Blue Go!

Coach Len

It was a tough night to play hockey…we all wanted to be at home watching the Canada vs USA Junior Championship game!! You guys were able to focus on your task at hand, while in the back of everyone’s mind, we were praying for another Canada Gold.  Great job vs the Hamilton Spitfires!! They came to Kitchener hopeful for a win, but our team wouldn’t give them that. It got quite physical on their part when they thought they might have a chance against us, but you boys returned the physical play and dominated. Never give up!!  If you’re down a goal or two or three, you have to stay focused and play the better game. We have a few practices before our next match up vs Kitchener Red.  Let’s work hard during these practices and take what we’ve learned out on the ice next week.  Pittsburgh is just around the corner, and we will have some good competition across the border.  Preparation, determination, focus, belief, hard work…and we will see success.

"To succeed at the level I want to... you have to be focused and serious."

 Coach Len

We, the coaching staff, are VERY PROUD of the effort put forth by EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU to battle through and make it to the Championship Final. It’s always good to face some different teams when entering in to a tournament, and we had some pretty good competition. Our final game vs Brantford was unfortunate, I agree. The players are supposed to be the centre of attention, NOT THE REF!! That was our game. We outshot and outplayed Brantford right to the final buzzer. Even the coaching staff from Brantford apologized to us. YOU BOYS SHOULD BE PROUD OF YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS this week, and KEEP YOUR HEADS HELD HIGH. There is nothing we can do but move on and look ahead...we have 8 more regular season games, our playoff round, and a couple more tournaments. I know everyone is excited about Pittsburgh, and it is sure to be a great time!!   

A special thanks to all parents for any car pooling of players, and the back and forth travels to and from Brantford. 

“Everybody wants to be a winner. Who wouldn't want to reach the finish line first? But sometimes winning is not just about finishing first. Real victory lies in participating sportingly. The spirit of sportsmanship makes each of us a winner, whether we hold the trophy or not.” 

Coach Len 

A "special thanks" to the players for their "Happy Birthday" wishes at Moose Winooski's yesterday!!  I heard it was all your idea, and to boot, you guys can sing...pretty impressive!! Thanks to Riley for taking the pie in the face from me...that was fun!!  Pictures to be posted soon!!  GREAT JOB in Brantford...YOU BOYS SHOULD BE PROUD OF YOUR EFFORTS...I AM!! 

GOOOOO BLUUUUEEEE!!!

Julie

From what I've seen all season, we played our best period of hockey in the first period of this game. When I see what we are capable of, it shows me what kind of team we can potentially be. Mentally we have to know how to sustain this for 3 periods of hockey. Although you dominate, sometimes the results aren't always there, and we only led 1-0 after the first period. We CAN'T be discouraged, even though we work hard, but we MUST work harder to sustain that level of play. Heading in to Brantford next week, if we minimize our mistakes, we can go deep in to this tournament, because I've seen what this team is capable of. THE COACHING STAFF BELIEVES IN YOU...AND YOU SHOULD TOO!!

"Visualize what you want. See it, feel it, believe in it. Make it your mental blueprint."

Coach Len

"It's great to be on the right track, but if you don't keep moving you'll get run over."

I think we are on the right track, but we must continue to work on our weaknesses. Tonight the Cyclones exposed us to a weakness we have on our faceoffs. This is something we have worked on, but will have to impove on how to execute properly. Faceoffs start with every player being ready and knowing what to do at the drop of the puck. There can be no hesitation of your assigment because 2 or 3 seconds can make a difference between giving up a scoring opportunity or breaking out in to an odd man rush. We will continue to stay on track and continue to move forward.

Coach Len

I'm very proud of you guys for the win last night. Sorry I couldn't be there, but I heard you boys played a great game!! You controlled all three periods, you played hockey the way it's meant to be played, and you were determined to win. Each one of you stepped out on the ice with confidence, with the belief that Team Blue can do it. Let's keep the momentum going. The Cyclones come to town on Saturday. We haven't played this team yet, so let's carbon copy last night's game against another Hamilton team.

"Nothing can stand in the way of absolute belief and confidence."

GO BLUE GO!

Coach Len

We squeaked out of this one with a point, and came back in the third to tie. Burlington came to town with a purpose. You boys never gave up and that alone say a lot. I know we’re working on something new, and to perfect it we will need some practice. We have a couple of extra ice times before our next game on Wednesday, so let’s work hard as a group and perfect our game.

"Leaders aren't born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal." 

Coach Len

Positional play is very important, and each of you knows that. So what happened last night? The Tigers had control of the first and third periods. We had better control of the second period, but that was not enough to win. We have to control 40 minutes each game we play. We know our capabilities, we know what this team can do, I've said it numerous times... but we have to be CONSISTENT with our EFFORTS. Each of you has to step out on the ice every game and EXPECT to play to the best of your ability. We have to be motivated. Motivation must become habit on this team. What we learn in practice has to be applied on the ice at game time. We definitely have to face some tough opponents this season, and, if we step it up...we can compete.

"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going."

Coach Len

Hats off to our team for a well played game.  You boys came together and controlled the plays on the ice from period to period, right from the first face off.  We doubled the shots on net vs our opponent, and put up with some pretty nasty hits, but you boys were very well disciplined and kept your heads in the game.  I saw the dedication and hard work last night.  Each line contributed, and that is what BLUE CAN DO...EVERY GAME.  Excellent work!  Let's keep the drive alive and prepare for our second match up against the Tigers on Saturday.   

"I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen."

GO BLUE GO!!

Coach Len 

Boys, you showed a lot of heart and dedication in every game you played these past three days.  We had a short bench and also had to deal with some adverse calls against us right from the start.  The coaching staff saw improvement this weekend, and were quite impressed with each player’s determination and effort. You never gave up and battled hard in the first 3 games. GREAT EFFORT against Brantford to come back and tie and make it to the semis. In the first two periods of the semi final game, you continued to battle hard against Cambridge, but in the 3^rd period we lost the drive and they took control of the rest of that game. Had we played as hard as we did the first two periods of that game, we had a chance to catch up...we did it against Brantford, and we can do it against any of our opponents.  YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE YOU CAN!!  Aside from the final period of that game, you played some of your best hockey this season.  I want to see this momentum continue as we move ahead in our regular season.  We have to remember to use positive energy in our games, minimize our mistakes, focus on the task at hand, and take control of the game right from the first face off.

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”

Coach Len   

Another game played with a short bench...the first period we did alright, the third period we did alright, but the second period something went wrong and the Tigers took over and scored 5 quick goals.  We have to focus on the game plan, we have to focus on our abilities as a team, we have to focus on positional play, we have to focus on coming back in a game when we are behind.  FOCUS, DETERMINATION, ATTITUDE, BELIEF, COMMITMENT, OPTIMISM, PERSERVERANCE, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, SELF-DISCIPLINE, CONTROL, EFFORT, ENERGY, and I can go on and on. Each of you should remember these words when you’re out there playing the game, every game.  We have some tough teams to face in this Cambridge Tournament.  Let’s go out there and prove we are a team with a purpose.

“Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.”

 Coach Len 

The way you boys played in the first period, is the way ALL 3 PERIODS need to be played.  Our bench was 3 players short, which is tough, but we have to mentally say to ourselves that WE CAN STILL DO IT.  WE HAVE A PLAN...we got the first goal, and we got control early, but then we lost that control, and Brantford took over.  We have the ability, we have speed on this team, we need to use it, and use it throughout 3 periods, not 1, not 2, but ALL 3 PERIODS.  Let's put this one behind us, and concentrate on Wednesday's game in Hamilton.

"To Achieve Great Things You Must Dream
of Greatness, Create a Plan, and Take Action!"

Coach Len 

I hope each of you learned a valuable lesson playing in this exhibition game.  We will meet this team again, later in the season, and I'd like to see us prevail over this opponent.  They are a tough team, but so are we.  We have to be disciplined at every aspect of our game; playing position, staying with the game plan, carrying our assignments, and avoiding unneccessary penalties. 

"Victory belongs to the most perservering"

Coach Len

“Self-discipline begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do.”

“To succeed at the level I want to... you have to be focused and serious.”

Coach Len

Excellence Is Not A Single Act...It Is A Habit

If you want to become a great hockey player developing good practice habits is extremely important. Don't ever kid yourself into believing you can "step-it-up" in a game, and you don't have to practice hard. The greatest athletes in all sports share a common characteristic;they practice as hard as they play.

As you develop through practice, you will find some skills come easier than others.   In order to develop into a well-rounded player, approach practice by working especially hard on your weaknesses, while you continue to refine the skills you are strong in.  

We got off to the start we wanted against Burlington, but the lesson in this game is that it isn't how you start, it is how you finish. We have to stick to our game plan for the full 40 minutes. We also have to respect every opponent in this league, knowing that any lead we have in a game, we have to work hard to maintain. In order to meet our goals, this team has to work on keeping a positive attitude within themselves and towards their teammates. I preach to all parents to instill this positive attitude on the way to each game and after each game. This coaching staff wants everyone, parents and players, to see the positives. We have to start believing in our talents, I do. 

"A positive attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier."

Coach Len 

Although we did win, we HAVE TO fine tune many aspects of our game.  I saw improvement on certain areas we've worked on in practice, but we HAVE TO maintain our game plan for 3 periods.  I also think that our mental preparation HAS TO to get better.  We HAVE TO show up to every game FOCUSED on the job at hand.  We also HAVE TO play the game FOCUSED on the job at hand. We NEED an energized bench throughout EVERY game we play.  I haven't seen that yet!! 

"The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results."

Coach Len

A great time was had by all who attended our first team building event at Flagraiders. The boys had fun sniping their own, and a few brave Dads who took to the field to practice their shooting skills, came out alive with some good welts themselves!!  This team has some amazing shooters...that's for sure!!  A special thanks to our social committee for planning this event for the team.  

Coach Len

Sorry Rangers, but the flu got a hold of me and that is why I couldn’t make it last night. I did hear about the game, and the only thing I can say is that WE HAVE TO incorporate what we learn at practices in to our games.  You guys know what we practice, you guys know what needs to be done on the ice in a game situation, YOU GUYS CAN DO IT…I KNOW IT. These 8:30 pm away games are tough, but its mind over matter, and I expect all of you to come out as a force to be reckoned with.  

Next game, team blue, next game…

“HAVE A BELIEF IN YOURSELF THAT IS BIGGER THAN ANYONE’S DISBELIEF”

Coach Len 

We were 3 players short going in to this game, but you guys played much better than the last game vs Hamilton.  I saw some great passing plays, puck execution, and some good rushes. Red has talent, no doubt, and now we know what we have to do when we meet them again.

"To accomplish great things we must first dream, then visualize, then plan... believe... act!" 

Go BLUE Go!!

Coach Len 

Well boys, I think you know how I feel after last night’s game.  We out shot the Phantoms, but then handed them 2 points!!  We gave them that game!!  We have speed on this team, and we need to execute that speed in all of our games.  We need to take what we learn at practice and incorporate those plays against our opponents.  We have some tough competition this season, and we ALL need to come to the arena READY to play at 110%!!

NEXT WEEK, TEAM BLUE…SAME ARENA, SAME TIME, DIFFERENT HAMILTON OPPONENT…LET’S BE READY, WILLING, AND WE KNOW WE ARE ABLE.

“There’s only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything. I do, and I demand that my players do.” (Vince Lombardi)

Coach Len 

Well boys, our third regular season game against the Ice Wolves was a good game, but I know you can play better. We were down 2 players heading in to this match up against the Ice, and we had the lead going in to the third period, then we lost our focus...and next thing we know the game is tied. We got a point out of this one, but I know this team can get 2 points the next time we meet. 

“Good, better, best; never let it rest till your good is better and your better is best.”

Coach Len

Our first game was a tough one, no doubt.  We worked hard, but Cambridge worked harder.  It was a great learning experience for our team, and from this we know what we have to do next time.  

“It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up.”

Our second game vs Kitchener Red was better, yes we won, but we still have some work to do.  The season has just started, and we have some tough teams to face in the months ahead.  I want each one of you to prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally before every game.  Focus on Blue’s plan for success.

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

 Coach Len

Welcome players, parents, and families to Kitchener Bantam Blue. The coaching staff is looking forward to a great season of hockey!! We hope all players are excited about the year ahead!!  The staff will do their best to make the season fun, as well as teaching the boys some good old hockey. We hope to see many fans in the stands throughout the season cheering on our team. 

GO BLUE GO!!

"It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters, in the end."