Coach Summary of Week 2

The boys are starting to feel the effects of their 2 weeks of physical training.  I have been impressed by some player's efforts and skill sets.  Credit to some previous coaching by the likes of Martin Ethridge, Matt Bradbury and Mike Urquart.

The start of the on-ice program is usually an eye opener for most but they've taken to it pretty well.  I'm a big believer in hockey fundamental so we spent the first two weeks focusing on the basic skills that for whatever reason aren't hammered into players (Brits and Canadians alike) from an early age.  Things like re-learning how to do cross-overs and the stride mechanics are basic skills that a few of these guys just haven't had specialty training in.  Even in our Pro practices (both last season and the season before where I assisted under Mike Ellis and contributed to practice development) in Nottingham we always return to the basics.  This is much to the chagrin of Sean McAslan who pretends he's 4 years old and learning to skate every time I do a drill that he used to do in hockey school when he was young.  But, these fundamentals (like being able to turn and stop both directions at break-neck speed) really help in a pinch as the game is so fast and players are shifting all over the place where the difference between success and failure is minimal.

The older fellas like Lacho, Bullas, and Norton have the advantage of knowing what it's all about and Steve Lee already has a solid set of fundamental skills.  The 16's and 17's (Bowley, Ward, Soar, and Weldon) are surprisingly good and I envision them kitting up for the Panthers at some point during the season so they get that experience - I'm sure it will be deserved.  Matt Haywood, a good friend of Sam Bullas, is a very solid player who most in Nottingham won't have on their radar yet but looks like he may be a very usable player in the future.  

I haven't been disappointed yet by anyone and I hope the coming 5 weeks are the same... I intend on cranking up the intensity a little next week and hope the boys are enjoying the Saturday and Sunday of rest they've been given.

I will round up their progress weekly...

Corey