Well it’s been a fun week so far here in the great state of Minnesota but I’m starting to long for home. I can imagine many of the girls are feeling the same but of course they are tired and sore as well. Two more days of great hockey to go. Well, let’s not say great hockey because it isn’t, it’s great play by great players more than great hockey. In fact, it’s something that nagged at me watching yesterday’s games which I couldn’t quite put my finger on. Today I think I understand.
Great hockey of course takes a team, selfless plays, great passing and timing, and everyone working as one toward a common goal. While the hockey here is very good, but it’s definitely not great because it’s more about showcasing individual skills more than anything else. Of course that’s fine, especially with the pressure of national team selections and the spectacle of all the college scouts milling about. Great individual plays and players in every game, of course. Great hockey, not quite.
(Note: I’m sure many may disagree with my observations above but that’s okay. Feel free to leave comments with your thoughts.)
On to the summary of the day’s activities. Morning practices seemed a bit lighter than those of earlier in the week (although a few girls I chatted with disagreed). Skating for about 20 minutes doing circles, backwards, etc. This was followed by drills that worked neutral zone support and regroup, and 3 on 2 drills. This was followed up by either scrimmage or small games.
The 16′s didn’t have strength and conditioning today (17′s did) as they had a nutrition lecture after the games.
Tomorrow practices start at 7am and are 1 hour with a single team on each sheet. The last practices end at 12:55pm.
The first games tomorrow start at 2:15. I will try to catch all the games and update via twitter.
Thanks for your updates, posts and pictures. Have to agree with your assessment that this is more showcasing individual play than great hockey. The players sure look like they have having a fantastic time.
I am the father of a 6 year old mites player in Dallas, TX metro area.
It’s pretty neat to see so many skilled Girls/Women in one place.
Maybe in 10 or 11 years, my daughter will have the same experience.