House Playoff Game #1 vs Saginaw 1

The Bantam team I help coach started a best of three series against the other Saginaw Bantam team for the house championship. Our team ended up down 4-0 just before the halfway point of the game. Fortunately, the second half of the game was much better – we controlled most of the play, gave up fewer shots, let our goalie have a good view of the shots they did give up, and scored two goals. Unfortunately, the game ended in a 4-2 loss. Another lesson in mentality, and it demonstrates one of the things that is always challenging about working with teenage athletes. Helping them focus before a game and hit the ice ready to go and play to their full potential is a tricky task, especially at house level. You want them to have fun and enjoy being at the rink, but you definitely have to give them a routine to help set them up for a successful game.