Individual News
26th of November 2009
Having stressed beforehand, the importance of the Peterborough game played last Saturday, the team obliged with a spirited and hard fought victory. The commitment and application of working hard was crucial as each player delivered. I was hoping to take the momentum from that game into Sunday’s game in Sheffield. We let ourselves down with an awful display of hockey. We seemed flat, tired and unwilling. We did not compete with a youthful, quick Scimitar team who were hungry for every loose puck.
I think that the Bison have a good mix of experience and youth. Experience is an invaluable asset. The senior players on this squad have won numerous trophies throughout their careers and know what it takes to win it. As each year passes though, the possibility of slowing down or getting injured can end player’s careers. Unfortunately, one bad year could spell the end for an older player.
The younger players develop whilst playing alongside the veteran players. We have a lot of young players on the Bison roster who are “key” players. With this responsibility, they may feel the pressure of performing regularly at the highest level. Again, it is important for the coaches and senior players to assist in guiding these players along the way. We do not want to put any unnecessary additional pressure on anyone.
I have watched and played against Sam Oakford over the past few years. Sam is a big player for the future and will become a GB player for the senior team in a few years. Sam Zajac may have been Telford’s best defenceman last season. Sam needs to continue to work hard at his game and he will get better and better. Jamie Line is a guy with excellent speed. His skills are unquestioned and he is still learning the game. Andy Hemmings did not play much during the last couple of seasons but he has come to Basingstoke and become a very important player for us. He may be a young player but I feel comfortable using him in any game situation. Chris Wiggins is the last of the “Super 5” kids. Chris is a physical player who can deliver crunching body checks. I could never tell him how to throw a body check but I think I can help him develop his hockey skills this season, improving his overall game.
Don’t forget to bring your teddies to the game Saturday. After we score our first goal, I hope to see the ice covered with teddy bears! All of the teddies will go to Naomi House and to the children who are in hospital.
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Article published courtesy of the Basingstoke Gazette, Thursday 26th November 2009
I think that the Bison have a good mix of experience and youth. Experience is an invaluable asset. The senior players on this squad have won numerous trophies throughout their careers and know what it takes to win it. As each year passes though, the possibility of slowing down or getting injured can end player’s careers. Unfortunately, one bad year could spell the end for an older player.
The younger players develop whilst playing alongside the veteran players. We have a lot of young players on the Bison roster who are “key” players. With this responsibility, they may feel the pressure of performing regularly at the highest level. Again, it is important for the coaches and senior players to assist in guiding these players along the way. We do not want to put any unnecessary additional pressure on anyone.
I have watched and played against Sam Oakford over the past few years. Sam is a big player for the future and will become a GB player for the senior team in a few years. Sam Zajac may have been Telford’s best defenceman last season. Sam needs to continue to work hard at his game and he will get better and better. Jamie Line is a guy with excellent speed. His skills are unquestioned and he is still learning the game. Andy Hemmings did not play much during the last couple of seasons but he has come to Basingstoke and become a very important player for us. He may be a young player but I feel comfortable using him in any game situation. Chris Wiggins is the last of the “Super 5” kids. Chris is a physical player who can deliver crunching body checks. I could never tell him how to throw a body check but I think I can help him develop his hockey skills this season, improving his overall game.
Don’t forget to bring your teddies to the game Saturday. After we score our first goal, I hope to see the ice covered with teddy bears! All of the teddies will go to Naomi House and to the children who are in hospital.
............................
Article published courtesy of the Basingstoke Gazette, Thursday 26th November 2009