Kittredge Schedule

Bruins vs Rattlers Friday 1/2/09 @ 9am Pittsfield

Schnectedy vs Rattlers Saturday 1/3/09 3pm @ Pittsfield

Saratoga vs Rattlers Sunday 1/4/09 8:15am @ Williams

Champtionship Game:
Peewee B1 v Peewee B2 Sunday 1/4/09 3:30pm @ Williams

The schedule can be found at http://files.leagueathletics.com/Text/Documents/1572/18242.doc.

Canada - Soviet '87 (Game 2 of 3)

I believe this is game 2 of best of 3 finals in the Canada Cup 1987. Canada had lost game 1 but would go on to win the finals in 3 games. In any event, the highlights show the goals from one of the all-time great games.

Major Snow Weekend

We notched two nice wins this weekend.

There are a few things worth noting.

Sunday, the team responded strongly to my request that you put more rubber on the net. We had 50 shots on goal. 50 shots. Now that's something.

Those of you not accustomed to the power play, here are the two things to keep in mind. (1) It's all about puck possession. Do not throw the puck away or take a low percentage shot. Spread out and move the puck to create a good shooting opportunity. (2) When we lose possession, two players must be on the loose puck.

Congratulations to Matt Madsen for notching a critical goal against his old squad. And Congratulations to Grace Jennings for upholding the honor of the Rattlers as she faced down her old team mates.

Finally, we need be aware of instances in which we suffer from lackidaisical play. By the way, this seems to be more of an issue in the afternoon. There are times when the team will be flat and slow and listless. Do not wait for the coaches to get you moving. You -- as individuals and as a team -- need to get yourself going. See the quotation above. Or, to quote Mr. Spencer Cookson, "You need to wake the beast."

Overall, a nice effort this weekend.

Here's what's coming up....

Friday, Dec. 26, at 7:15 -- Practice. Suspect we'll do something a bit festive given the holidays.

Saturday, Dec. 27, at 10:45 -- Game at Pittsfield. (Let me know if you cannot attend).

Sunday, Dec. 28, at 11:00 -- Practice

Wed, Dec. 31, at 7:45 -- Our Annual New Year's Eve Practice. Come watch the puck drop.

The Kittredge schedule is listed below.

Happy Holidays to all.

Kittredge Schedule

Bruins vs Rattlers Friday 1/2/09 @ 8am Pittsfield

Schnectedy vs Rattlers Saturday 1/3/09 3pm @ Pittsfield

Saratoga vs Rattlers Sunday 1/4/09 8:15am @ Williams

Power Outage Weekend

Despite power outages and icy roads, this may have been our best weekend of play yet.

With a mere 18 days to go before the Kittredge Tournament, we are playing as a team and seem to understand that focus and desire are as important as goals and assists when it comes to playing to the best of our ability. Yesterday’s 2nd Period recovery in the face of a near collapse showed us all that we have learned a few things over the last two months.

We have practice on Wednesday (8 pm), Thursday (7:15 pm) and Friday (7:15 pm).

There are a few areas that consistently need our attention and hard work:

* Being responsible in the defensive end. We need to play the body – NOT the puck – in front of the net. And we need to pick up the open player in front of the net.

* Our defense needs to control the flow of play and take the game to the OPEN ice. That means using the full sheet of ice. That means taking time with the puck and not simply jamming it up the boards or throwing it to the middle of the rink. That means reverse the play to the weak side.

* Our forwards need to get in the habit of playing faster and accelerating when a teammate has the puck. The days of slowing down for the pass are over. Make your linemates deliver the puck to you as you accelerate through the neutral zone.

* And we simply need to put more rubber on the net!!! Shoot the puck, please.

See you at the rink.

Troy Thanksgiving Champs

(photo courtesy of M. Aldam)

Midweek Talking Points

Last weekend was a tough one.
Our first game was too easy but we played hard.
Our second game was hard but we played too easy.
Our third game was too easy but we played too easy.
So, I guess the weekend confirms the points that the coaches have been making all season:

(1) The game begins and ends with your attitutde. Play with heart and desire, or risk playing poorly.

(2) The letter after the team's name -- the A or B or AAA -- does not matter.

(3) It is not about winnng or losing. You can win (or tie) and feel as if you lost; you can lose and feel as if you won. The scoreboard often does not tell the true story. As a team, we need to get better at approaching each game as a test of ourselves: how we are playing, how we are progressing. Every game is really us versus us. The other team just happens to be there to help us with the test.

Everything else worth saying is contained in the video clip below.

Here's what's coming up the rest of the week:

Practice Wednesday at 8 pm
Saturday at 5 pm (yup, pm) at Bethlehem.
Sunday at 9 am at home vs Bethlehem.

One final point: speed and execution!

Today's Doubleheader

More on today's (eh-hem) effort later. For now, this video clip pretty much sums up my feelings:



Now do you get it?

Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 6 & 7)

Saturday at 9:45 am, we play Berkshire Bruins B at Berkshire School.

Sunday at 8:40 am, we play Schenectady A at Schenectady.

Sunday at 11:20 am, we play Schenectady B at Schenectady.

The Coming Week....

Am I crazy? Maybe….

With that said we have been invited to play Schenectady A at Schenectady at 8:40 am on Sunday, December 7th. Note that this is in addition to the game we have against Schenectady B on Sunday at 11:20 am at Schenectady. I figured as long as we were driving to Schenectady, we might as well get in an extra game. So, we have a game at 8:40 am and then a break and then a game at 11:20 am.

All told, what this means our weekend schedule is as follows:

Saturday at 9:45 am Berkshire Bruins B at Berkshire School.
Sunday at 8:40 am Schenectady A at Schenectady.
Sunday at 11:20 am Schenectady B at Schenectady.
Also, practice tomorrow night at 8 pm.

If you are unable to attend any of the games, please let me know.

Troy Thankgiving Tournament Champs

Great effort over 4 games.



Today's win was the best of the bunch. We did it as a team with everyone contributing.



In recognition of our great effort, everyone is instructed to take Monday and Tuesday off from hockey practice. We start again on Wednesday at 8:00 pm.



The Kittredge Tournament kicks off in 31 days. Let's be ready.




(The players can explain to the parents the significance of the picture.)

Troy Tournament: Day 2

We have done well so far.

But here’s the deal. New day. New Game. New Period.

We start over and play harder. Approach each shift as it is your last.

No next shift.

Happy Thanksgiving: Never Give Up on the Puck

58th Annual Rensselaer Holiday Hockey Tournament

We received the following email from RPI. I pass it along to all of you.
Given our own tournament schedule, i suspect there will be few takers. In any event, let me know if there is interest.

The Rensselaer Men’s Hockey team would like to invite your teams to the Houston Field House on Friday, November 28, 2008 and Saturday, November 29, 2008.

Friday November 28, 2008
4:00pm Northeastern vs. Princeton
7:00pm Rensselaer vs. Mercyhurst

Saturday November 29, 2008
4:00pm Northeastern/Princeton vs. Mercyhurst
7:00pm Northeastern/Princeton vs. Rensselaer

Groups of 15 or more can receive $5.00 admission. Please contact Kevin Anderson @ 518 257 0490, 518 276 6777 or email anderk8@rpi.edu

Troy Tournament Schedule

Friday Nov 28 9:20 am Jr Engineers vs Schenectady

Friday Nov 28 10:40 am Millbrook vs Berkshire
Friday Nov 28 2:40 pm Jr Engineers vs Millbrook
Friday Nov 28 5:20 pm Schenectady vs Berkshire
Saturday Nov 29 8:00 am Schenectady vs Millbrook
Saturday Nov 29 1:20 pm Berkshire vs Jr Engineers

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

This Past Weekend & 5 Days to Troy

It was a nice effort this weekend, both in the game and in the practice. Once again, we play well when we play as a team and when we concentrate on working hard at each battle and each shift. It's about desire.

Keep in mind the things we discussed at practice. Our defense needs to get more involved in moving the puck and setting up plays. It is up to the centers and wingers to get the puck to the defense; but it is up to the defense to handle the puck with confidence. The defense also needs to become more proficient at managing and using spacing -- the gap. We will be working on this again and again during the this weeks practices.

Practice on Monday and Tuesday at 7:15 pm. Please make every effort to attend, be sharp and work hard.

One final reminder: At the Troy Tournament every period matters. Points are awarded for winning games and for each and every period won. Let's get this tournament right this year.

Two Nice Games But More Work to Do

We put together two nice wins in a row. We can build on what we accomplished in both games.

The key to our success is playing with grit and intensity every shift and winning every battle. In a few of our earlier games, we had trouble with this basic concept. When on the ice every play, every small situation, every opportunity to get the puck, to lose the puck, to get in position for a pass, to cover an opponent, is a battle that we must try to win. It’s simple to say; but hard to carry out with consistency.

The other post-game points worth emphasizing concerned (i) play in front of our own net, and (ii) positioning on the forecheck. When defending in front of our own net, it is critical that the focus be on the opponent. Too often, we have an opponent covered and then leave him/her because the puck happens to be sitting in front of the crease. Stay with the player. Always stay with the player. The puck cannot score itself. Our goaltender can cover the puck – he can’t cover the player.

With respect to the forecheck, one player deep. If we find ourselves deep in the offensive zone with 3 players in a straight line, that’s a problem. We need to always remember that our forwards need to be in a triangle on the forecheck. 3 players deep will lead to an on-man rush against us.

Again, we played 2 nice gritty games this weekend, despite a couple of our players sidelined with either illness or the dreaded family obligations.

We have a practice on Wednesday night.

We play a game on Saturday, and then practice on Sunday.

The Troy Tournament is less than 2 weeks away.

See you all at the rink. And a final Happy Birthday to Alex Hoover.

Nov. 7, 8 & 9: Hockey Hockey Hockey.

Tonight (Friday), at 7 pm, Coach Driscoll is conducting a clinic at the Berkshire School.

Saturday, at 11:15 am, we face Schenectady B at Berkshire School. This is a team that we played a number of times last season with mixed success.

Sunday, at 10:00 am, we face Bethlehem A at Bethlehem. This should be a real test for us.

Please, let’s have everyone fully dressed, skates tied, and ready to take the ice 20 minutes before game time.

The Weekend That Was

As many of you know, I have often commented that our team has a tendency to play well in the fall, get cocky and then collapse in December. We then spend January putting it back together. I think our December Collapse came early this year. That may well be a good thing.

Coming off last weekend’s easy win, some of our kids came to Saturday’s game thinking that we were a bunch of superstars and that a mere B team was no match for us. The tone in the locker room was not confidence, it was smugness. And we warmed up as if the game was going to be a joke. Meanwhile, Troy came to play and out muscled us from the beginning. In response, we fell apart defensively. And then, faced with a very aggressive opponent, we started playing not just cheap but stupid-cheap. The penalties hurt us far more than they hurt Troy. At the end of the game, when we still had a hope of a chance, we ended up with 4 players in the Box for some pretty stupid (as well as blatant) infractions.

My expectation is that our kids learned a few lessons on Saturday. We lost to a team that was inferior to us in skill, and yet they looked like our betters. What we need to do is work harder, get serious, respect the game, and respect our opponents.

Today’s practice was a beginning. The kids who showed up (we had 11) worked hard and spent some time getting back to basics, especially in the defensive zone.

This week, we have a lot of ice. Coach Driscoll’s Skills Clinic will be held on Monday and Friday. And we have team practice on Tuesday and Thursday. Please check the calendar for times.

We will be coming up against some strong opponents quickly, so we really need to shrug off Saturday’s debacle, get our heads screwed on straight and get back to what has made us successful in the past: team play, inner strength and quiet confidence.

Weekend of Nov 1

Saturday: We play Troy at the beautiful Berkshire School. We also have team and individual photos. Please arrive at the rink by or before 10:00 am.

Sunday: Practice at 11:30 am at Berkshire School.

Other matters of interest? We need to decide on Mass Playdowns.

This Week in Rattler Hockey

Coach Dan Driscoll will be running a clinic for all players on Monday night at 7 pm. This should be a great opportunity for our team to work with an outstanding coach.

We also have practice on Wednesday and Thursday night at 7:15 pm.

Next weekend, on Saturday, we play Troy (and also have team photos).

As for Sunday’s game against Clifton Park, it was a great effort, and it is good to get out of the starting gate with a positive result. Given that we have not really been together for months, there is very little about which I can complain. We played hard and played smart. Everyone worked together and displayed a high degree of confidence. We had a few breakdowns in the defensive end which led to some scrambling and allowed a few too many open players in front of our net, but that will improve with practice.

Congrats to Jacob on the season's first hat trick. And hats off to Spencer for a great job in the net.

Parents Meeting!

Please plan on staying a few minutes after saturday's practice for a brief parents meeting.

Thanks

Week of October 20: Off-Ice and On-Ice

There will be 3 off-ice training sessions at Berkshire School Gymnasium (at top of hill behind the old rink) on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday. The sessions run from 6:30 pm until 8:00pm and are open to all players. Please wear non-marking sneakers, and sweats or gym shorts. These sessions will be run by John Humes. [Coaches: John is looking for assistance if you are available.]

As for this weekend, on Saturday, Oct. 25, 9:30 am, we have practice at Berkshire School
Then, on Sunday, Oct. 26, 10:15 am, we play Clifton Park at Berkshire School.

Be forewarned: the season starts fast with a game on Sunday and then a game the following weekend end. All team members should be prepared to play and play hard.

The Season Is Upon Us . . . .

I have tried to let everyone know that the season is going to start with a fury. Here's what's coming in the next 3 weeks.

• Saturday, Oct. 18, 5 pm, Practice at Amelia Park
• Saturday, Oct. 25, 9:30 am, Practice at Berkshire School
• Sunday, Oct. 26, 10:15 am, Ratters v Clifton Park at Berkshire School
• Wed & Thurs, Oct. 29 & 30, Practice at Berkshire School
• Saturday, Nov. 1, 11:15 am, Rattlers v Troy at Berkshire School
• Sunday, Nov. 2, practice at time to be determined.

Let's be ready to play.

The Weekend of October 11

We have ice on Saturday at 5 pm at Amelia Park.

Please note that ice will be available at Berkshire School (assuming there are no surprises) beginning on the weekend of October 25th. What that means is that we will have 2 more sessions at Amelia Park (Oct 11 & 19), and then will be back in the friendly confines of the Berkshire School.

One last item:
Our first game is October 26 vs Clifton Park. Let's make sure we are ready to play.

I look forward to seeing many of you on Saturaday at Amelia Park.

Pre-Season Ice

The Squirts and Peewees will be holding pre-season ice sessions at Amelia Park in Westfield, MA as follows:

Oct 4 at 6 pm
Oct 11 at 5 pm
Oct 18 at 5 pm
Oct 25 at 5 pm

Unlike years past, each team will be handling its own pre-season sessions and we will need to collect money to cover the cost of the ice. I will let you know the expected price per player, but it should not be any more than we’ve charged for the summer sessions. Squirts and Peewees will be sharing the ice.

Please make every effort to attend these sessions.

I am also hoping to run an off-ice session next weekend. More information on that will be provided soon.

Troy Thanksgiving Tournament

I wanted everyone to know that we intend to sign-up once again for the Troy Thanksgiving Tournament. I realize that we may not have a full team. But I have found in years past that this Tournament forces the players to start playing as a team early in the season. Obviously, if you have Holiday plans that take you out of the area, we will shoulder on without you. I also recognize that we will need to share to the cost of the Tournament among the team members and hope this isn’t too much of a problem. In any event, in the last 2 years, I think that this Tournament has really served us well and suspect it will once again.

PreSeason Tournament - Nope

Thanks to those who provided prompt responses to my email.

Given the conflicts, the golf tournament and the non-responses responses, we have declined the Schnectady Pre-Season Invitational Tournament.

With that out of the way, let me say it one more time: If you have not done so already, I encourage you all to contact Kathy Ives about the Golf Tournament (kives@bhs1.org ).

UPDATED: Pre-Season Tournament Possibility!

[See below for update]

We have been asked about our interest in participating in a preseason tournament by Schenectady B on the weekend of Sept 20 and 21. It would be an informal round robin with teams from Suffern, Troy B, Schenectady A as well as their B team. They are trying to work out the details and the cost is unclear (but I know the ice is cheap).

Anyway, I would jump at this but for two issues: (1) I know kids still have soccer commitments and, more importantly, (2) Sept. 20 is the Golf Tournament.

Let me know how you all feel about this opportunity. If we have enough interest, I suppose we could car pool to Schenectady, leaving most adults free for the Golf Tournament plus we could ask the Tournament Director to schedule in a way that leaves us all free til Saturday afternoon.

Please let me know what you all think as soon as possible.





Update -- the response so far suggests that this will not work. in order to play we will need 7 skaters and a goalie. if you are interested, please let me know by tomorrow am -- otherwise i will decline. also, let me stress, the golf tournament remains the top priority. if you have not already done so, i would enourage you all to participate by either golfing or helping in some capacity.

Labor Day and Not Too Early To Be Thinking About Hockey

I hope you all had a great summer.

Although Labor Day is not yet over, I thought I would let everyone know that we are already starting to think about the upcoming hockey season.

The following players are on the roster, although some paper work is still making its way to Ann-Marie:

1. Jackson Aldam
2. Ethan Cohen
3. Spencer Cookson
4. James Huften
5. David Ibanez
6. Peter Lovejoy
7. Matthew Madsen
8. Aaron Norton
9. Kyle Smith
10. Jacob Malicky
11. Grace Jennings
12. Alex Niemann
13. Sam Hoover
14. Daniel Driscoll
15. Henry Beckwith
16. Jake Diamond

The situation with ice at the Berkshire School remains uncertain. I also have not yet heard about plans for pre-season ice. However, the Board meets next week, and I imagine we will get a full report after the meeting. Meanwhile, two Peewee team reps have already been appointed by the Board: Tom Torrico and Charlie Humes.

Our coaching staff remains more or less intact: Mark Aldam, Carl Niemann and Matt Norton (who will be helping out with goal keeping). Also, Coach Driscoll will be providing guidance throughout the season. I am hoping to supplement our team with perhaps one other coach. If you (or someone you know) is interested, please let me know.

Lisa (ltmelmed@gmail.com) will again be serving as our excellent scheduler.

We are also looking for a couple of people who are willing to serve as team parents.

I know that Shawna, Laura, Alex, Victoria and Maddy have already begun preparing for the season. Any siblings interested in serving on our booster squad should contact Maddy at MaddyC21@gmail.com.

Let me also make a big push for volunteers to help with the 8th annual Berkshire Youth Hockey Golf Tournament which will be held on Saturday, September 20th at the Copake Country Club. Anyone who is available to help in any capacity, please contact Kathy Ives (Golf Tournament Chair) at kives@bhs1.org.

Now, let’s talk about business. I know that many of our players – as well as their families -- have competing obligations on the weekends. So, what I am going to propose is completely voluntary. But, assuming we have enough interest, I would like to try to get together as a team at least once every weekend beginning in mid-September. If we can get ice, we can start skating. If we can’t get ice, we can run dry-land drills and start working through various plays and systems. Again, this is completely voluntary. If you would be interested in this kind of pre-season preparation, please let me know. Also, I would gladly include players from other levels.

I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Are You Ready for the 2008-09 Season?

CANCELLED!


We have ice at Amelia Park on Sunday, May 25th from 10:30 to 11:50 am.

Please let me know if you will be able to participate.

Note: Following this weekend, I anticipate we will have ice on Saturday a.m. through the end of June.

Spring Ice at Amelia Park

There will be a Rattler Ice Session at Amelia Park in Westfield, Mass, on Saturday, May 17 at 10:30 (the rink opens at 10 am). The session will last 90 minutes.

I look forward to seeing you guys back on the ice.

Tournament: Game Dates and Times

Our first game is on Friday (3/28) at 3:30 pm.

Our second game is on Friday (3/28) at 9:30 pm.

Our third game is on Saturday (3/29) at 8:20 pm.

Because the Mites play very early Friday morning, I will be arriving on Thursday Night.

Depending on arrival times, maybe we can try to have a pre-game team meeting around 2:00 pm or so at the rink?

And, finally, thank you to all who particiated in the Gadsden Flag Poll. The Gadsden Flag is now the Unofficial Emblem of the Berkshire Tri-State Rattlers Peewee Minors (2007-08), and Conquest by the White Stripes remains the official team song.

No Practice This Weekend

See everyone in Marlborough.

Team Videos

Links to team videos on Youtube.com are now contained under the Useful Web Links section of this Blog (on the right of this screen). There is one video for Mites and Squirts and a second for Peewee, Bantams and Midgets.

Marlborough Tournament Schedule

http://www.nes.com/Schedule.asp

* Friday (3/28) at 3:30 pm vs. wolfpack hockey club
* Friday (3/28) at 9:20 pm vs. new hartford
* Saturday (3/29) at 8:10 pm vs. triboro

The Championship Game will be played on Sunday at 7:50 am.

No doubt, Spencer will ask the following: What do we know about these teams? Are they good? What is their style of play? Research and scouting has begun. I will report information as it becomes available.

A Few Items

First, for those who were at practice this weekend, excellent work by all. The Marlborough Tournament is a few short weeks away. Unfortunately, we are not likely to skate as a team between now and then. Please grab any chance you have to skate. And don’t forget the fundamentals of our game.

Second, this is a formal apology to the Sisters. The crack about their sudden interest in the Midgets was unwarranted and based on the paranoid perceptions of an over-protective father. To the extent any of the Sisters took offense, I am truly sorry. (I sound sincere, don’t I?)

Third, thank you all for the wonderful gift. I will wear the t-shirt with pride and I will treasure the card.

Finally, I just wanted to state one more time what a pleasure it has been to have Bobby Noonan as part of the team. He is a player that set an example for all to follow. He worked hard at every practice and on every shift. He was always respectful of each and every member of our team. He never quit but also never forgot that this is about having fun. I am proud that Bobby will represent our program and our team in Maryland. He will forever be a member of our squad, and will always be welcome to play hockey with us. And I also want to thank Bobby’s parents for their tremendous support over the last 5 or so years. They have consistently been gracious and giving.

The entire Noonan Clan will be missed.

Bethlehem Weekend Ice: March 7 & 8

We have ice at Bethlehem on March 8 & 9 at 11:30 am on both days.

Hope to see you all there.

Important Correction: Conquest is Unofficial Winner But Questions Remain About Election's Validity

Late tabulations show that Conquest won by a vote of 44 to 43. Nevertheless, given the curiously high number of votes and a final tie breaking vote that seemingly arrived after the polls closed, the matter remains under review.

Conquest: Voting Results and Related Suspicions

The results of the voting are curious. Although we have 13 members of our team, 86 votes were cast. 86 Votes? Hmmmm. In the end, the vote was tied: 43 for Conquest / 43 against Conquest.

For the time being, the results have been impounded. No official result will be reported until a full investigation is conducted.

More as the story develops.

What next. . . ?

All Players and Parents, please let me know if you will be participating in the tournament in Marlborough, Mass.

A Number of Important Items on a Snowy Saturday

Item 1: In a last minute change of plans, tomorrow's game will be against the Berkshire Bruins Bantam C Team. No doubt, you recall that this is the very same team that manhandled us for 2 periods last weekend, before we woke up. We need to put in 3 solid periods against this squad of behemoths in order to prevail -- and I know we will. The game is at 10:30 am, at the Berkshire School.

Item 2: I would like the kids to linger for a few minutes after tomorrow's game in a last ditch (and perhaps futile) effort to put together a video for the Banquet. No promises, but our production team will give it a shot. To that end, if anyone has any digital video that was shot during the season, or any digital photos (not on shutterfly or photobucket but the actual files), they would be much appreciated. We can discuss how best to get the digital images to the team.

Item 3: The Banquet is next weekend. It also happens to be the Annual Meeting of the Berkshire Rattler Youth Hockey Organization. The events are one and the same. At the meeting, there will be an election for next year's Board Members. Several of our own folks are running. There are 2 important points to keep in mind. First, both parents get to vote. Why?Because the by-laws define "voting members" to be any parent or legal guardian of a player currently registered. Two Parents -- Two Chances to Vote. By the way, for those who are wondering, two kids in the program does NOT get you an extra vote. It's one ballot for each and every parent or legal guardian. Second, it is extremely important that you come and vote. As crazy as this may sound, who is on the Board really does matter and these elections tend to be close. If you don't want to attend the Banquet (and that would be a shame), please stop by and vote anyway. And if for some reason you are not available, please contact a Board member about your ability to cast a ballot without attending. I don't know how the Board will handle the request, but I assume it will be considered. Also, I would like to speak very briefly after the game tomorrow about who is running for Board, etc.

Item 4: What's with the freaky jerseys and bizarr-o head gear on Aaron?



Item 5: Voting on Conquest as Official Team Song is about to close. If you have not yet voted, please do so now. Meanwhile, concerns have already been raised about the validity of the vote. It seems that voting is far in excess of team membership and a preliminary inquiry by a sophisticated forensic computer expert (retained at my own expense) has suggested that a disproportionate number of votes have been cast from in or around West Stockbridge, Mass. More on this story as it develops.

Saturday's Practice Cancelled

I have been informed that, due to anticipated inclement weather conditions, that Saturday morning practice has been cancelled. Enjoy the ability to sleep past 6:15.

Update!

No Practice Friday Night!

All else remains the same for the weekend.

Practice Satururday at 8:00 am.

Game Sunday at 10:30 am.

See you Saturday.

And, anyone interested in playing with the majors at simsbury, please let me know asap.

Weeknight Practices....

Practice on Wed at 7:45 pm.
Practice on Thurs at 7:45 pm.
Practice on Friday at 7:45 pm.

Weekend Wrap Us: Bruins Bantams C

The danger in playing a team that on average is 2 plus years older than us and 6 inches taller and 35 pounds heavier is that you do tend to get intimidated. For the first 2 periods it looked as if we had woken up in Land of the Giants. (http://www.tv.com/land-of-the-giants/show/573/summary.html). But, after much ranting and raving on the bench, after excoriations and exaltations, after realizing that getting hit is not the same as getting hurt, we started playing our game. We started moving the puck; we started out-skating the opponent; we started backchecking hard, and we started using pressure to create turnovers. Forget the final score of the game, what matters is that in the 3rd Period -- when we started playing our game -- we outscored the Bruins 4 to 2.

What's the lesson? When you let the other team take you away from your game, they win. When you play your game, despite being outsized, you win. A simple lesson but one that is hard to learn.

I'll take the loss in exchange for an important lesson well learned.

Sunday: Game On

On Sunday morning at 8:00 am we will face the Bruins Bantan C Team. Since we last played the Bruins, they have added a few new players, including former Rattler Bantam Cody Funke.

The word is that the Bruins are quite sanguine about their prospects against our diminutive team. That means they think they are will beat us and take advantage of our size. I have a 3 word response: Not Gonna Happen!

Let's all come to play and play hard. Our game is simple. When we have the puck, we move the puck. When we don't have the puck, we pressure the puck. We clear the defensive zone. And, we never ever back down.

Now, for the good news: Sam returns. Bobby returns. Kyle returns. Jake D returns.

Opporutnities to Play with Majors

The Majors are looking for players at the following games:

* On February 23 (Saturday) at 5:30 pm at Saratoga Springs;
* On March 1 (Saturday) at 1:55 pm at Simsbury, Ct;
* On Weekend of March 14, 15 & 16 at the North Adams Tournament.

Let me know if you are interested.

Update: Sunday's Game

Sunday's game against the Berkshire Bruins Bantam C Squad is now confirmed for 8:00 am.

The Coming Weekend

(1) We have a practice on Saturday Feb 23 at 9:15 am.

(2) On Sunday (Feb 24) our game against the Bruins is likely to be at 8 am – not 11:00 am as currently listed. More on this when the time is confirmed.

(3) The Majors have a game in Saratoga Springs on Saturday Feb 23 at 5:30 pm. They need a few players. Please let me know (asap) if you are interested in playing.

(4) The Majors have a game in Simsbury, Ct., on Saturday March 1 at 1:55 pm. They need a few players. Please let me know if you are interested.

(Sam Receiving Medical Attention of Sorts)

No Love From the Puck

The good news is that we out shot the Bethlehem Eagles 45 to 15.

The good news is that we stayed out of the box (for the most part and, by the way, was that Grace in the box?) and they didn't.

The bad news is that today the puck did not love us.

Sometimes, that is just the way it is.

There were all sorts of good chances where we just missed, and goals that were scored but then waved off by the officials, and bounces that didn't go our way. Yet we hung in there and in the final minutes fought back from a 5 to 3 deficit to salvage the game with a tie (5 to 5). No doubt, it was a great comeback.

From the perspective of the bench, what did we do right? We did not quit on ourselves and we found ways to stay in the game. All told, a less than ideal outting but satisfying nonetheless.

Great efforts by Aaron, the defensive core, and the newly dubbed Firing Line (10 goals in 2 games). Good two way efforts by Driscoll and Aldam. Jennings had her best defensive outting to date. Cody hung tough. Taylor was a big help. Hoover played tough throughout. Cookie was by his own admission bored but fully engaged. And Boomer was Boomer.

*****

Sam suffered a hematoma of the left ankle, and is day-to-day.

Smitty is still convalescing with a respiratory infection and is day-to-day.

Jake D is suffering from South Florida Syndrome, but is expected to be back with us on Saturday. Until his tan fades, he will be riding the plank.

Up To North Adams (A Modern Anabasis)

Today, we found ourselves in the hostile town of North Adams facing a strange team about which we knew very little.

We were shorthanded. Kyle Smith was sidelined; Jake D was away; and, Cody was helping another squad. We were also stunned to learn that Jackson was suffering from a potentially debilitating lower body injury.

But like a group of ice skate clad Xenophons, we fought our way through the hordes in North Adams, prevailed and triumphantly made it back to the safety of our homes. Despite his ailments, Jackson performed heroically along with the rest of the defensive core. The offense gave us what we needed and then a bit more. We were lucky to have had the services of Taylor N as well.

All-in-all it was a harrowing experience, but we got the job done.

Rattlers 5 / Heathens 2.

Hockey this Weekend (Feb. 16-17)

On Saturday, we have practice at Berkshire School at 12:45 pm. We will again spend a good amount of time working on play in the offensive zone.

On Saturday, we also have a game up in North Adams at 4:00 pm.

On Sunday, we have a game at Berkshire School at 9:15 against the Bethlehem B team. Given the past few games against that squad, the word is that they are coming to play and play hard.

Marlborough, Mass Tournament Accomodations (from Lisa)

If anyone would like an alternative to The Red Roof Inn, I reserved ten rooms at THE EMBASSY SUITES in Marlboro, Mass. You can stay at ANY hotel you want. But the Embassy Suites offers more space for larger families and a swimming pool.

http://www.bostonmarlborough.embassysuites.com/.

You can also call the reservation line at 508-485-5900, and mention that you are with the Berkshire Rattlers. You will be given availability within the block, and will receive the discounted rate. If you want a room with two double beds -- please request when you phone it in. But, the rate for that is higher.

King Bed is about $144.00
Double Beds is about $164.00

I only reserved ten rooms (I MIGHT be able to get more), so if you are interested, you should call as soon as possible. Please let me know if you are going to reserve. If it looks like there is a high demand, I will try to get some more rooms. Also, if we don't book ten rooms, the price will revert to a slightly higher non-discount rate.

Thanks, Lisa

Weekend Wrap-Up

Our loss against Pawling was not unexpected. Chalk it up to a post-tournament let down. We played uninspired hockey and no one stepped up to spark the team. As we discussed in the post-game meeting, you are only as good as you want to be. Playing well and playing consistently well are not the same thing. To play consistently well requires a force of will and a tenacity that is not easy to muster. As Fred Shero says, you need set yourself on fire.

We did have an excellent practice this morning.

As for practice Wednesday night, we are going to be short on coaches. So, the consensus is that we will cancel.

Finally, there is a Board Meeting tomorrow (Monday) night at 7:00 pm at Four Brother's Pizza in Hillsdale. I know it's hard to make time, but attendance and support is always appreciated.

This Weekend's Schedule

We have a game on Saturday at 12:15 at Berkshire School vs Pawling. You might recall we tied Pawling 5 to 5 -- allowing them to comeback in the 3rd Period from a 5 to zero deficit. It would be nice to do it the right way this time. Let's see if we can score the five but give up none.

Also on Saturday is the party for Ethan, as I mentioned in yesterday’s email. (More skating at the rink. Any adult interested in playing let me know, I can use the help). Please let me know if you can attend.

Sunday we have a practice at 8:00 am at Berkshire School.

See you at the rink.

The Mary Hoover Photo Collection

Shutterfly Slideshow (click here)

Jimmy Welch Peewee Champs (2008)

Here's what we accomplished:

4 for 4.

Solid team play.

We never backed down.

We never gave up more than 2 goals in a game.

And everyone played and played hard.

Great work.

There were a lot of folks who doubted that this team could get the job done. Some said we were too small. And other said we were too young. But, we silenced our critics and played 4 beautiful games of hockey.

I encourage you all to remember why we worked so hard and why we pushed ourselves. It's not about being the champions or about the trophy or even about having bragging rights around the rink. We worked hard because team work and discipline and composure and dignity matter. Learning to get up when you're knocked down matters. And learning to be part of something bigger than yourself and learning to contribute matters. That's why the coaches pushed so hard and that's why the players worked so hard.

And, having come through four tough games and a long weekend of hockey, everyone is entitled to feel a sense of pride in what we managed to accomplish.

Savor this victory because victories fade fast. But remember that this was possible because we came together as a team, because we worked hard as a team, and because we won as a team.

3 Down . . . .

Great effort today from everyone.

We battled hard and won as a team.

I assure you that tomorrow Schenectady is coming for us. But, I have no doubt that we are ready.

A good night sleep for all, and a decent breakfast. Let's make this a perfect 4 and 0.

Jimmy Welch: Day 1 Results

Games

Minors 6 - Schenectady 1
Majors 2 - Bethlehem 1
Schenectady 6 - Bethlehem 1

Point totals

Minors - 2
Schenectady - 2
Majors - 2
Bethlehem - 0

Line up tomorrow is that we play 2 (Majors, Bethlehem), Majors play 2 (Schenectady, Minors), Schenectady plays 1 (Majors) and Bethlehem plays 1 (Minors).

What does this all mean for us? It means focus on the game against the Majors and don't worry about the rest.

Good night!

One Down . . . .

Great work today.

Tomorrow it's the Majors and then Bethlehem; Majors just beat Bethlehem 2-1.

One game at a time. Right now, we focus on the Majors. Until the game is over, they are strangers, just another team, we don't know them . . .. We play our game.

I also want to make one final point: we talk a lot about playing with composure and dignity. In the last 5 minutes of today's game, Schenectady (who had played us closely down to the wire) began to unravel. They became concerned with hitting for the sake of hitting and not as part of the game. They became frustrated and starting running all over the ice. What happened? We scored 2 quick goals. Learn a lesson from what we watched. We need to maintain composure and play with dignity for the entire game.

Never lose control; never lose focus; never let the other team dictate how you play the game. If you are not in control, then you've lost the game -- no matter the score.

Tournament Eve

Tomorrow, at 9:45 am, we play.

Get a good night sleep and come ready to play every shift.

Post Practice

Another excellent practice tonight.

Come Friday, we need to play our game.

We work hard every shift.
When we have the puck, we move it.
When we don't, we pressure it.
We clear the zone.
And we never back down and we never quit.

The word around the rink is that we are too small and too young to win this tournament. That just makes me laugh. We are a special team that is about to accomplish something very big.

Tournament Schedule is Now Available

The Jimmy Welch Tournament schedule is now posted.

We have a game on Friday at 9:45 am at Berkshire School vs. Schenectady.

Then we have 2 games on Saturday both at Salisbury: a 2:30 game versus the Majors and a 5:30 game vs. Bethlehem.

One of our astute players has already commented that we only have an hour and a half between our two games on Saturday. And that is certainly correct. However, that is more than enough time to rest, regroup and prepare to take on Bethlehem with full force. Also, Mary Hoover (a woman who knows a thing or two about spending too much time at the ice rink) has already begun planning for a between-the-game locker room fruit-a-thon.

Don’t forget: practice Wednesday Night.