RINK BLOG

EPISODE 81

Posted on May 22, 2013 by JonCara

This week we highlight the accomplishments of the ’99 Manitoba Falcons…

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SPRING HOCKEY NEWS…

1999 MANITOBA FALCONS – OKANAGAN PROSPECTS TOURNAMENT

The Manitoba Falcons headed out to Penticton to participate in the Okanagan Prospects Tournament….This tournament attracts the top talent in the 1999 age group from across Western Canada…The Falcons defeated the Calgary Spartans 6-5 in the championship game…This also happens to be the second year in a row that the Falcons have brought home the gold from this prestigious tournament…Congrats to the entire team, and notables from The RINK Team…Stelio Mattheos, Hayden Ostir, Nicholas Doyle, Nick Henry and Connor Gutenberg.

Click here for all information regarding the tournament

The ’99 Falcons head to Vancouver this weekend to take part in their next tournament. Good Luck to the players and their families in beautiful Vancouver.

*Stelio, Hayden, Nicholas, Nick & Connor have all participated in RINK Programming, from Individual Training Sessions to RINK Academies.

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WELL THAT’S A WRAP ON EPISODE 81 OF “THE WORD”

Did we miss something? If you know something we don’t or have news regarding a friend, your son or daughter, or even about your own accomplishments please let us know! We love to hear about success stories!! Email us info@therink.ca

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Check out GDI PRARIES GOALIE NEWS written by DAN FERGUSON…. containing blog write-ups, Inside Edge Instruction, Videos, and much more…

THIS IS YOUR MOMENT…YOU ARE MEANT TO BE HERE…

91 LOWSON CRESCENT/WINNIPEG, MB.

Shooting Without Perfection

Posted on May 20, 2013 by DaveCameron

During the play-offs each shot has some significance to the game. The more shots on goal means more offensive chances for your team. In many cases, teams are trying to get pucks to the net to push the other team back and create battles in a tough area. Many skilled shooter go from shooting to score to just shooting to generate more chances. Here are a couple of examples of shots that are net perfect but get past the goalie.

A. Quick Release

Here is an example of a quick release beating a goalie before he is set. The shot is far from perfect, but the shot is released quickly and it is on the net. This makes it very hard to save for the goalie. Many players in this case would try to take the puck to their backhand and create a better chance for themselves, but here Stepan takes what he is given and fires a puck that is on his forehand and in the slot. The result is a big goal at the start of the 3rd period.

B. PP Shot

A good example of puck movement to create a shot from the point. The puck moves around on the power play to a left handed D man with the puck on his forehand. He again isn’t looking for the perfect shot and instead just getting the puck to the net. In this case with traffic and players in front, you never know what can happen. In this case, a goal to tie the game for his first play-off goal of his career. There are no stick-handles and a low wind up to get the puck to the net faster to make this play harder for the goalie. Put it all together and the result is a great goal.

Many players focus on being perfect all the time. There are times in games where a shot has to be precise and into a certain area of the net. There are more cases that a shot can be on net, forcing the goalie to make a save. When they have people in front and have to worry about rebounds, the routine save becomes a lot harder. If you are ever in question, don’t pass up a shot when you have the puck in a spot where you can get it on net.

Helping to take YOUR game to the next level. See you at The RINK

Coach Cameron

This is YOUR moment, YOU are meant to be HERE!

91 Lowson Cres/Winnipeg Manitoba

EPISODE 80

Posted on May 15, 2013 by JonCara

This week we highlight the USHL Clark Cup Finals, WHL’s Ed Chynoweth Cup Finals & the newest Regina Pat…

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USHL NEWS…

BRENDAN HARMS – FARGO FORCE

Brendan was recently featured on “The Hot List” which is an article written by Senior writer for The Hockey News Ryan Kennedy featuring the top performers who are eligible for the NHL Draft. “Fargo is fighting for its life in the USHL final, taking on a great Dubuque team and heading home after dropping the first two games in Iowa. But the Force has weapons such as Harms in its arsenal and the Manitoba-bred center knows it’s time to step up.”

Click here for the full article.

Harms and the Force are in the Clark Cup finals and are currently trailing the Dubuque Fighting Saints 2-0…But, the series returns to Fargo and the Force are looking to the home crowd to give them a boost. Check out the highlights from Game 2…

Click here for more videos from the Clark Cup Championship

*Brendan was a member of our Summer 2013 Junior/Pro Group

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WHL NEWS...

MICHAEL ST. CROIX – EDMONTON OIL KINGS

“Michael St. Croix’s third goal of the game at 7:24 of overtime saved the Edmonton Oil Kings’ season on Friday, as they downed the Portland Winterhawks 3-2 in Game 5 of the Western Hockey League final.

Dylan Wruck assisted on all three goals and Laurent Brossoit made 49 saves for the Oil Kings, who now trail the series 3-2 heading into Sunday’s Game 6 in Edmonton.”

Click Here for More on the article

St. Croix and the Oil Kings ended up dropping Game 6 of the WHL Championship to Brendan Leipsic and The Winter Hawks who are now the Ed Chynoweth Cup Champions and are off the Memorial Cup starting this weekend in Saskatoon.

*Michael took part in our Summer 2013 Junior/Pro Group, and Brendan took part in The Pinnacle Cup 3 on 3 Tournament in the Summer 2013. Good Luck to Brendan and The Winterhawks.

OTHER WHL NEWS…

GEORDIE MAGUIRE – REGINA PATS

“There are looming questions about the Regina Pats’ offence heading into next season but Geordie Maguire believes he can help provide an answer. “I really do,” said Regina’s new left winger, who was acquired Thursday from the Brandon Wheat Kings. “Last year strength was a factor in why I couldn’t put the puck in the net (as often as expected). I got pushed around a little too much. I’m working on that this summer quite a bit and I think that will reflect in my game.
“Regina picked up Maguire in a deal that was consummated prior to Thursday’s WHL bantam draft. He was acquired along with a third-round pick in exchange for draft considerations (a promise to not select Nolan Patrick with the second overall pick).
Maguire, 18, gives the Pats some depth in an age group where they’re thin up front, but the team is hoping for a lot more. The speedy forward was the top scorer in the Manitoba midget AAA ranks two seasons ago with 40 goals and 77 points in 42 games.”

Read more by clicking here

*Geordie was a member of our Summer 2012 Junior/Pro Group

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WELL THAT’S A WRAP ON EPISODE 80 OF “THE WORD”

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Check out GDI PRARIES GOALIE NEWS written by DAN FERGUSON…. containing blog write-ups, Inside Edge Instruction, Videos, and much more…

THIS IS YOUR MOMENT…YOU ARE MEANT TO BE HERE…

91 LOWSON CRESCENT/WINNIPEG, MB.

Overtime Magic or Mistakes?

Posted on May 13, 2013 by DaveCameron

During the play-offs there are no 4 on 4 scenarios after the 3 periods. There are no shoot-outs to decide a winner so players must find the energy to keep playing. Every player dreams of scoring the big goal to give the team that hard fought win, but in many cases it is a mistake that leads to a goal from someone on the ice. Take a look at 3 overtime goals in from one night of the play-offs and watch both the magic of the plays and the mistakes that allow them to happen.

A. Pinch?

The puck is a slow rolling puck up the wall and Phanuef makes the decision to pinch down to try to keep the puck in the offensive zone. Horton makes a great play to just get a stick on it and get it by Dion and the Bruins are off to the races. D men should know that in order to pinch you should always have support behind you. In the worst case scenario, if you are not sure just back up and play the rush 2 vs 2 with your forwards back checking (especially in OT). Krejci makes the decision to keep the puck on the 2 vs 1 and because there was no high support from the forwards he has all kinds of time to get his head up and make sure he scores to end the game. The odd man rush is a result of a bad decision by a pinching D man.

B. Odd Man Rush with a D man

Little mistakes can result in big plays. Watch how the battle on the wall leads to a St Louis players getting on the wrong side and allows the LA King player to win a battle to advance the puck. The 3 Kings players are off to the races to keep a direct pressure rush to the net. Notice where the 3rd player comes from to join the rush. He is the off-side D Man who beats his forward out of the zone and down the ice. The puck movement from the Kings makes it hard for the St. Louis D men as there is 3 guys attacking and they move the puck quickly. Essentially they isolate each guy in a 2 vs 1 and then get the puck into a scoring position where a great quick release shot leads to a game ending goal. This is a great example of how a D man can contribute by joining the rush and not leading the rush. He recognizes when to go and jumps in the play beating his man back to the offensive zone.

C. Down Low Play

A couple of missed checks by the Red Wings allow for a player standing in front to finish the play off. Down the wall the D man skates right around a player and is allowed to bring the puck to the front of the net. Also on the play, watch the positioning of a Red Wing player relative to the player who scores the goal. Instead of taking the man and knocking him down (this is supposed to be the hardest area to play) he tries to lift his stick and misses, allowing for the game ending goal to be put in. In this area players should make sure they are hard on the offensive players and especially in overtime make sure nothing easy is coming to the front of the net.

The mental toughness of players is often displayed in overtime. Many times it is a little breakdown or being on the wrong side of a player that leads to a offensive chance for a team. With the level the guys are playing at now, it often only takes one good chance and the game is over. Players should be ready for every minute of every shift they play and make sure that they are executing the little details of every shift. This means being sound positionally and winning the battles that come your way. Our Summer Academy is a very intensive Program that allows for players to prepare to play this way as we focus on the preparation and execution in practice.

Helping to take YOUR game to the next level. See you at The RINK

Coach Cameron

This is YOUR moment, YOU are meant to be HERE!

91 Lowson Cres/Winnipeg Manitoba

EPISODE 79

Posted on May 8, 2013 by JonCara

This week we highlight the USHL Draft & Fargo Force, the U14 Steelers female team & the WHL Eastern Conference Finals…

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USHL NEWS…

JACKSON KEANE – SIOUX CITY MUSKETEERS

Jackson was recently selected in the USHL Draft by the Sioux City Musketeers. Ths Musketeers particpate in the USHL which is one of the top Junior Leagues in North America. Here is a bit from the Sioux City paper on Jackson:

“Jackson Keane, a 5-8, 137-pound forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, was taken in the fifth round. Keane scored 45 points (31, 14) for the Winnipeg Wild of the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League. He scored 13 power-play goals and also collected five game-winning goals for a squad that went 37-5-0-2 to win the East Division title.”

Click here for the full article

Congrats to Jackson and his family on his selection in the Draft

*Jackson took part in our Summer 2013 Junior/Pro Group and is a member of our Spring 2013 Midget Program.

BRENDAN HARMS – FARGO FORCE

“The Fargo Force find themselves in unfamiliar territory in the Western Conference finals of the United States Hockey League. Up 2-1 in the best-of-5 series versus Sioux Falls, the Force are in the driver’s seat.

It was just two weeks ago today Fargo found itself down 2-1 in the best-of-5 first-round series with Waterloo. The Force won Game 4 on the road, but were 3 minutes, 34 seconds away in Game 5 from becoming the first Force team to lose in the first round of the playoffs in its fifth trip.

Backs against the wall, the Force tied the game and clinched the series in overtime. Now, they find themselves a winin today’s game away from the team’s third trip to the Clark Cup finals and first since the 2009-10 season.

They just need to learn how to play with a cushion.

“Obviously, it’s a little different, but we just have to keep the same mindset we’ve had all playoffs,” Force right winger Brendan Harms said. “We have to go in there with the same attitude and get the win.”

Click here for the full article

Harms and the Force have only the Musketeers (The team that selected Keane) standing between them and the USHL Final.

*Brendan was a member of our Summer 2013 Junior/Pro Group

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MINOR HOCKEY NEWS…

U14 FEMALE JUNIOR STEELERS

The Female U14 Junior Steelers made the trip down to Minneapolis last weekend to participate in The Hockey Academy tournament that would challenge the girls to face teams from across North America, not to mention the teams they would be facing off against would be made up of players a older than them.

There were ten teams in the Steelers Division from Saskatchewan, North Dakota and Manitoba. They fought and worked hard to attain their goal, and as the weekend came to a close it was the Steelers who came out on top, and brought home the championship to Canadian soil.

Congrats to all the parents, coaches, managers & players on the win.

*The U14 Female Steelers are participating in Team Training Sessions with The RINK Professionals on a weekly basis throughout the Spring 2013.

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WHL NEWS...

MICHAEL ST. CROIX (EDMONTON OIL KINGS)

The Oil Kings came out on top of the Battle of Alberta, led by a gutsy effort from St. Croix.

“All the Edmonton Oil Kings needed to wrestle Game 7 of the Western Hockey League Eastern Conference final away from the Calgary Hitmen was a little tag-team effort.

Led by a pair of goals from Michael St. Croix and a shutout from Laurent Brossoit, the Oil Kings earned a gutsy 2-0 win over the Hitmen to claim the WHL Eastern Conference crown and, in the process, set up a rematch with the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL final, which gets underway Friday in the Rose City.

Edmonton’s win came just 48 hours after a disheartening 4-3 overtime loss to the Hitmen in Calgary, when the Oil Kings blew a two-goal third-period lead. That effort and in particular the lack of back checkers, St. Croix included, which led to Brooks Macek’s overtime winner, drew criticism from head coach Derek Laxdal.

St. Croix, however, more than made it up for that gaffe Tuesday en route to earning series MVP.

“The bottom line is we got the win as a team. Coming into Game 7 it really doesn’t matter (if you play well individually) if you don’t win, so we got the win and that’s the biggest part,” St. Croix said. “Any time a coach challenges the team, you definitely want to step up and be that guy, but with that being said I think we had a lot of guys step up.”

Click Here for More on the article

St. Croix and the Oil Kings are currently in a battle with the Portland Winterhawks for the WHL Championship.

*Michael took part in our Summer 2013 Junior/Pro Group. Good Luck to both players.

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WELL THAT’S A WRAP ON EPISODE 79 OF “THE WORD”

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Check out GDI PRARIES GOALIE NEWS written by DAN FERGUSON…. containing blog write-ups, Inside Edge Instruction, Videos, and much more…

THIS IS YOUR MOMENT…YOU ARE MEANT TO BE HERE…

91 LOWSON CRESCENT/WINNIPEG, MB.

Shooting With Balance

Posted on May 6, 2013 by DaveCameron

The ability to shoot the puck with balance from all areas on the ice allows for players to score more goals. When a player can shoot from all areas on the ice they become a offensive threat to score. When we work on shooting, we address the issue of balance and the ability to generate power. Take a look at the examples below and watch how shooting plays a part in every game you play.

A. In Tight

Bennett from Pittsburgh shows confidence driving around the D man with Cross Over’s and scores a beauty up under the bar. Watch how he decides to cut in on the D man and uses his cross overs to do it. He keeps his feet moving but also keeps the puck protected. Notice how as he is cutting in, he is not stick handling the puck. He keeps the puck on his forehand and as he sets his feet to absorb some contact he fires the puck up to the top corner. This is a very high skill play to be able to get the puck to that part of the net from that angle. He is balanced and ready for contact as he is cutting to the net allowing for him to finish this play off.

B. Quick Release From Slot

We talk a lot about getting the puck off your stick quickly and here is a prime example of that. Couture circles and finds himself in the slot in a great passing lane. As he receives the pass he quickly turns his hands and turns his hips around the puck. Notice how as he does this, he does not have to stick handle. With good balance in the slot he is able to release the puck before Luongo is set and the puck is a rocket to the top corner. A great shot by a great player showing how to get the puck off your stick quickly even on the side of your body that is a little harder to receive a pass and shoot. Again in this case the key is balance as this puck comes off the stick.

C. Snap Shot Off In-Side Foot

This play starts off a missed chance by the Leafs (which is a great example of a fake shot) and the Bruins quickly turn the puck up ice. A offensive opportunity leads to Wade Redden joining the rush and taking a great pass in a great area. Again, watch how he controls the puck and snaps this puck with good balance this time off his inside foot. From when he receives the pass to when he shoots it there is again no stick handling.

The examples shown above show goals from different areas on the ice and players using different shots. The first is close to the net, the second from a stand still and the third is shooting off the rush. We try to work with players to be able to shoot the puck in any game scenario so that they have all the tools necessary to play the game. All players should be able to shoot the puck with balance and control to be able to shoot the puck harder. If you can remain balanced when shooting you will create a better scoring chance for your team.

Helping to take YOUR game to the next level. See you at The RINK

Coach Cameron

This is YOUR moment, YOU are meant to be HERE!

91 Lowson Cres/Winnipeg Manitoba

EPISODE 78

Posted on May 1, 2013 by JonCara

Big News this week for some of our members internationally, and highlights from the WHL Eastern Conference Finals..

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HOCKEY CANADA NEWS…

JENELLE KOHANCHUK & JOCELYNE LAROCQUE
Jenelle Kohanchuk got the call she had been hoping for, and the news was something she would have never expected.

“This is the group from which Hockey Canada will select the team which will battle for gold at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia and four Manitobans have a good shot at making the squad: Lacquette, Winnipeg forward Jenelle Kohanchuk and world championship silver medallists Bailey Bram and Jocelyne Larocque, both from Ste. Anne.”

To help their chances, the young Manitoban additions — Lacquette and Kohanchuk are two of five centralization roster players who weren’t on the world championship squad — are looking forward to learning from the veterans.

Kohanchuk, who just wrapped up her senior season at Boston University, is eager to get on the ice and train with Team Canada star Jayna Hefford, among others.

“They’re all fantastic hockey players, and they’ve been there before,” said Kohanchuk, 22. “I’m just going to put my best foot forward and show them everything that I have. Hopefully they see potential there.”

It’d be hard not to.

In 35 games with BU this year, Kohanchuk sniped 25 times and added 21 assists to finish second in team scoring. Now, she’s ready to put her nursing education on pause to pursue her Team Canada dream. She’s worn the jersey before with the under-22 team. She knows its weight.

“It’s just really something I’ve wanted my entire life,” said Kohanchuk, a Balmoral Hall alumna. “I’m speechless, and I’d be so humbled if that opportunity came.”

Click here for the full article

Congrats to all the girls selected, and a big shout out to our team members Jocelyne Larocque & Jenelle Kohanchuk who were both members of our Summer 2012 NCAA/College Prep Group.

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WHL NEWS...

MICHAEL ST. CROIX (EDMONTON OIL KINGS) & BROOKS MACEK (CALGARY HITMEN)

The WHL Version of the “BATTLE OF ALBERTA” between the Calgary Hitmen & the Edmonton Oil Kings is heating up, with Game 7 going last night…Both St. Croix and Macek have been huge factors for their teams in pushing the series the distance…”Calgary Hitmen right winger Brooks Macek of Winnipeg, Manitoba scored at 6:59 of overtime to give Calgary a 4-3 victory to tie the Western Hockey League’s Eastern Conference Final at three games apiece. The seventh and deciding game is Tuesday evening at Edmonton’s Rexall Place” an article from the Examiner.com stated… Now shift over to the Oil Kings side, where St. Croix made his presence felt in Game 4 of the series and was named the 2nd Star in the Calgary Herald… “2. Edmonton RW Michael St. Croix — Played a part in exposing his Winnipeg buddy Chris Driedger. Was in on three of the Oil Kings’ first-period markers and contributed to the momentum.”

Click Here for More on the article

Michael took part in our Summer 2013 Junior/Pro Group & Brooks Trains with Elite Performance. Good Luck to both players.

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WELL THAT’S A WRAP ON EPISODE 78 OF “THE WORD”

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Check out GDI PRARIES GOALIE NEWS written by DAN FERGUSON…. containing blog write-ups, Inside Edge Instruction, Videos, and much more…

THIS IS YOUR MOMENT…YOU ARE MEANT TO BE HERE…

91 LOWSON CRESCENT/WINNIPEG, MB.

P. 204.489.7465 E. info@therink.ca W. www.therink.ca <

Forehand to Backhand

Posted on April 29, 2013 by DaveCameron

Here are two scenarios from the same night where players go from Forehand to Backhand for great goals. Both players are amongst the highest skilled players in the game and they make this skill look easy. In fact this is a very tough skill that takes a lot of practice for players to have the confidence to use it in a game. When we can move the puck that far across the net from forehand to backhand it makes the goalies job much harder to make the save adjusting to the new angle. Here are the examples from a game setting:

A. Net Drive

Stamkos illustrates how to take the puck to the far post and beat a D man wide around the corner. Notice how he builds his speed up in his own zone with good cross overs then puts himself into a position where he can receive a pass out wide. He drives to the net while protecting the puck and pulls the puck across the net making the goalie move.

Dan Ferguson of GDI says “This is a tough play for a goalie because he is forced to move out of his middle net coverage quickly which in turn forces him to have extension of his limbs outward. In doing so, he must rely on pressuring the puck while moving down the angle towards the post. With the combination of Stamkos being on his backhand and his speed it makes it difficult for the goaltender to adjust to the appropriate angle of the pucks release.”

For the Forward creating lateral movement in the goalie allows for us to have more net to shoot at and especially if we can lift the puck up to finish it off.

B. Pass Reception to a Shooting Position

The Magic Man strikes again showing off his hands and his skill. On this play he receives a pass on his forehand side and quickly pulls the puck to his backhand and into a shooting position. Without even settling the puck down, he is shooting the puck towards the net. He is able to control this puck moving it across his body in a tight space. The confidence he has in this area is incredible and has led to many great highlights.

There are so many ways players can score, but one topic that comes up a lot is the puck movement across the net. It takes courage to drive the far post on the net drive play, it takes patience to lift a puck up over the goalie and it takes confidence to work in confined spaces in traffic. Come work on these areas in your game this Spring and Summer in our Skill Specific Sessions.

Helping to take YOUR game to the next level. See you at The RINK

Coach Cameron

This is YOUR moment, YOU are meant to be HERE!

91 Lowson Cres/Winnipeg Manitoba

EPISODE 77

Posted on April 24, 2013 by JonCara

Championship Edition as members of our team are crowned..

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MJHL NEWS…

STEINBACH PISTONS

The Steinbach Pistons are MJHL champs…”The Pistons scored two goals early and then held on to win 3-2, defeating the Dauphin Kings 4-2 in the best-of-seven championship series.

“We got an amazing group who’s very committed to this team,” said Steinbach Pistons Head Coach Paul Dyck. “The guys, I can’t say enough about them. We persevered through a lot of ups and downs this year. It wasn’t an easy road.”

The Pistons knocked off the defending Turnbull Trophy champion Portage Terriers in seven games, the Addison Division leading Winnipeg Blues, and then the top team in the MJHL, fourth ranked in Canadian Junior Hockey League in the finals.

“There’s so much character in this group. I’m so proud of these guys, it’s unbelievable,” said a very emotional head coach.”

Click here for the full article

Congrats to Dan Taillefer, Hayden Goderis, Goaltending Coach Dan Ferguson, Head Coach Paul Dyck, Assistant Coach Rob Smith and the entire Pistons Organization…Next action for the Pistons is against the SJHL Champions from Yorkton on Sunday, April 28.

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HOCKEY MANITOBA – MANITOBA CUP UPDATE...

STEVE BURNS – MANITOBA CUP

Many people know him as the man at the front, the voice on the phone at The Rink or some have even noticed a resemblance to Michael Buble…Steve Burns is not just a pretty face, he is also a talented hockey player…Steve recently participate in the Hockey Manitoba – Manitoba Cup, where his team brought home the Gold…Burns was also selected to participate in the ALL STAR game where he brought home some hardware…Quite a feat for a player who recently recovered for a broken sternum sustained in a separate hockey related incident…Congrats to Steve and his team on the victory.

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WELL THAT’S A WRAP ON EPISODE 77 OF “THE WORD”

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Check out GDI PRARIES GOALIE NEWS written by DAN FERGUSON…. containing blog write-ups, Inside Edge Instruction, Videos, and much more…

THIS IS YOUR MOMENT…YOU ARE MEANT TO BE HERE…

91 LOWSON CRESCENT/WINNIPEG, MB.

P. 204.489.7465 E. info@therink.ca W. www.therink.ca <

Execution of Chances

Posted on April 22, 2013 by DaveCameron

Some players think that they should score goals on every shot that they take or in every game. The truth is you have to put yourself into offensive areas in order to have a chance to score and then you have to be able to finish a play off. Here are a couple of examples from John Tavares scoring goals that many players wouldn’t score:

A. 2 vs 1 Shoot the Puck

The simplicity of this is what makes it a great goal. As he is picking the puck up he continues to move his feet allowing for a little bit of extra space between him and any back checker. This also makes it harder for the 1 player that is back on defense as he has to then go backwards faster. Many players in this case would try to force something through a D man and cause a turnover. Instead, he moves in just a little to improve his scoring angle, gives 1 little stickhandle to fake a pass and rips a great shot. The puck is in the back of the net from the execution of a 2 vs 1 in its most simple form, SHOOT THE PUCK!

B. Stay in a Seam

Off a turnover in the Neutral Zone the Islanders counter quickly. The puck is passed outside to a wide entry and they are on the attack. Notice how the Toronto D man is backing in. Instead of driving to a spot where he would be covered, Tavares holds back a little but keeps moving forward. He stays in a seam where his teammate can see his stick and he is ready for a pass. The D man drops down to block a pass but because of the location he is in, he is still able to get a great seam pass. Notice how he doesn’t stick handle the puck in the slot and the puck comes to the net. Many young players think that this shot has to be to the top corners. In this case the goalie is pushing across and a shot back into the corner he came from is very hard to stop especially low and hard when he can’t set his feet.

All the little things make a difference and as teams get close to the play-offs the little things will either allow them to keep playing or to be watching on the TV. Come play-off time scoring chances are harder to come by, if you get one, don’t pass it up looking for something better.

Helping to take YOUR game to the next level. See you at The RINK

Coach Cameron

This is YOUR moment, YOU are meant to be HERE!

91 Lowson Cres/Winnipeg Manitoba