Hi this is Russell's mom. I just want to let you know I put the pictures I took on Sunday on his Facebook page. Feel free to add him as a friend -- he had a great year with you guys!
It won't let me paste the link here but if you go to facebook.com/russelldferguson you'll see them.
----
Thanks Clare!
Coach Steve
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hawks Comments
Hi Hawks,
To make your last few comments more visible on the blog, I'll post them as actual blog entries.
Here's the first, from your back stop.
on my final comment i'd just like to say thanks to the coaches and all the players on the team for making it a great season. id also like to congradulate mac on winning mvp. and as far as a party/get together goes, niece said something about a pool party at his house... maybe. anyway, hope to have all of you back on this team again next year and if not i hope you guys are ready cuz im comin back strong.
Braden
To make your last few comments more visible on the blog, I'll post them as actual blog entries.
Here's the first, from your back stop.
on my final comment i'd just like to say thanks to the coaches and all the players on the team for making it a great season. id also like to congradulate mac on winning mvp. and as far as a party/get together goes, niece said something about a pool party at his house... maybe. anyway, hope to have all of you back on this team again next year and if not i hope you guys are ready cuz im comin back strong.
Braden
2009 SWO Ball Hockey Bantam Champions!
Go Hawks!
What a weekend! What a final!
Your coaches are so very proud of you young men. You faced repeated adversity all season, including over the past weekend, and during the final game. And yet, you pushed forward, you were relentless, you were committed. Congratulations Hawks!
I hope you can see, as we go back to our regular lives, that we didn’t just talk about ball hockey all season. In fact, in many ways, we didn’t really talk all that much about ball hockey.
Hawks, we talked about life!
We talked about the power of believing, the power of committing, and the incredible power you find in DECIDING that you WILL make your goal, your dream, whatever it may be. All of those great leaders whose quotes we’ve discussed on this blog and in the room, and even our mantra of “no space and no time”, all of that was/is not simply about ball hockey. That all applies to life!
And do you recall what we told Braden before he faced that penalty shot, and before the shoot-out in the tournament? Do you remember what we told Brad and Aaron before they took penalty shots or shoot-outs? We told them to “have fun”. Hawks, that’s so important! Have fun!
Again, that’s not about ball hockey. That’s about life gentlemen!
Hawks, it’s been a humbling experience, a learning experience, and a true honour to take the field of battle with you young men. As I mentioned when we met, this was my first coaching experience. I’ve been an assistant, but this was my first attempt at the head coaching position. You’ve made it a season to always remember!
I’d like to get us together to celebrate, but I certainly can’t orchestrate something like that on my own. We’ll need a venue and some other volunteer assistance from the parents on the team. If any of you are willing to supply either, please email me via the address noted to the right. We’ll try to get this organized as quickly as possible.
Thanks for a great season Hawks! And congratulations! YOU are ALL SWO Ball Hockey Bantam Champions!
What a weekend! What a final!
Your coaches are so very proud of you young men. You faced repeated adversity all season, including over the past weekend, and during the final game. And yet, you pushed forward, you were relentless, you were committed. Congratulations Hawks!
I hope you can see, as we go back to our regular lives, that we didn’t just talk about ball hockey all season. In fact, in many ways, we didn’t really talk all that much about ball hockey.
Hawks, we talked about life!
We talked about the power of believing, the power of committing, and the incredible power you find in DECIDING that you WILL make your goal, your dream, whatever it may be. All of those great leaders whose quotes we’ve discussed on this blog and in the room, and even our mantra of “no space and no time”, all of that was/is not simply about ball hockey. That all applies to life!
And do you recall what we told Braden before he faced that penalty shot, and before the shoot-out in the tournament? Do you remember what we told Brad and Aaron before they took penalty shots or shoot-outs? We told them to “have fun”. Hawks, that’s so important! Have fun!
Again, that’s not about ball hockey. That’s about life gentlemen!
Hawks, it’s been a humbling experience, a learning experience, and a true honour to take the field of battle with you young men. As I mentioned when we met, this was my first coaching experience. I’ve been an assistant, but this was my first attempt at the head coaching position. You’ve made it a season to always remember!
I’d like to get us together to celebrate, but I certainly can’t orchestrate something like that on my own. We’ll need a venue and some other volunteer assistance from the parents on the team. If any of you are willing to supply either, please email me via the address noted to the right. We’ll try to get this organized as quickly as possible.
Thanks for a great season Hawks! And congratulations! YOU are ALL SWO Ball Hockey Bantam Champions!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Let’s Finish This Job!
Here we are Hawks, exactly where we wanted to be when we first took the floor together back on April 17th, the Championship Finals! Go Hawks!
Gentlemen, you’ve come so very far since that first game. You’re grown as players, and you’re REALLY grown together as a team. Your coaches are all very proud of all you accomplished thus far, proud of each and every Hawk!
But the job is not yet done. Our season is not yet complete. We have one more task before us, one more game, one more battle, one last obstacle that stands between us and OUR Championship!
This evening, when that ball drops at 6:45pm, let’s take care of business! Let’s get this job done!
Hawks, it’s no longer about teaching you systems, or coverage, or how to give our opponent no-space-and-no-time. You know all of that. You know your job. You know how to execute.
Our two teams, the Hawks and the Vultures, are evenly matched. They beat us 1-0. We beat them 1-0. They got past us yesterday. AND TODAY IS OUR DAY!
Hawks, it now comes down to one simple truth, the team that wants this game the most, will win. Please think about this truth. Please understand it. Please decide how badly you want this game, this Championship, OUR Championship!
And please read on as I remind you of some related truths that we’ve discussed all season long....
From May 4:
The teams that are still standing at the end of this season will be those that are working well together. I’ll keep repeating it, a team is far more than the sum of its individual players. Ball hockey is a game of passing, making plays, and intensity. We’re strong and getting stronger at all three of those.
From May 10:
We have a great team Hawks! And a great opportunity to go all the way this season. We’ve come a long way in a short time, and I know we can keep learning and improving.
From May 19:
Are you all living by our Hawks Hockey Nation Excellence Creed? Part of being a great hockey team is simply believing in ourselves, believing that we ARE a great hockey team. And part of believing we are a great hockey team, is living like a great hockey team, always!
From May 24:
“Until one is committed, there is always hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help that would never have otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising to one's favor all manner of unforeseen accidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
From May 30:
Remember Hawks, we all agreed last night to crank it up a notch for the playoffs. No, actually, to crank it up 1,000 notches! Your coaches will do so.
From June 2:
Please consider this quote from Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you are right.” –Henry Ford.
From June 6:
“You must believe to achieve!” –Coach Steve, 2009 Copyright!
From June 7:
Every great sports team that ever existed...
Every great individual athlete that ever succeeded...
Every incredible inventor through history...
Every great leader, philosopher, and politician....
Every great artist, singer, band, song writer, painter and sculpture...
They all had one undeniable truth in common:
They had NO idea how they were going to accomplish their individual goal or dream, but each one BELIEVED absolutely that somehow he/she/they would most definitely, eventually, accomplish and achieve their goal!
From June 8:
"Commitment to the team - there is no such thing as in-between, you are either in our out." -Pat Riley
"Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the ‘me’ for the ‘we.’" -Phil Jackson
From June 12:
Here’s another truth in life gentlemen:
“Never confuse activity with results.” -Lou Gerstner, former CEO, IBM
There is no trying Hawks. There’s only doing, or not doing! This weekend, let’s DO!
From June 16:
“Vision is not enough; it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs.” –Vaclav Havel
“Some succeed because they are destined to. Most succeed because they are determined to.” –unknown
Gentlemen, you’ve come so very far since that first game. You’re grown as players, and you’re REALLY grown together as a team. Your coaches are all very proud of all you accomplished thus far, proud of each and every Hawk!
But the job is not yet done. Our season is not yet complete. We have one more task before us, one more game, one more battle, one last obstacle that stands between us and OUR Championship!
This evening, when that ball drops at 6:45pm, let’s take care of business! Let’s get this job done!
Hawks, it’s no longer about teaching you systems, or coverage, or how to give our opponent no-space-and-no-time. You know all of that. You know your job. You know how to execute.
Our two teams, the Hawks and the Vultures, are evenly matched. They beat us 1-0. We beat them 1-0. They got past us yesterday. AND TODAY IS OUR DAY!
Hawks, it now comes down to one simple truth, the team that wants this game the most, will win. Please think about this truth. Please understand it. Please decide how badly you want this game, this Championship, OUR Championship!
And please read on as I remind you of some related truths that we’ve discussed all season long....
From May 4:
The teams that are still standing at the end of this season will be those that are working well together. I’ll keep repeating it, a team is far more than the sum of its individual players. Ball hockey is a game of passing, making plays, and intensity. We’re strong and getting stronger at all three of those.
From May 10:
We have a great team Hawks! And a great opportunity to go all the way this season. We’ve come a long way in a short time, and I know we can keep learning and improving.
From May 19:
Are you all living by our Hawks Hockey Nation Excellence Creed? Part of being a great hockey team is simply believing in ourselves, believing that we ARE a great hockey team. And part of believing we are a great hockey team, is living like a great hockey team, always!
From May 24:
“Until one is committed, there is always hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help that would never have otherwise occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising to one's favor all manner of unforeseen accidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.” –Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
From May 30:
Remember Hawks, we all agreed last night to crank it up a notch for the playoffs. No, actually, to crank it up 1,000 notches! Your coaches will do so.
From June 2:
Please consider this quote from Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you are right.” –Henry Ford.
From June 6:
“You must believe to achieve!” –Coach Steve, 2009 Copyright!
From June 7:
Every great sports team that ever existed...
Every great individual athlete that ever succeeded...
Every incredible inventor through history...
Every great leader, philosopher, and politician....
Every great artist, singer, band, song writer, painter and sculpture...
They all had one undeniable truth in common:
They had NO idea how they were going to accomplish their individual goal or dream, but each one BELIEVED absolutely that somehow he/she/they would most definitely, eventually, accomplish and achieve their goal!
From June 8:
"Commitment to the team - there is no such thing as in-between, you are either in our out." -Pat Riley
"Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the ‘me’ for the ‘we.’" -Phil Jackson
From June 12:
Here’s another truth in life gentlemen:
“Never confuse activity with results.” -Lou Gerstner, former CEO, IBM
There is no trying Hawks. There’s only doing, or not doing! This weekend, let’s DO!
From June 16:
“Vision is not enough; it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs.” –Vaclav Havel
“Some succeed because they are destined to. Most succeed because they are determined to.” –unknown
Friday, June 19, 2009
Good News!
Hi Hawks,
As we prepare for our final push this weekend, I want to share some good news.
As we prepare for our final push this weekend, I want to share some good news.
As most of you know, one of our defencemen sustained a "lower body" injury on Saturday.
I'm happy to report that said defenceman will go back into battle with us this weekend! He still has some minor discomfort but is determined to be there for you, his team.
This is great news Hawks. We need each and every one of you this weekend! I know the schedule is uncertain. Please be there.
Go Hawks!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
"Most Succeed Because They are Determined To"
Good morning Hawks!
I'm still in Toronto in meetings all day. Braden told me last night that the playoff standings have been updated on the SWO website.
I'm still in Toronto in meetings all day. Braden told me last night that the playoff standings have been updated on the SWO website.
Go have a look! We're in first place!
Of course, you'll quickly notice that the Vultures have two games played and two games left. We've played three games and have one left.
But here's the thing. As is generally the case in life, we control our own destiny.
The Vultures currently have 4 points in the playoffs (i.e. two wins). We currently have 5 points (i.e. two wins and a tie).
The Vultures play Friday night against the Harriers, a game they could win, lose or tie.
So coming into our Saturday game the Vultures will have 4, 5, or 6 playoff points, compared to our 5 points.
So in the worst case, the Vultures could have 6 playoff points and thus be 1 point ahead of us.
So when we beat the Vultures on Saturday, we'll finish the playoff round robin with 7 points, and we'll finish in first place!
If we should only tie the Vultures on Saturday, we'll finish with 6 playoff points and they could finish with anywhere from 5 to 7 points (depending on what happens against the Harriers Friday night).
So Hawks, the ONLY point to focus on here is that we control our own destiny. Period.
We'll go into Saturday's game needing either a win or a tie to take first place overall.
First place overall gives us a by all the way to the league final game, for the championship!
Finishing 2nd or 3rd in the standings would mean we would play an elimination game Saturday evening. The winner of this 2 vs 3 game will also play on the championship final.
It's all up to us Hawks. We decide. We determine the outcome of the playoff round robin.
Let's decide to finish first overall! Let's take care of business on Saturday!
Then maybe we can have some fun, together, as a team, without getting all sweaty and exhausted ;), on Saturday evening.
Remember Hawks:
"Vision is not enough; it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps; we must step up the stairs." -Vaclav Havel
"Some succeed because they are destined to. Most succeed because they are determined to." -unknown
Go Hawks!!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Quick Hello
Hi Hawks,
I just wanted to check in briefly with the best ball hockey team in SWO.
I just wanted to check in briefly with the best ball hockey team in SWO.
I'm spending the work week at two separate conferences, all day, every day. But we will also be preparing for the Vultures!
I checked late last night and the playoff standings had not been updated. We'll keep checking.
Either way Hawks, Saturday at noon we control our own destiny! No one else has control. It's all up to us!
Remember, you must believe to achieve! Always!
Lastly, Burger, how's your foot doing? Please have your parents call me or email me with an update. Email and phone numbers are listed to the right.
I'd any others have injuries or issues that may effect is Saturday, please let me know.
Go Hawks!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Activity versus Results
Go Hawks!
Okay gentlemen, we’re right back into the SWO playoffs tonight. The playoffs start with a four-game round robin, during which we face the Owls, Harriers, Falcons and then Vultures.
We knocked off the Owls two weeks ago. This weekend we take care of the Harriers and Falcons.
So far we’re 1-0-0.
We’ll play the Harriers like we have many other teams. Just in case they’re listening in on this blog, we’ll discuss our strategies pre-game, in the dressing room.
We’ll need full effort from each and every one of you! And I’m sure you Hawks will deliver!
Remember to get there at least one hour pre-game, by 8:00pm. We get to break the camera tonight.
Personally I think the photos might be better post-game, when you guys are all sweaty, red-faced and out of breath. But for some reason we’re doing them pre-game. Such is life.
Here’s another truth in life gentlemen:
“Never confuse activity with results.” -Lou Gerstner, former CEO, IBM
There is no trying Hawks. There’s only doing, or not doing! This weekend, let’s DO!
Okay gentlemen, we’re right back into the SWO playoffs tonight. The playoffs start with a four-game round robin, during which we face the Owls, Harriers, Falcons and then Vultures.
We knocked off the Owls two weeks ago. This weekend we take care of the Harriers and Falcons.
So far we’re 1-0-0.
We’ll play the Harriers like we have many other teams. Just in case they’re listening in on this blog, we’ll discuss our strategies pre-game, in the dressing room.
We’ll need full effort from each and every one of you! And I’m sure you Hawks will deliver!
Remember to get there at least one hour pre-game, by 8:00pm. We get to break the camera tonight.
Personally I think the photos might be better post-game, when you guys are all sweaty, red-faced and out of breath. But for some reason we’re doing them pre-game. Such is life.
Here’s another truth in life gentlemen:
“Never confuse activity with results.” -Lou Gerstner, former CEO, IBM
There is no trying Hawks. There’s only doing, or not doing! This weekend, let’s DO!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Photos are this Friday (tomorrow)!!
As Jordan has brought to our attention Hawks, our team and individual photos will be taken this Friday, June 12, at Don McLaren, before our 9:00pm tilt with the Harriers.
Please arrive at least one hour before game time. For those that struggle with mathematics and telling time, that means arrive by at least 8:00pm. ;)
Let’s remember our Hawks Hockey Nation Excellence Creed. Specifically the following items:
1) We respect ourselves, our team mates and our team. We treat our team colours (jerseys) as our flag, and thus honour them with care and keeping.
2) We respect all involved in our team experience. This list includes all team personnel, families, refs, time keepers, arena staff, spectators and others.
5) We respect our team and team mates enough to arrive at least 25 minutes before each game and practice, and to be fully-dressed and ready for the pre-game talk at least 10 minutes before each game. OR, IN THIS CASE, AT LEAST 60 MINUTES BEFORE THE GAME!)
9) We realize that when we look good, and we feel good, we play good.
I’ll post again before Friday morning some preparation material for our game against the Harriers. We’ll be ready for them. And they’ll realize, from the first ball drop, that they’re in a Hawks HOCKEY game!
Thanks Gents,
Coach Steve
Please arrive at least one hour before game time. For those that struggle with mathematics and telling time, that means arrive by at least 8:00pm. ;)
Let’s remember our Hawks Hockey Nation Excellence Creed. Specifically the following items:
1) We respect ourselves, our team mates and our team. We treat our team colours (jerseys) as our flag, and thus honour them with care and keeping.
2) We respect all involved in our team experience. This list includes all team personnel, families, refs, time keepers, arena staff, spectators and others.
5) We respect our team and team mates enough to arrive at least 25 minutes before each game and practice, and to be fully-dressed and ready for the pre-game talk at least 10 minutes before each game. OR, IN THIS CASE, AT LEAST 60 MINUTES BEFORE THE GAME!)
9) We realize that when we look good, and we feel good, we play good.
I’ll post again before Friday morning some preparation material for our game against the Harriers. We’ll be ready for them. And they’ll realize, from the first ball drop, that they’re in a Hawks HOCKEY game!
Thanks Gents,
Coach Steve
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
“Surrender the ‘Me’ for the ‘We’”
Hi Hawks,
I wanted to take a day or so and let the dust settle after the tournament, providing time to gather my thoughts. And providing you time to gather yours.
Hawks, you should be very, very proud of your accomplishments. I am! Your other coaches are very proud of you also. You’ve come so far in such a short period of time, marching all the way to the semi-finals!
I also wonder if I made a strategic error in the way we prepared to play the Ravens. I suspect I underestimated their abilities. Perhaps we should have gone with four-deep in our zone from the start, rather than starting with three-deep. As I’ve said, there’s ample opportunity to learn in each and every defeat. I’m doing my best to do so.
That said, we can’t take anything away from the Ravens. They played a fantastic game, and they deserve our full respect and congratulations!
And congratulations to the tournament champions, the Falcons, who defeated the Ravens 3-2 in the final on Sunday evening. The final four teams all deserved the championship, and all deserve our respect. Both semi-finals were one goal games, as was the final.
Congratulations to SWO also, for running a fantastic tournament. Great job gents!
Hawks, I want you to know that it continues to be an incredible honour and privilege to go into battle with each and every one of you. There’s not a single player in the league that I would add to our team. I’m very happy with our line-up, and I’m glad I’m your head coach.
Individually...
Aaron – I’ve never seen anyone display more desire, heart or commitment. Keep leading!
Braden – You’re a team leader that does all a goalie should do, which is give your team a chance to win. We thank you!
Bradley – You have all the skills required to elevate the play of each of your teammates. Keep feeding those perfect passes!
Daniel – You play an incredibly strong positional game, always found exactly where you should be. Keep up the great work!
Devin – Your strength and tenacity down low in the opposition zone is very important to our team. Keep pressing harder and harder!
Jordan F. – Your defensive prowess combined with your point shots and rushes make you a two-way threat. Keep pumping them in!
Jordan S. – Your commitment to our team, in regular play and when handling special assignments, is second to none. Keep leading Jordan!
Kyle – We’ve missed you a few times, and our offensive threat has been weakened because you didn’t provide your added punch and presence. Be there!
Mackenzie – Your quick hands and feet have kept the ball in the opposition zone time and time again, and no one works harder than you. You’re an inspiration!
Mitchell N. – You also play a very strong positional game and have great sense of where to be on the floor. Keep playing smart ball hockey Mitchell!
Mitchell J. – Your speed is an incredible asset on defence, allowing us to press a little more than we could otherwise, knowing you’ll get back in time. Keep it up!
Nathan – You have fantastic hands and very strong ball (aka “puck”) sense, leading to scoring opportunities. Keep going!
Russell – You’ve really raised your game lately, playing some great games, and helping your team have more fun. Keep working hard Russell!
Tyler M. – You work very hard on your wing, and always seem to know your job, whether we’re playing three- or four-deep. Keep playing strong!
Tyler C. – What you give up in size you make up for in determination, especially when you make sure you’re in a strong position against the opposition players. Keep it going Tyler!
Zach – A few games ago you moved to our blue line, bringing us great strength both in their zone and down low in ours. Keep clearing that ball!
And as a team...
We’re so much more than the sum of our parts! We ARE the strongest team in this league. Do you BELIEVE?
"Commitment to the team - there is no such thing as in-between, you are either in or out." -Pat Riley
"Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the ‘me’ for the ‘we.’" -Phil Jackson
Now we start preparing for Friday night, to do battle with Harriers. The times is now!
I wanted to take a day or so and let the dust settle after the tournament, providing time to gather my thoughts. And providing you time to gather yours.
Hawks, you should be very, very proud of your accomplishments. I am! Your other coaches are very proud of you also. You’ve come so far in such a short period of time, marching all the way to the semi-finals!
I also wonder if I made a strategic error in the way we prepared to play the Ravens. I suspect I underestimated their abilities. Perhaps we should have gone with four-deep in our zone from the start, rather than starting with three-deep. As I’ve said, there’s ample opportunity to learn in each and every defeat. I’m doing my best to do so.
That said, we can’t take anything away from the Ravens. They played a fantastic game, and they deserve our full respect and congratulations!
And congratulations to the tournament champions, the Falcons, who defeated the Ravens 3-2 in the final on Sunday evening. The final four teams all deserved the championship, and all deserve our respect. Both semi-finals were one goal games, as was the final.
Congratulations to SWO also, for running a fantastic tournament. Great job gents!
Hawks, I want you to know that it continues to be an incredible honour and privilege to go into battle with each and every one of you. There’s not a single player in the league that I would add to our team. I’m very happy with our line-up, and I’m glad I’m your head coach.
Individually...
Aaron – I’ve never seen anyone display more desire, heart or commitment. Keep leading!
Braden – You’re a team leader that does all a goalie should do, which is give your team a chance to win. We thank you!
Bradley – You have all the skills required to elevate the play of each of your teammates. Keep feeding those perfect passes!
Daniel – You play an incredibly strong positional game, always found exactly where you should be. Keep up the great work!
Devin – Your strength and tenacity down low in the opposition zone is very important to our team. Keep pressing harder and harder!
Jordan F. – Your defensive prowess combined with your point shots and rushes make you a two-way threat. Keep pumping them in!
Jordan S. – Your commitment to our team, in regular play and when handling special assignments, is second to none. Keep leading Jordan!
Kyle – We’ve missed you a few times, and our offensive threat has been weakened because you didn’t provide your added punch and presence. Be there!
Mackenzie – Your quick hands and feet have kept the ball in the opposition zone time and time again, and no one works harder than you. You’re an inspiration!
Mitchell N. – You also play a very strong positional game and have great sense of where to be on the floor. Keep playing smart ball hockey Mitchell!
Mitchell J. – Your speed is an incredible asset on defence, allowing us to press a little more than we could otherwise, knowing you’ll get back in time. Keep it up!
Nathan – You have fantastic hands and very strong ball (aka “puck”) sense, leading to scoring opportunities. Keep going!
Russell – You’ve really raised your game lately, playing some great games, and helping your team have more fun. Keep working hard Russell!
Tyler M. – You work very hard on your wing, and always seem to know your job, whether we’re playing three- or four-deep. Keep playing strong!
Tyler C. – What you give up in size you make up for in determination, especially when you make sure you’re in a strong position against the opposition players. Keep it going Tyler!
Zach – A few games ago you moved to our blue line, bringing us great strength both in their zone and down low in ours. Keep clearing that ball!
And as a team...
We’re so much more than the sum of our parts! We ARE the strongest team in this league. Do you BELIEVE?
"Commitment to the team - there is no such thing as in-between, you are either in or out." -Pat Riley
"Good teams become great ones when the members trust each other enough to surrender the ‘me’ for the ‘we.’" -Phil Jackson
Now we start preparing for Friday night, to do battle with Harriers. The times is now!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
It’s Our Time Hawks!
I’ve just been preparing for the semi-final. I can’t wait. Heading to the rink now.
Here’s our updated schedule and results so far.
Friday – 9:00pm – Moses Springer – Owls 0 vs Hawks 0
Saturday 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks 3 vs Osprey 0
Playoff round:
Quarter Finals – Sunday – 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks 1 vs Vultures 0 (shoot out)
Semi Finals – Sunday – 3:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs Ravens _
Trillium-Hawks Cup Finals – Sunday 7:45pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Go Hawks!!!
Here’s our updated schedule and results so far.
Friday – 9:00pm – Moses Springer – Owls 0 vs Hawks 0
Saturday 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks 3 vs Osprey 0
Playoff round:
Quarter Finals – Sunday – 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks 1 vs Vultures 0 (shoot out)
Semi Finals – Sunday – 3:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs Ravens _
Trillium-Hawks Cup Finals – Sunday 7:45pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Go Hawks!!!
Calling You Out!
We’ve heard from two Hawks: Mac and Braden.
(Mac wrote in the middle of the night ... but we won’t ask too many questions about that...)
What about the rest of you Hawks! Do you want to win this thing? Do you BELIEVE we will win this thing?
Every great sports team that ever existed...
Every great individual athlete that ever succeeded...
Every incredible inventor through history...
Every great leader, philosopher, and politician....
Every great artist, singer, band, song writer, painter and sculpture...
They all had one undeniable truth in common:
They had NO idea how they were going to accomplish their individual goal or dream.
But each one BELIEVED absolutely that somehow he/she/they would most definitely, eventually, accomplish and achieve their goal!
Hawks, you have to BELIEVE! This tournament, the Trillium-Hawks Cup, is OURS! Let’s take that which is rightfully OURS!
We’ll see you by 11:30am at Albert McCormick!
Coach Steve
(Mac wrote in the middle of the night ... but we won’t ask too many questions about that...)
What about the rest of you Hawks! Do you want to win this thing? Do you BELIEVE we will win this thing?
Every great sports team that ever existed...
Every great individual athlete that ever succeeded...
Every incredible inventor through history...
Every great leader, philosopher, and politician....
Every great artist, singer, band, song writer, painter and sculpture...
They all had one undeniable truth in common:
They had NO idea how they were going to accomplish their individual goal or dream.
But each one BELIEVED absolutely that somehow he/she/they would most definitely, eventually, accomplish and achieve their goal!
Hawks, you have to BELIEVE! This tournament, the Trillium-Hawks Cup, is OURS! Let’s take that which is rightfully OURS!
We’ll see you by 11:30am at Albert McCormick!
Coach Steve
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Believe!
Go Hawks!
According to the Trillium Cup website, we play the Vultures at 12:00pm (noon) at Albert McCormick.
Let’s win this thing! I love it! We can’t wait to tangle with the Vultures!
Here’s our updated schedule and results.
Friday – 9:00pm – Moses Springer – Owls 0 vs Hawks 0
Saturday 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks 3 vs Osprey 0
Playoff round:
Quarter Finals – Sunday – 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs Vultures _
Semi Finals – Sunday – 3:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Trillium-Hawks Cup Finals – Sunday 7:45pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Hawks, you’ve played two fantastic games in this tournament. And our games last weekend, against the Falcons and Osprey were equally impressive.
Hawks, you should be very proud of your accomplishments, very satisfied with how far you’ve come, both individually, and as team, in such a short time.
Your coaches will have a look at what the Vultures have done thus far, both in the regular season and in the tournament, and we’ll put a strategy in place. They won their first game of the tournament but then lost their second.
We coaches have absolute confidence in your ability to execute our team strategy to perfection!
Remember Hawks, “you must believe to achieve!”
According to the Trillium Cup website, we play the Vultures at 12:00pm (noon) at Albert McCormick.
Let’s win this thing! I love it! We can’t wait to tangle with the Vultures!
Here’s our updated schedule and results.
Friday – 9:00pm – Moses Springer – Owls 0 vs Hawks 0
Saturday 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks 3 vs Osprey 0
Playoff round:
Quarter Finals – Sunday – 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs Vultures _
Semi Finals – Sunday – 3:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Trillium-Hawks Cup Finals – Sunday 7:45pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Hawks, you’ve played two fantastic games in this tournament. And our games last weekend, against the Falcons and Osprey were equally impressive.
Hawks, you should be very proud of your accomplishments, very satisfied with how far you’ve come, both individually, and as team, in such a short time.
Your coaches will have a look at what the Vultures have done thus far, both in the regular season and in the tournament, and we’ll put a strategy in place. They won their first game of the tournament but then lost their second.
We coaches have absolute confidence in your ability to execute our team strategy to perfection!
Remember Hawks, “you must believe to achieve!”
Day Two – Trillium-Hawks Cup Tournament
Go Hawks!!
Remember gentlemen, “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you are right.” –Henry Ford
“You must believe to achieve!” –Coach Steve, 2009 Copyright!
Here’s our tournament schedule, updated, again.
Friday – 9:00pm – Moses Springer – Owls 0 vs Hawks 0
Saturday 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs Osprey _
Playoff round:
Quarter Finals – Sunday – 12:00pm – Albert McCormick/Moses Springer/St Jacobs – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Semi Finals – Sunday – 3:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Trillium-Hawks Cup Finals – Sunday 7:45pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
GAME PREPARATION
Today we’ll play the Osprey much like we played the Falcons last Friday evening. Think four-deep in our zone and one winger high in their zone. This will allow us to battle hard down low in our zone and clear the ball immediately, as well as preventing any odd-man rushes out of their zone.
The Ospreys have a weak goalie, but they do know how to score some goals. Their goal scoring come from Joey (96), Isaac (2), and Dillon (28). We will keep an eye on these three. Joey (96) is their most prolific scorer.
We’ll start the game as noted above, four deep in our zone and one winger always high in their zone. That set-up may change as the game progresses. We’ll see.
That’s it for now Hawks! Make sure you come ready to play today! Believe first! Achieve second!
Coach Steve
Remember gentlemen, “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you are right.” –Henry Ford
“You must believe to achieve!” –Coach Steve, 2009 Copyright!
Here’s our tournament schedule, updated, again.
Friday – 9:00pm – Moses Springer – Owls 0 vs Hawks 0
Saturday 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs Osprey _
Playoff round:
Quarter Finals – Sunday – 12:00pm – Albert McCormick/Moses Springer/St Jacobs – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Semi Finals – Sunday – 3:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Trillium-Hawks Cup Finals – Sunday 7:45pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
GAME PREPARATION
Today we’ll play the Osprey much like we played the Falcons last Friday evening. Think four-deep in our zone and one winger high in their zone. This will allow us to battle hard down low in our zone and clear the ball immediately, as well as preventing any odd-man rushes out of their zone.
The Ospreys have a weak goalie, but they do know how to score some goals. Their goal scoring come from Joey (96), Isaac (2), and Dillon (28). We will keep an eye on these three. Joey (96) is their most prolific scorer.
We’ll start the game as noted above, four deep in our zone and one winger always high in their zone. That set-up may change as the game progresses. We’ll see.
That’s it for now Hawks! Make sure you come ready to play today! Believe first! Achieve second!
Coach Steve
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Trillium-Hawks Cup Tournament Preparation
Hi Hawks,
Here we are, one day from the beginning of the Trillium-Hawks Cup! Are we ready? Do we believe that we CAN win this thing?
Here’s our tournament schedule. You can also find it here on the Trillium-Hawks Cup website.
Round Robin round:
Friday – 9:00pm – Moses Springer – Owls _ vs Hawks _
Saturday 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs Osprey _
Playoff round:
Quarter Finals – Sunday – 12:00pm – Albert McCormick/Moses Springer/St Jacobs – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Semi Finals – Sunday – 3:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Trillium-Hawks Cup Finals – Sunday 7:45pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
GAME PREPARATION
We played the Owls last Saturday, and we played them to perfection. We’ll put the same basic strategy in place again this Friday evening. And I’m certain the Hawks will execute that strategy with passion and commitment!
On Saturday we’ll play the Osprey much like we played the Falcons last Friday evening. Think four-deep in our zone and one winger high in their zone. This will allow us to battle hard down low in our zone and clear the ball immediately, as well as preventing any odd-man rushes out of their zone.
That’s it for now Hawks! Make sure you come ready to play this weekend.
And remember what Henry Ford said: “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you are right.”
Here we are, one day from the beginning of the Trillium-Hawks Cup! Are we ready? Do we believe that we CAN win this thing?
Here’s our tournament schedule. You can also find it here on the Trillium-Hawks Cup website.
Round Robin round:
Friday – 9:00pm – Moses Springer – Owls _ vs Hawks _
Saturday 12:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs Osprey _
Playoff round:
Quarter Finals – Sunday – 12:00pm – Albert McCormick/Moses Springer/St Jacobs – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Semi Finals – Sunday – 3:00pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
Trillium-Hawks Cup Finals – Sunday 7:45pm – Albert McCormick – Hawks _ vs ??? _
GAME PREPARATION
We played the Owls last Saturday, and we played them to perfection. We’ll put the same basic strategy in place again this Friday evening. And I’m certain the Hawks will execute that strategy with passion and commitment!
On Saturday we’ll play the Osprey much like we played the Falcons last Friday evening. Think four-deep in our zone and one winger high in their zone. This will allow us to battle hard down low in our zone and clear the ball immediately, as well as preventing any odd-man rushes out of their zone.
That’s it for now Hawks! Make sure you come ready to play this weekend.
And remember what Henry Ford said: “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you are right.”
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Whether You Think You Can
Aaron, Mitchell, thank you for the great comments and contributions to our blog. I hope all Hawks will continue to tune in and contribute. We get very little time together pre- and post-game. That’s why your coaches have established this blog, to allow for more communication and team building.
Mitchell, you and Devin missed a fantastic game on Saturday. Your teammates performed to perfection. As Aaron mentioned, no space and no time. The Owls realized from the very first ball drop that they were in for a real battle!
Hawks, I would like you to think about two things as we head into the Trillium-Hawks Cup weekend:
First, think about the power of strategies and systems. Your coaches devised two very different strategies for the two games this past weekend, and you executed both to perfection. Friday we devised a very defensive approach, because we didn’t want to get into a scoring-fest with the Falcons. Saturday we put in place man-on-man coverage against the owls, along with a defensive (four-deep) posture in our zone. Think about it Hawks! When we combine a solid strategy with your strong execution and performance, we’re unstoppable!
And second, please consider this quote from Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you are right.” –Henry Ford. What was the founder of the Ford Motor Company suggesting? Comments please!
Coach Steve
Mitchell, you and Devin missed a fantastic game on Saturday. Your teammates performed to perfection. As Aaron mentioned, no space and no time. The Owls realized from the very first ball drop that they were in for a real battle!
Hawks, I would like you to think about two things as we head into the Trillium-Hawks Cup weekend:
First, think about the power of strategies and systems. Your coaches devised two very different strategies for the two games this past weekend, and you executed both to perfection. Friday we devised a very defensive approach, because we didn’t want to get into a scoring-fest with the Falcons. Saturday we put in place man-on-man coverage against the owls, along with a defensive (four-deep) posture in our zone. Think about it Hawks! When we combine a solid strategy with your strong execution and performance, we’re unstoppable!
And second, please consider this quote from Henry Ford: “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you are right.” –Henry Ford. What was the founder of the Ford Motor Company suggesting? Comments please!
Coach Steve
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
