What an amazing week! Thanks for the feedback and conversations I have had with parents, players and scouts. Your words have been overwhelming and much appreciated.
Game Recap;
We couldn’t have asked for a more competitive atmosphere. After 5 days, 10 games and hours of hockey, both teams shared identical records of 5-5, that not even a 5-Minute OT could settle; so, for the first time in NTC showcase history, we went to a shoot out! First shooter for team Blue was Zachary Radovanovic and although he is often ‘a lock’ to score, goaltender, Emilio Gallenero wouldn’t be beat. Next, team Red, sent Josh Lemmon, and to team reds thrill, he scored, giving team red their first lead of the week. Next was Emerson Ducasse for team Blue, and once more, Emilio Gallenero was equal to the task, as he denied team blues 2nd shooter. With the shootout, game and showcase on his stick, Shawn Madden knew what was at stake. He pushed the puck ahead, crossing over to the right, and swinging in to the zone on the right wing. As he closed in on the goalie, we knew what we were in for; Shawn’s patented move. As he approached the net, moving right to left across the goaltenders crease, Shawn dropped the puck to his skate, and as the goaltender lurched for the puck, Shawn quickly kicked it up to his stick, and with a flick of his wrists, he slid the puck in the far corner around a sprawling goaltender, and with that, VICTORY went to team RED!
A huge congratulations to team RED. Despite being behind all week, they pulled ahead when it mattered most. To team White, well done! You lead all week, battled to the end and were gracious in defeat.
Coaches Corner;
It was great to host the coaches, scouts, and GM’s last week. Although there was a great deal of amazing information shared with the boys and parents, it was the common message amongst all panellist that impacted me most; Be your best (on and off the rink), respect your parents, and coaches, keep your opinions and frustrations to yourselves, outwork others and always prioritize academics over hockey.
The scouts and coaches were very impressed with the players skill, commitment and effort, and in the words of Tony Costantini, from The Pembrook LumberKings, “Thank you for bringing these players together Dan. Without this program, players would be slipping through the cracks.”
Finally, I want to thank the parents for their time, effort, and commitments to supporting their young men’s dreams. Without you, none of this would be possible.
Stay tuned for information on NTC’s Nutritional Program with Dr. Pete, Chowder Cup, and NTC’s summer conditioning programs, and remember to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ntchockey
Until then, keep your stick on the ice and keep chasing your dreams.
Your friend
Day 2 + Day 3 NTC Junior showcase re-cap;
We are 60% of the way through the 2014 Junior showcase, and although the weatherman didn’t cooperate today, he could not stop the players from playing the most intense games yet!
Let’s Re-cap the game MVP’S
Team Red –
Game 1 – Peter Dowhaniuk
Game 2 – Shawn Madden
Game 3 – Daniel Oliver
Game 4 – Zach Ribau
Game 5 – Drew Stirling
Game 6 – Damien Heinle
Team Blue –
Game 1 – David Thomson
Game 2 – Luke Nicol
Game 3 – Anthony Modugno
Game 4 – Zachary Radovanovic
Game 5 – Joseph D’Amico
Game 6 – Jordan Bokla
The games are proving to be a very close affair. Other than team white’s 7-1 victory in game 1, the game have been see saw battles, and after 6 hard fought games, each team has won 3 games. As we head into the final 2 days, each game, period and shift take on new meaning, as the teams fight for supremacy.
Coaches Corner;
A big thank you to the coaches, GM’s, scouts and former player who have attended and participated in this years showcase coaches’ corner sessions.
Although each speaker has brought their own experience, and expertise to the event, all speakers share the same underlying message;
Play for a team that helps you to develop a foundation rooted in the details of the game, despite how many times you are told ‘no’, never, ever give up, and be a responsible person. “Rather than complaining about the things you don’t like, put your energy into working hard,” said Junior Canadians Head Coach, Mario Cicculio. “Guys, remember, your coaches are watching. Sometimes your body language tells them more than your words, “said Jason Fortier, Head Coach Toronto Patriots. There are so many opportunities that will come your way in this game, work hard and be ready for your chance,”, said Tony Costantini, scout for Pembrook Lumber Kings. One of the most profound words shared came from former St. Mike’s Buzzers player, Jordan Merrante, “Your hockey will end one day. Enjoy it now and be your best everyday, because when its over you will wish you had one more shift.”
Hockey is an intense and electric game, and it holds so many opportunities for you. “If you want to reach your dreams, you must decide if you want to be a hockey player, or a guy who plays hockey,” were Chris Shea’s parting words today.
I look forward to the last 2 days of action.
For live updates, follow us on twitter and instagam @ntchockey
See you at the rink
Dan
Day 1 of the 2014 Junior showcase is in the books.
Game one saw, team Blue dominate with 7-1 victory over team red . Team blue got off to an early lead, and never looked back. Leading the blue men was David Thomson with a hat-rick and an assist. Luke Nicol produced a goal and an assist, before leaving the game early in the second period. Team Red came to life in the second period, however the stellar goaltending of D’Amico and Cookish, shut the door, and kept them off the board. Game 1 MVP’s went to Team Blue David Thomson team Red Peter Dowhaniuk.
Game 2 saw a resurgence for team Red, with a close 7-6 victory. Team red broke the scoreless deadlock in the first period with a goal from Kyle Peters. Shortly afterwards, team blue’s, Christian Mitri tied the affair at 1-1. Team red took what seemed like an insurmountable 5-1 lead with 2 goals from Shawn Madden, and 1 each from Dowhaniuk, Ribau before the end of the 2nd period. Despite the sizable lead, Nicol tallied twice for team blue, to close the gap to 5-3 early in the 3rd period. . Team red, undaunted, regained their 4 goal lead with goals by Madden, and Heinle. With less than 5 minutes to go, team blue forced the issue with 2 goals form Emerson Ducasse, and another from Radovanovic, narrowing team reds lead to 7-6. With team blues goaltender on the bench in favor of the extra attacker, team red bent but did not break, and skated away with the 7-6 victory.
Game 2 MVPS’s went to Team Red’s Shawn Madden and Team Blue’s Luke Nicol.
With the series now tied at one game a piece, tomorrows games carry a great significance. Make sure you come early and cheer on your team.
Coaches Corner March 10, 2014
I would like to thank CJ Morrison, head coach Blyth Academy and assistant coach Burlington Cougars, Rob Radford, GM Burlington Cougars, Pete Richards director of recruitment for Burlington Cougars, Milton Winter hawks, Hamilton Red Wings, Randy Penny, Head Coach West Mall Lightning U21 AAA and Chris Shea, Director of scouting Guelph Hurricanes, for their time, leadership and knowledge at todays Coaches’ Corner.
The panel was well represented, and as Pete Richards described it, a very well balanced panel that demonstrates the opportunities awaiting players after minor hockey. “Make sure you select the right option for you,” said coach Richards, as he addressed players and parents today.
Through out the Q&A today, players heard time and time again that character and behavior away from the rink is critical for athletic success. When asked about his philosophies, coach Morrison was quick to point out that he looks for the complete package when recruiting players for his team. “One of the first things I look at is how a player treats his mother,” said Morrison. “If you disrespect your mom, you are off my list.” “Another rule I have; no hats. Whether its ball caps, or winter tuques, when you are in the dressing room, or classroom, its hats off,” said coach Morrison. This lead to a chuckle, as all hat-wearing attendees, quickly removed their hats.
A topic that garnered great attention was the discussion of social media. “The first thing I do when recruiting players, is look into their social media,” said Guelph’s Chris Shea. “If I want to see how a player behaves, and who his friends are, I look at his twitter account,” said Shea. Coach Richards added to the discussion by sharing a story of a player who lost his NCAA Division I scholarship because of a disrespectful comment he posted on his twitter account. “Remember gentlemen, everything you post on social media can, and most probably will, come back and haunt you,” said coach Richards.
As the coach’s corner discussion came to a close, two final questions were put to the panel,
1) “Parents speaking to coaches and GM’s, good idea or bad?”
With a quick chuckle, and with NO hesitation, Chris Shea said, “Bad! We want to speak to your parents one time only. If you are a minor, your parents will be required to sign your card. After that, we will not speak to your parents.” “I will never speak to your parents about your role on our team,” said coach Penny.
2) What should an athlete say and NOT say when meeting a coach, scout, or general manager for the first time?
“I look for 3 things, confidence, positive body language, and a good firm handshake,” said Pete Richards. “I like an athlete to speak clearly, and be confident when we meet for the first time,” said Rob Radford. “If you are speaking to a coach, research his team before you meet,” said Chris Shea and Randy Penny offered these final words, “be yourself guys.”
As the event came to a close, it was apparent that all panel members agree that your character away from the rink has much to do with your on ice opportunities.
Thank you once more to all panel members for your contribution in the 2014 NTC Junior Showcase. Your insight, experience and inspiration positively impacted players and parents today!