the blame game

A 3-3 game in the third period pretty much got determined by some poor officiating (terrible penalty call on clean check in front of our bench; blown offsides call), though a breakdown by Tom led to a NJ Freeze goal. Tried to BH puck out of zone in scrum near blue line, failed (should not have been big surprise there) and puck returned to scrum zone, but not Tom. He wandered off, uncontested, the Freeze fired it down low, and goals was scored.

I'm on the bench, trying to make the most of a "teachable moment" with Tom, but he's not listening because he's focusing on the poor officiating.

On the ride home, I asked him how he enjoyed the game, and he said "Fine until the refs ruined the game." Clearly not taking much personal responsiblility. Something we need to work on.

Head coach Steve, first time behind the bench this year, ended up getting a bench penalty for needling the refs. He made it clear that he was the only one allowed to rip refs, but actions speak louder than words. It is such an egocentric generation, it's tough to teach accountability. Hockey is a good forum for that.

Together we worked out a strategy to clear parents out of the locker room. Players have two weeks to learn to tie their own skates, and then the parents are out of the locker room. I spoke to each of the parents to give them the word to be followed up with an email. Probably a good team building move.

The Freeze was by far our toughest opponent, and we gave them all they wanted. So many members of this team need to drastically improve their skating, including Tom to a lesser extent. We'll see if Tom chooses to public skate on Wednesday. Got to be his own choice. We'll see if baseball and homework conflicts allow it.

No practice until Friday.