Quote:
Originally Posted by PuckHead27  Nice article, but in all honesty, the test is not whether they like each other and get along after a couple of WINS. |
I agree that getting along is hardly a guarantee of anything. However, where I disagree is if the team is divided, then that alone can be the difference between winning and losing when the players are not on the same page. Also, it would be a mistake to dismiss the players having fun on the ice, acting as a team and supporting each other out there as also having NO effect on wins and losses.
In the practices I saw last year, rarely did I see players stay voluntarily after regular practise to keep at it and WITHOUT the presence of any coach involved tutorial.
Last year, this team played tight and scared. This year, they are having fun and can breathe literally. That difference alone can pay dividends. I have no expectation the players will all like each other. A divided scared team plays ugly uninspired tight hockey. After a year of that and seeing that quality gone from the team is HUGE.
