THIS PAST WEEK, we put an end to a five-game winless steak with an overtime win on President's Day in Springfield. It was a big win because it amounted to a three-point swing in the standings. The Falcons are the team we are chasing for a playoff spot.
Lately, I've been emphatic at practice and during my pregame talks with our youthful Manchester Monarchs about the importance of talking to each other out on the ice. After all, we are not a bunch of mimes and none of us have telepathy. The best compliment a teammate can have is that you make others around you better. You can help make teammates better by talking, keeping those on the ice with you mentally sharp. When everyone is dialed in it makes the game easier to play.
How well you play with others is something you should learn as early as kindergarten. In fact, it's one of the first things you are graded on by your teachers. Kindergarten is also where young people learn to read and learn to be a good listener. These are the same lessons we stress to our players here in the AHL. That sounds remedial, doesn't it?
Union Leader - Inside Source: Communication wins games - Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008
Communication wins games (Union Leader) 
