Chapter 1
The Brant High School hockey program had deteriorated into a culture of negative behaviors and underperformance. Recognizing the program is in disarray, the school committee hired a new boy's hockey coach/physical education teacher to rebuild a once-proud program. With this hiring, the committee hoped that he would
bring a philosophy and teaching methods that focus on elements his players were not familiar with.
Joe Collins pushed the door open to his office, which had Boys Hockey Coach scribed across the glass window, and settled behind his desk. He tried to gather his thoughts about the first day of tryouts and about the team he was inheriting. He pondered the daunting task that he had been charged with. He also knew his reputation as a coach who demands attention to details and discipline was the major reason he was hired for the position.
Joe pulled his practice plan from his briefcase and reviewed the drills planned for the first day. After a few glances and notations, he laced his skates and made his way onto the ice where the team was skating causally around the rink. He blew his whistle and clapped his hands.
"Let's go, boys. Lotta work to do. On my whistle, I want you to accelerate from blue line to blue line."
Minutes later, the shrill of his whistle stopped everyone in their tracks and, with a hand gesture, Coach Collins signaled everyone to center ice.
"Guys, obviously this team hasn't had a lot of success in the past. There are a number of reasons why that happened but, starting today, we are going to change the way you look at every aspect of the game.
"After today's practice, we'll have a short meeting to go over my expectations and lay the groundwork for the upcoming season but for now, all I ask is that you give me 100 percent and work hard. Everything else should take care of itself.
"There are 25 of you trying out for this team. As you know, we can only carry 18 players and two goalies. The fact that you played here last year or even the past three does not guarantee you a spot this year, but everyone will be given a fair shot to make the team."
Without another word, he emptied a bag of pucks at center ice, and looked at the expectant teens.
"Goalies in the nets, everyone else grab a puck and form two equal lines, one on either side of the rink, starting at the red line. On my whistle, Let's see what you can do.
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