Intense Rivalry and Virtual Training: Life in the AHL
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Game Day Preparation
- Training Off the Ice with NHL Sens Arena
- Game Day Experience
- The Rivalry with Belleville
- Personal Training Tips
- Game Analysis: Goals and Mistakes
- Focus and Mental Preparation
- Gear Updates
- Future Games and Road Trip Excitement
Game Day Preparation
Game days are always filled with excitement and anticipation. Whether we are playing at home or on the road, there's a certain energy that fills the air. As a professional hockey player, it's important to make the most of every opportunity to sharpen our skills and prepare for the game ahead.
On the day of a game, we typically start with an optional morning skate. This is a chance for players to get on the ice, stretch their legs, and get a feel for the puck before the game. It's also a great time to test out new equipment, such as my new GoPro 12 with the hyper Max lens. This camera provides an incredible field of vision, allowing me to see my arms and legs in action.
Before hitting the ice, I make sure my helmet is secure using the helmet strap attachment. It does a great job of keeping my helmet in place during intense game situations. And speaking of intense, games against Belleville are always heated due to the rivalry between the two teams. Having been on the other side of this rivalry with Toronto, I know firsthand just how electric and intense these games can be.
Training Off the Ice with NHL Sens Arena
One of my favorite ways to train off the ice is with the NHL Sens Arena. This virtual reality training game brings the on-ice experience right to your home, allowing players to work on their hockey skills and improve their reaction time. Whether I have some downtime, want to warm up before practice, or stay sharp for a game, NHL Sens Arena provides a wide range of drills and training plans to cater to both goalies and players.
The game offers over 100 drills and training plans created by professional coaches and players. There are also weekly challenges and the opportunity to compete with up to 20 other players in online multiplayer mode. As a goalie, I find the game particularly helpful in practicing my shot-stopping abilities and improving my cognitive skills. NHL Sens Arena has truly been a game changer for me in terms of off-ice training.
Game Day Experience
On game day, the excitement continues to build as we head to the rink. Meetings with the team and coaching staff help us strategize and come up with a game plan. Getting the body moving and doing some stretching is crucial to warm up before the game. And if time allows, I like to get some VR shots in either at the rink or in the comfort of my hotel room.
Once the game begins, the intensity is palpable. The first game against Belleville showcased the heated nature of the rivalry, with a number of fights breaking out on the ice. The second game had its own set of intense moments, including an incident where I put my glove on an opponent after the whistle blew. It was an unnecessary action on my part, and I acknowledge that I should have behaved differently. Nonetheless, I'm proud to say that we came out on top in both games, securing four wins in a row.
The Rivalry with Belleville
The rivalry between our team and Belleville runs deep. These games are always highly anticipated and often result in intense battles on the ice. The first game against Belleville saw multiple fights, highlighting the heated nature of this matchup. As someone who has experienced rivalries firsthand, I understand the passion and intensity that comes with these games.
While emotions can sometimes run high, it's crucial to keep focused and disciplined throughout the game. Avoiding unnecessary penalties and staying composed under pressure can make all the difference. The team did a great job of blocking shots and playing a disciplined game, which contributed to our success.
Personal Training Tips
As a goaltender, I'm always looking for ways to improve my game. One strategy I've recently adopted is to avoid looking at the scoreboard during games. This includes not glancing at the shot clock or keeping track of how much time is left in the period. By eliminating these distractions, I can focus solely on the next shot and stay fully immersed in the game. It's a small adjustment, but one that has proven effective for me in recent games.
For young goalies looking to test out this approach, I encourage you to give it a try and see how it impacts your performance. Remember, every goaltender is unique, so find what works best for you and embrace it.
Game Analysis: Goals and Mistakes
During the games against Belleville, there were a couple of goals that I wasn't entirely satisfied with. The first goal came from a clean shot by Thompson, which I believe I should have saved. While it was a well-placed shot, I always strive to make those saves, and I hold myself accountable for not doing so.
The second goal came from a two-on-one situation, where they made a smart pass, and the player took a one-timer against the grain. Upon review, I felt that I could have positioned myself better, perhaps using a different skating technique to get to the puck. It's essential to analyze these moments and learn from them to continually improve.
Focus and Mental Preparation
Maintaining focus and mental preparation is crucial for success in any game. For me, this means avoiding unnecessary distractions and honing in on the task at hand. By not watching the scoreboard or keeping track of stats, I can shut out any unnecessary thoughts and immerse myself fully in the game. This focus has proved beneficial in recent games, and I plan to continue implementing it moving forward.
Gear Updates
In my previous videos, I mentioned the arrival of new gear. While it hasn't arrived just yet, I can reassure you that in the next video, you'll be seeing the fresh addition to my equipment. I'm excited to put them to use in game action and share my experiences with you.
Future Games and Road Trip Excitement
Looking ahead, we have a three-game week lined up, including a road trip. Playing on the road offers its own unique energy and challenges, and I'm excited to embrace the opportunity. Staying in the right mindset and having fun as a team will be essential as we hit the road. I can't wait to see what the future games hold and share the experiences with all of you.
Highlights:
- Intense rivalry with Belleville
- Utilizing VR training with NHL Sens Arena
- New gear on the horizon
- Focusing on the next shot, ignoring the scoreboard
- Learning and improving from past mistakes
- Maintaining mental focus and preparation
- Excitement for upcoming road games
FAQ Q&A:
Q: How do you prepare for game day?
A: Game day preparation involves an optional morning skate, testing of new equipment, and mental focus.
Q: What is NHL Sens Arena?
A: NHL Sens Arena is a virtual reality training game that allows players to train off the ice and improve their hockey skills.
Q: How intense are the games against Belleville?
A: The games against Belleville are known for their intensity and often involve heated moments and fights between players.
Q: What personal training tips do you have for goaltenders?
A: One tip is to avoid looking at the scoreboard during games to eliminate distractions and focus solely on the next shot.
Q: How do you analyze and learn from goals and mistakes?
A: Analyzing goals and mistakes is crucial in order to learn from them and improve for future games.
Q: What is your mindset going into road games?
A: Going into road games requires a positive mindset and the ability to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with playing away from home.
