Knights Moves

As the team finishes the first third of the season I want to explain the team’s philosophy on player expectations. I know philosophy and hockey seem mutually exclusive but there is an important connection. The management of the team believes that the following four concepts are important. In alphabetic order:

 

Academic; It is important for the players to pursue their education to the highest possible level. There are 6 players registered at Pleasant Valley Secondary School and another three taking college courses at OUC. For the high school students the team offers educational support to ensure that the players are performing well at school as well as being good ambassadors for the team.  From all accounts the players are meeting these expectations with flying colours. An intermediate goal for a number of the players is to combine their academic and athletic skills into a university scholarship. In this regard there are other players studying for the SAT exams which must be written to a certain standard in order for players to be eligible to attend US universities.

 

Athletic; Obviously the players have an athletic commitment. The key here  is not just to show up and play but make the effort at every possible opportunity to make themselves better players. The team has three practices a week (Tuesday, 12 to 1:15; Wednesday, 11:45 to 1:00; and Thursday, 12 to 1:15 ) as well as dryland conditioning activities. Yoga, cardiovascular and strength training are part of the off ice activities that will ensure the players will be able to perform to their best on the ice. The coaches provide appropriate on ice drills and activities to have the players ready for the games.

 

Community; The players must realize that they have a commitment to give back to the community. When players try out for the Knights the decision to sign the individual depends as much on their character as it does on their hockey playing skills. These community activities and commitments make the player better individuals and that is another aim of the management. We want to develop well rounded individuals, not just excellent hockey players. Some examples of the community commitments by the Knights are:

a) Kick Off to Canada Day Road Hockey Game

b) IPE rodeo security and camera operators

c) Kindale Client Christmas Dinner

d) Realtors Food Bank Drive

e) Assisting with reading programs at the elementary schools

f) Volunteer work at the Upper Room Mission

g) Acting as elves at the Christmas light up and participating in a road hockey game

h) Helping at Armstrong Regional Co-op Gas bar during Co-op week

 

Watch for the players at other up coming community events. Better yet come out and cheer the players on to recognize their commitments to your community.

 

Family; Without strong family support these players would not be able to play Junior Hockey. This one is an easy goal to achieve because the integrity of the players is such that this is already embedded in them. None the less it always bears repeating.

 

On the hockey side an update on some players. Eric and Patrick Chore played with the Prince George Spruce Kings on their recent road trip through the southern part of the province. John Saunders played two home games with Vernon Vipers and scored a goal, his first at the Junior A level. From all accounts these players acquitted themselves well. Having a taste of playing Junior A hockey will no doubt spur these players on to greater efforts as well as modelling the work required to make Junior A.  When some Knights are called up to Junior A it provides an opportunity for other players. Ones on the team have an opportunity to show what they can do in leadership roles and minor hockey midget players get a chance to play at a Junior B level. Sounds like a win-win situation.

 

That’s all for this issue. You can follow the Knights at their web site

www.noknights.ca  or at the KIJHL site www.kijhl.ca

See you at the games.