The coaching
staff of the Bantam Crusaders CC team knew that 2016/2017 would be a learning
year for the boys and a learning year it has been.
“Most teams
expect to lose about half their players each year, with the older boys taking
the younger ones under their wing. We had zero returning players this year and have no players that have had played at the Bantam CC level, but the boys have done a marvelous job looking out for one another.”
Being thrown into the proverbial deep end, the players have adjusted to their older and more experienced opponents and to playing full contact hockey. Significant effort and resources were provided to the players at the beginning of the year for proper body contact that provided them with the safest environment possible. Baseline concussion testing was also provided. “Above all, we want to provide a safe and fun environment for the boys in which the boys take a team first attitude and the wins will come. A saying said repeatedly to them is anything can be accomplished when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit and the boys are living this out on and off the ice.” Throughout the year the coaching staff has emphasized the need for players to stay focussed during practice and to outwork their opponents during games. Self-control and discipline have been touch stones for a younger team who could be easily distracted. “I am very proud of the boys and our coaching staff for the discipline they have shown in games that have gotten away from us on the score board at times. We have lost one game to suspension that occurred in our first game when an opposing player turned. There have been no issues since. That is a testament to the players buying into a system and putting the team first.”
The Bantam Crusaders CC team would not be possible without a supportive group of parents and a number of fantastic sponsors. A special thank you goes out to the parents as wells as our sponsors at Time Central Watch & Jewellery Service and Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Solutions.
.... as written by Coach Paul