Getting the Jitters Out

We've had our first few days of on-ice practice now. It's really fast paced, a lot faster than what I'm used to in practices. It has been a little hard to get a hang of all the drills so far because they're new to me, but I think I will catch on pretty fast. For me, it's all about getting used to the speed of play. I need to pass better and move my feet all the time to stay with the other players. i have been playing very tentatively because I'm nervous. But I'm starting to get less nervous and more comfortable, and I'm starting to play better, but I know I still have a lot of work left to do to make the team. Before practice today, Coach asked us how many of us are here. There are 32 of us left. Then, he said we still have to get down to 23 guys, so there are a lot of cuts to come. I think that comment really hit home for me. I need to show the coaches that I want to make the team and that I can help the team. Today, I practiced much better than yesterday, but I still need to concentrate and try to make smart plays every time I'm on the ice. I know I have the ability to make the team, but I need to show the coaches. I don't want to be one of the players cut.