Big Weekend

This weekend, we're headed to Topeka, Kansas to play the Topeka Roadrunners. We leave tomorrow night because it's about a 15 hour drive from here. It's a huge weekend for us because we need to get out of this rut we're in, and Topeka is another good test. I think I had a good week of practice even though it was a short week, and I'm ready for this weekend. One thing that Coach said last weekend that really struck home to me is that at this level, every shift—every play—matters. Someone will capitalize on your mistakes if you make them. And I learned that pretty firsthand last weekend in my first game as a Mustang. I made one mistake that led to a goal that was almost completely my fault. I didn't like that. I rebounded the next game and had what I thought was a really solid game. But I have to remember that I can't take any shifts off. I need to be mentally sharp all weekend. Last year, I could take some shifts off, even some games off because I was the best player on the ice every time we played. This year, though, is much different than last year, and I have to think about everything I'm doing out on the ice. I love it! It's challenging, but I'm always up for a challenge, and I can feel myself still getting better by the day. I guess the only way you learn is by making mistakes. I know I will make mistakes, but I have to be mentally sharp to try to limit my mistakes, and limit the mistakes I make to be minor mistakes. I'm excited for the challenges that are coming this weekend, and I can't wait to get out under the lights again!