Lighten Up a Little

I'm pretty hard on myself. I worry about small things a little too much, and I think that's translating into me being kind of hesitant on the ice. I'm definitely getting more comfortable and confident, but I don't think I'm playing hockey like I know I can yet. I know I've made a pretty big jump from high school hockey in Colorado to junior hockey, and I think I'm doing really well with it so far, but I think I can do even better. I still think I'm improving daily, and it's really fun to see and feel myself getting better. I don't think there is a better feeling.

The team participated in No Shave November together. It was fun, but I'm glad it's over. I realized it's a good way to be easier on myself. When I screw up in practice, I can just think, "Hey, don't worry about it. You have a mustache on your face. Lighten up." It sort of helps me laugh at myself even when I'm mad at myself for missing a pass or screwing up in a drill. I think I will probably shave it off though. I'm comfortable enough now at practice that I can shake off the mistakes that I make and learn from them. But I'll remember the mustache trick if I ever need to use it again.

We leave for Fresno, California tomorrow. We play two games against the Monsters, and it's going to be a good test for us because they aren't in our division. I'm excited for the long road trip with the team, and I think my brother's even going to try to make it to at least one of the games because he goes to school at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.