Believe it or not, my season starts in a little over two weeks! This summer really has flown by, but it's been great to be with family and friends for a little while. I'm so excited for the season to start, but I'm also a little nervous. I'm going to be one of the go-to guys on the team next year, which is something I relish, but it's also a lot of responsibility. I'm up to the challenge. It's definitely a good nervous feeling. And I don't know if I would actually call it nervousness. Maybe it's more of an anxious feeling, to get back on the ice and get things rolling. I have high expectations for this year, and I don't think I'm the only one. My coach has challenged me to take some big steps and become a physical force on the ice, like he knows I can be. I want to be a shut-down defenseman, but also a weapon on the offensive side of the ice with my shot.
Although some people may think I'm taking the easy way out by staying and playing at the Tier III level with a coach I know and like, I have news for you: I am not staying in Boise because it's the easiest option. I know the level of perfection that the coaches in Boise demand, and I know the standard at which they hold all of their players. This season is not going to be easy, and in no way am I expecting it to be easy. I'm ready to work even harder than I did last year to keep improving and accomplish my goals, and I'm excited to take on new challenges that any new season holds and be a difference-maker and leader this year. Last year, I was the wide-eyed rookie who looked up to all the wily vets. When they turned up their level of play, I had no choice but to do the same. I know I'll be in a whole different role this year as one of those wily vets, and I'm ready to grasp it and make the most of it because in a blink, this season will be over. I don't want to look back and say I could've done more.
So, some people might guffaw at my choice to stay and play in the Western States Hockey League. But again, it comes down to what I think is the right move for me. It really doesn't matter what other people think because I'm the only one who can decide what's right for me. We are going to have a very good team. I think it's a good sign that teams in the NAHL that we were trying to scrimmage next season don't want to play us, probably because they'd be too embarrassed when a team in the WSHL--what league is that?--beats them.
I've really enjoyed this summer; I've been up in Wisconsin for the past few weeks, water skiing with the Min-Aqua Bats, but I've also continued to work hard off the ice, in the weight room, and on the ice to stay in shape for this season. I pretty much work out every day and skate whenever I can, although I think it is good to give myself a little break during the summer, seeing as pretty soon I will be on the ice 2-3 hours a day, 6 days a week. Don't get me wrong, though. Hockey is always on my mind. I'm always thinking about what I can do to get ready for this season, whether it's going on runs, doing agility footwork, getting on the ice, or going to the gym at the local high school here. There are some pro guys and quite a few junior players up here always looking for ice as well, so it's been fun to get out and skate with them. Those skates are hard work, but a blast. It's so cool to practice with NHL players! I'm excited to get the ball rolling here pretty soon. These next two weeks are going to go by fast, and I'll be back in Boise before I know it!
No comments:
Post a Comment