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Home for the Holidays

I got home yesterday morning. I drove from Rio Rancho and stayed a night in Buena Vista because it started snowing on me. It feels great to be home. I love seeing my family and just being home. It's nice to get away from the stresses of junior hockey for a bit. But I think I'm going to miss it too. I pulled into Edwards yesterday and had this weird feeling, like I didn't belong here anymore, like I didn't know what to do with myself without playing hockey every day. But that feeling went away pretty quick when I saw my family and friends. I can't really express how good it feels to be home after being away for so long. I've lived in a few different homes already this year, and I've been on the road for countless hours, so it feels amazing to be back at home for the holidays, with family and friends.

Less is More

The biggest lesson I learned during my weekend with the Steelheads was "less is more." My whole life I've been able to do pretty much anything I want on the ice. I could take the puck coast to coast 4, 5, or even more times than that a game. I could pull dangerous toe drags in my zone. I could get away with things that I can't get away with anymore. But now I'm learning to play the game of hockey right. I'm learning to make the smart plays, I'm learning to change my game, and become a better hockey player. I played 4 games in 4 days with the Steelheads, which I think was very good for me. I needed to get in some games and experience some game situations. I had fun playing with them, and I learned a lot. I think I made an impact in the games even though I didn't score, considering I didn't know any of their systems and had never practiced with them. I made some good plays, and I think I played pretty solidly. I got a lot of ice time too.

I think the big thing I need to take from this weekend is that I can't try to do too much. Sometimes my old game comes out of me, and I get tunnel vision and try to do too much with the puck and make a mistake. I just have to make the simple plays, smart plays, and get the puck up ice. Because that's the kind of player I am. I'm a good passer in the defensive zone, and I just need to play within myself.

One more game tomorrow, and it's a big one against the El Paso Rhinos. I need to focus on making smart plays. Less is more. I can't try to do too much. I'm liking the guys on this team a lot, and I really like the coaching. I've learned a lot just this weekend. I'm excited to play tomorrow, and I'm excited to go home for Christmas just to get away from the mental grind of juniors for a bit.

We won against the Fresno Monsters today, 4 to 1. I played a pretty solid game. I made a few mistakes, but overall played a smart game and was +1. Once or twice I tried to skate up ice with the puck, and Coach didn't like that. It was something we talked about before the game. He wants me to focus on making the smart play every time. He said to be a good defenseman you don't have to be flashy, you just have to defend and get the puck up ice. He said Nik Lidstrom is the best defenseman in the NHL because he always makes the smart play, and he never tries to beat someone one on one out of the defensive zone like I do some times. He said he's happy with the way I'm playing, but I really need to work on a few little things to improve my game.

We lost our second game tonight 3 to 1 against the Helena Bighorns from the NORPAC league. They were a good team and I think they outplayed us. I played well again. I took some risks and made a few mistakes. That's the way it goes though. You can't be perfect. I have to refocus for tomorrow's game which is another important one against the Fresno Monsters' WSHL team. I know I played well, but I want to play better and it's frustrating when I make mistakes that I can prevent. I've definitely been feeling out the level here and trying to take some risks because that's what this weekend is about: me trying to get some confidence and playing time. I played a lot and I've had a lot of fun so far here, but I need to play better the rest of the weekend.

Now I'm going to walk the strip with the team!