Glad to be home

To say that we are disappointed with how our road trip to Texas went would be an understatement. We were prepared and knew that the games were going to be tough but unfortunately came back empty handed. We didn't execute the game plan and let a couple minutes of bad hockey lose us the two games. I always hate losing, especially when you have a week to think about it. I have been in a salty mood the past couple of days just thinking about it. It was good to have practice this morning so we could finally turn the page and move our thinking toward this weekend. We have played well in Wilkes-Barre so far this year and then we have two home games before the Christmas break. Our goal this week is to refocus and get back to Bear's hockey. It seems like the injuries in Washington are starting to get to a more normal level so there is the possibility of getting some more players back, but you never know. Also some potential great news is that Dean Arsene is skating again 100% in practice and if all goes well will try to get into a game this weekend. You probably have heard that Kip Brennan has signed with the team too. He was at practice this morning, but he couldn't get on the ice until he cleared waivers, which he did. I have never played with Kip, only against him, and can attest that he is one of the toughest men in this or any league. I look forward to seeing what he can do this year (hopefully some more of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsom40270ss wow) Anyway, I have to finish up my Xmas shopping it is crazy that it is almost here!

11 in a row!

For those of you who have been living under a rock or in a coma for the last 3 weeks, the 3-0 victory over Norfolk on Sunday gave us 11 wins in a row. No team in the long history of the Hershey Bears has won 11 regular season games in row before. It may sound like a cliche but this streak definitely would not have been possible without the whole team contributing and then some. We have lost a lot of players to Washington and our own injuries and the players that have come up to fill those rolls have done a fantastic job. People were saying before the season that there was a lot of organizational depth here this year, but few would have expected this much. In my opinion there are a lot of great players in the East Coast League that can and will be great players in the AHL, all they need is someone to give them an opportunity to prove it. The players that have been called up for us the past couple of weeks are making the most of this opportunity and trust me people will notice.
It also is impressive how the guys that have been placed in more prominent roles due to the injuries have elevated their games. Greg Amadio is one example of this. I have not played with Greg for very long but I can guess that he is pretty much at the top of his game. He has been our best player for the last 3 weeks and embodies the selfless, physical style of play that has allowed us to win. I saw him dive in front of a shot and block it with his head, his HEAD! The man is an animal and I am so glad that he is on our team. P-Mac (Patrick McNeill) has also been playing with a lot more confidence and poise.
As good as the past 3 weeks have been we need to put it behind us and worry about Thursday night in San Antone. Now some people may think that we should be able to sleep walk over the Rampage but I assure you this will not be the case. There are no nights off in this league. Anyone can beat anyone on any given night and you need to bring 100% to be successful. San Antone had been struggling a week ago but they have won 3 in a row now, two of which were against Manitoba, the best team in the West. Coach Boudreau always said that winning streaks usually follow losing streaks so we will need to keep playing with the same grit and determination that we have been if we want to keep winning. I have no doubt that the tone in practice tomorrow will be serious and focused, Coach Woods will not let us be satisfied.
Moving in a completly different direction, I can't believe that it is almost Christmas! The season has gone by so quickly it seems. Things do seem to slow down though after the holidays and when we get into the dog days of the season in January and February. It will be nice to get some warm weather down in Texas before then!

p.s. I just wanted to thank everybody that has ordered from my wife's website BellaMink.com! She has been very busy the past couple of weeks and appreciates your business!