Hello ValpoLife Readers! I apologize for not putting a post in sooner, but with an extended holiday break we have not had many games since December. Since the beginning of January, we have gone 0-4-1. Obviously this is not the start we wanted to kick off the new year, but we’ve kept our heads high and focused on the positives.
The Revolution era writer Thomas Paine said in his famous piece Common Sense “These are the times that try men’s souls.” It can be tough at this point in this season for players across the state: The wear and tear on the body. Lack of focus, being mentally tired from the first half. Stress to perform well down the stretch leading to league tournaments and eventually, state. Problems like this occur in all sports, but in hockey it can be different. It can be the difference between a one-goal win or loss. It can show in how a team does not only to start the game, but how they perform in the pressure situations to end a game. As referenced in one of my earlier articles, Brendan Shanahan said that hockey players must not only be strong, but have superior concentration. You really have to try to stay focused and continue to stay healthy so you can keep your game at the highest level possible. Hockey truly is a 10% physical, 90% mental game when the puck drops.
As we enter the second month of 2012, the parents are gearing up for the annual Valpo Hockey Club Hockey Hysteria fundraiser. With hockey being an expensive sport, this event really can help with the various expenses that the game can bring. This year’s Hockey Hysteria will be a bit different from years past. There will be a trivia night, music, a few games here and there, Chinese auction, the Blackhawks are playing that night- it’s a real night of festivities (or so I’m told. It’s an adults only event….). All the player families bring along friends, and sometimes a few alumni show up. It’s great to see the support that people have for the team.
Although this article was short, I hope it got across a few points from the mental aspect of hockey. There will be more to talk about to talk about in the coming weeks, and hey- maybe a word or two on the guys representing the Indian Head on Madison Street. Hope everyone continues to enjoy this lovely Northwest Indiana weather!
Until next time,
Charlie Crowley