The Stretch Run to the Play-offs
07/01/2010 2:11:37 PM
Now that Christmas, New Year's and all the holiday tournaments are behind us, it's time to start gearing up for the play-offs.

Minor hockey teams will start bearing down and making sure they hit their peak come the end of January.

The post season begins in February. Win and you move on, lose a round and you're done until next season.

For those that engage in spring hockey the wait will not be as long. Although for those who make it to the end and are still playing around the March Spring break there may be an overlap between winter and spring hockey.

Not that it's a bad thing, it just becomes busy trying to juggle two schedules.

I can never understand why the season can end so early for some teams. The rinks sometimes sit empty in March because there's no more games.

Why do we rush to get things started in late August and early September when there is still great weather outside?

Why not wait until the kids have settled into school for a week or two in September then start up the hockey season.

My suggestion is to start the regular season around Canadian Thanksgiving and play no later than the March break. That's five months of concentrated hockey, don't you think that's more than enough time
to play a schedule.

 

2009 Sports Management Conference
19/11/2009 2:24:27 PM

The other Mike, John Chabot and myself had a great time at the 2009 Sports Management Conference in Toronto earlier this month.

It was a who's who of professional and amateur sports managers, marketers, player agents and league commissioners from around North America.

The program co-chairs were Brian Burke, President and GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs (never a dull moment when this guy spoke) along with Trevor Whiffen, a Partner with the Law Firm Aylesworth Barristers and Solicitors and Governor with the OHL London Knights.

There were representatives from the NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, CFL and the OHL along with power hitters from the media.

There was a tremendous amount of  information that was traded over the two day conference along with a incredible opportunity for networking which we did.

One of things that impressed me the most was how well these individuals spoke, knew their product, players, teams or services and could tell you exactly what their competition was doing.

For example the NBA knew exactly what the NHL, NFL does in regards to ticket sales, promotion and marketing.

I know its makes sense to know what you competition is doing in today's tight economy but they knew each others programs inside out. 

The two days of speakers flew by covering a slew of topics from franchise relocations, salary caps, news and media, drug testing, building your brand, team operations, legal issues in the world of sports, athlete evaluations wrapping up with a player agent r ound table.

We also had the benefit of being Toronto when the Hockey Hall of Fame was holding its 2009 inductions so there was a buzz around town because of that especially in the area we were staying which happened to be just blocks from the Hall of Fame.

I'v already circled my calender for next year's event.

H1 N1
29/10/2009 10:10:12 AM
It's here folks.

H1 N1 in our community and it's hitting hard.

We have to deal with it and it's not going to be pretty.

I strongly urge everybody to get the facts about the flu and do whatever you can to avoid getting it.

The H1 N1 shot is out there for a reason. The shot has been approved by our governing bodies with tens of thousands of people lining up to get it. 

There is a difference between the swine flu and the other strains of influenza that are out there so make sure to educate your and your families about this nasty bit of business.

Getting sick is never fun but risking someone's life could lead to a tragedy.

Minor hockey associations are trying to do their parts in educating parents and players about the potential risks they may face whenever they go to the rink.

Water bottle, towel sharing and end of game handshakes put individuals at risk of spreading the germs that cause the flu..

But if you get sick please get treated as soon as possible and stay away from your teammates, classmates and reduce the risk of it running through a whole team, class room or school.

Good luck and stay healthy.

Welcome Back
14/09/2009 12:46:50 PM

Another hockey season is upon us, the nerve wracking try-out process a thing of the past.

Now it’s time to play hockey.

No matter what calibre you are playing keep up your passion and excitement for the game.

Over the next six or seven months all of your free time will be consumed with either practices or games.

Making sure your body is ready to go whenever the puck is dropped is paramount to a good performance.

Things like getting plenty of sleep and rest along with eating well are important ingredients into success.

Getting the proper warm-up prior to hitting the ice is a valuable component that is often overlooked by players at every level of minor and even junior hockey.

The pros know the value of a productive 30 -40 minute warm-up before their practices and games.

I see it all the time outside the locker rooms at Scotiabank Place as NHL players are stretching, kicking a soccer ball, throwing footballs and baseballs along with light stationary bike work.

They are usually preparing for a game an hour to an hour and half before they go on the ice for the pre game warm-up.

The moral of the story is if these guys do it then don’t you think that everybody should be doing a lengthy warm-up.

If you are not sure what to do go to a gym or conditioning centre and get some professional advice. The trainers will be glad to help you out and write up a program.

It may cost you a couple of bucks but in the end it will be worth every dime, helping to prevent injuries, improving flexibility and endurance along with giving you that extra advantage when you step on the ice.

See you at the rink

DEALING WITH TRY-OUT ADVERSITY
04/09/2009 11:06:16 PM
There are stories which filter from every level of hockey at this time of year regarding the try-out process, about injustices, politics, you name it rearing its head when it comes to the decisions at hand of player selection.  I have been on both ends of this and its no fun any way you slice it.

There are a million adages that can be used here - "it is what it is"; "it's not what you know, it's who you know", etc, etc...  Do yourself a favor and don't belittle or demean your efforts at the tryouts.  Be proud of your efforts, keep your head high, and work hard at improving your game the next time you are put into these scenarios.  While you may not make it that first time, remember - it is truly not a sprint, it's a marathon - the lessons/habits gained from your passionate pursuit of attaining these goals will never be lost on your character through every other facet of your life, including sport.

Keep skating.

Mike Pilon