More Than Results: Building the Right Habits Together
Photo by Jefferson Hagen
A Christmas List at the Midway Point
How do you sum up a winter tournament at the back end of the first half of a season, especially with a new team and 30-plus new personalities on and off the ice?
A Christmas list feels about right.
Not because everything went perfectly. Quite the opposite. But because the first half gave us clarity, perspective, and a growing understanding of who we’re becoming as a group.
All I Want for Christmas Is… Perspective
One of the most consistent themes from the first half has been learning where to place our energy.
When things don’t go our way, the easiest place to point the finger is outward. Officiating. Bounces. Circumstances. It’s human, especially at this age. But it’s also below-the-line behavior, and it quietly takes us away from growth.
When blame becomes the default, accountability disappears. If it’s someone else’s fault, there’s no reason to get faster, stronger, or more detailed. There’s no reason to adapt.
We’ve learned that where we focus matters. Energy spent on things we can’t control is energy taken away from improvement. And as the season moves quickly toward the second half, that lesson becomes more important by the day.
The teams that separate themselves aren’t perfect. They’re resilient. They respond. They adjust. That’s where we’re heading.
Learning to Breathe and Play
Another lesson has been learning to slow the game down mentally.
At times, the pressure to produce has been visible. Gripping sticks too tightly. Playing not to make mistakes instead of playing to create. That’s part of development, and it’s something every young player experiences at some point.
The challenge, and the opportunity, is learning to focus on what you can control. Compete. Make the simple play. Trust your teammates. When players do that, the game opens up. When they don’t, it shrinks.
The second half is going to fly by. If we spend it frustrated, the season ends feeling short. If we spend it focused and connected, it lasts longer, and it means more.
Safety, Details, and Doing Things the Right Way
The first half also reminded us that details matter.
From cut-resistant socks, to properly fitting cages, to neck protection that actually stays in place, these aren’t small things. They’re part of taking the game seriously and respecting the people you share the ice with.
Good habits off the ice support good habits on it.
Individual Growth Within the Team
One of the most exciting developments heading into the new year is the rollout of Individual Development Plans. The first half gave us the information we needed. The second half is about acting on it. Clear goals. Honest reflection. A shared understanding of what progress looks like.
Development isn’t accidental. It’s intentional, and it’s individual, even inside a team environment.
Watching the Game the Right Way
This time of year also gives us a gift: high-level hockey on the biggest stage.
Watching the World Juniors isn’t just entertainment. It’s education. The best players in the world at this age don’t win games alone. They move pucks. They use teammates. They understand that skill isn’t just shooting or skating, it’s decision-making.
At every level, teams value players who help them win. That’s what scouts care about. And that’s why character always comes up first in conversations about the next level. We have skill in this group. The next step is learning how to use it together.
Looking Ahead
As we move toward the second half, the focus is simple.
More connection. Less control over everything. More commitment to what matters. There will be ups and downs. That’s part of the process. But we’re learning, we’re adjusting, and we’re excited to apply those lessons moving forward. We’re grateful for the support from families, and proud of how this group continues to represent itself. Progress isn’t always loud, but it’s happening.
Enjoy the break. Rest up. Reset. We’ll be ready for what’s next.
Tournament Recap: Lessons in Real Time
The winter tournament gave both teams a valuable snapshot of where we are and where we’re heading. Results matter, but context matters more. Each game offered feedback, and by the final puck drop, both groups showed clear signs of growth.
17U
Game 1: 4-3 Loss vs. Wolves HC
A tightly fought battle against a resilient rival. We competed hard throughout and saw how small details can swing close games at this level.
Game 2: 3-2 Loss vs. Island HC (1-on-1 Overtime)
A hard-earned point and a milestone moment, our first-ever 1-on-1 overtime. A valuable experience that tested composure, confidence, and decision-making under pressure.
Game 3: 5-1 Loss vs. Langley
A very skilled opponent pushed us early, but the response in the second half stood out. Once we started moving the puck and trusting plays, the game shifted in the right direction.
Game 4: 5-1 Win vs. Wolves HC
A total team effort to close out 2025. Connected hockey, strong support, and a commitment to playing together showed exactly what this group is capable of when it buys in.
18U
Game 1: 6-3 Loss vs. Okanagan HC
A strong start with moments of solid, connected play. Brief lapses proved costly, but the foundation was there and encouraging.
Game 2: 7-3 Loss vs. Island HC
A tough outing marked by a slow start and too much time spent focused on the wrong things. A clear reminder of how quickly games slip away when energy is misdirected.
Game 3: 5-0 Win vs. Salt Lake Effect
A consistent, professional team effort. Good habits, strong structure, and a commitment to playing the right way throughout the game.
Game 4: 10-2 Win vs. Surrey HC
A confident finish built on a shot mentality. Pucks to the net, recovered rebounds, and finished chances reflected both urgency and trust in the offensive process.
