Friday, February 25, 2011

Day 4, 5, 6

After a few losses, take the time to re-group and focus on the positives. We're playing against the srongest teams in Canada, and with the exception of a few second period frustrating moments, we're holding our own. Dig deep PEI, we have yet another challenge today, facing off against Manitoba again.

When you feel like you can't give anymore, close your eyes (as long as you're not on the ice) and listen to the support behind you. If that doesn't motivate you, I'm not sure what will!

Win, lose, or draw, we're going to play like champions! (Nicole Corcoran, quote # 321)

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Oh What a Day 3!

Our schedule on Day 3 was very structured, up for breakfast at 7:30, over for a half hour practice afterwards, a little quiet time before and after lunch, then a big game at 4pm. We had meeting with each player before and after practice, to calm nerves, talk about last night, and set goals for the game.

We knew the game would be tough physically, we had some challenges with staying out of the sin bin, but when twenty girls can play with determination, intensity, a sense of urgency, and with a calmness and focus at exactly the same time, good things happen - a 5-2 win!

Great job today girls, you made a lot of people - especially your coaching staff - very, very proud.

To follow this performance with a spectacular Dance-Off was another impressive feat that Team PEI, well, did some damage. It's good to know that our athletes have so many layers of ability, that they can play hockey, ace their academics, look good, AND dance like a re-make of Fame! (Google it, it was a good show at the time).

You never cease to amaze us Team PEI!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Day One and Two

Arrived in Halifax on Saturday, 19 February. Bus ride was fun, Women's Hockey and Synchronized Swimming sharing the motor coach. Lots of laughers, some sleepers. Group sing song to Justin Beiber as we pulled into the hotel.

Our team was reunited when we arrived, as our four players who are away were already at the hotel.

That afternoon as the girls had a little free time to explore Athlete's Village, the coaching staff set up the dressing room, putting each girls gear in the player stalls, hanging up jerseys. Then we surprised the girls with a professinal looking dressing room. Took some time to read the well wishes - emails, cards, notes sent from home. Some the girls knew about, a lot of emails had been forwarded to me and was a surprise. We've posted these in our dressing room, the girls have a gigantic display of support everytime we leave to go on the ice.

After this, we went around the room and shared our artifacts we had taken with us. Artifacts are the items we've taken that show why we're here. It was funny, emotional, and a real reminder of who we are as a team. Something I'll never forget as a coach!

Day 2 - very structured. Practice in the morning, a little down time in the afternoon. Game time in the evening. Playing in the Metro Center is VERY cool, (in spirit, not in temperature!) the girls were a little nervous, but overall played well. We lost 4-1 to Nova Scotia, but the play was much closer than the score indicates. Our goalies were incredible - Hayden played the first half, Catherine the second. Each made saves that were TSN highlights-worthy. We've learned some lessons from Game 1, and will practice some techniques Day 3 in the morning to ensure Game 2 is better.

Lots of support - emails, pats on the back from fans over here for the week. And the food is pretty good, too...

Friday, February 18, 2011

One more sleep...

So here we are Canada Games Eve! Hope you're packed, mentally prepared and raring to go! Have a great night's sleep, see you all in the morning!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Three More Sleeps...

For some of you (who shall remain unnamed to protect the innocent, yet fortunate) another day off of school! Use your time wisely my friends! Check out the website to see how our fellow athletes are doing in Week One competition. Send an email to your CG roomie and see what you need to bring... speaking of which....

What are you going to bring?
We'd like you to bring an artifact that shows what you are bringing to the CG. It could be a picture, a note, the puck from the first goal you scored in a national championship (that's mine, but you can use it too) etc. Be prepared to present your artifact to your teammates - why you brought it, what it means to you, to the team. You will be bringing it home with you. If you have any questions about this, just email Robyn.

Have a good day!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Four More Sleeps!

As you enjoy what could be your last storm day before Canada Games, take a few minutes to take care of some items on your "To Do" list:

-check over your gear (especially your helmet and skates!)
-re-pack your gear bag
-air out your gear first (please!)
-organize your undergear (make sure you have enough for a few days of no laundry, just in case)
-make a list of what you need to bring (walk out clothing, sweatxedo - Brandy's word, it's awesome), and as many of your hockey PEI shirts you can find!)
-spend some time on your mental training: goal-setting, visualization, relaxation techniques
-say "Thanks" to your parents (it's always a good time to suck up, just a little)
-drink some water
-drink some more water

Have a great day!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Sunday ice time cancelled

Tonight's Canada Games Alumni vs. Canada Games Present game has been cancelled, due to poor driving conditions.

Please remember to foward your quotes and early hockey pics before or on Thursday!

Once again, happy shovelling!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

It's Rally Time!

Great job at the Athlete's Rally last night - some impressive sights to see! Don't forget to pack your big green noise-makers for the trip, just don't use them in the hotel after curfew!

A few items of interest:

Feb 03 - team meeting 5:45pm (in the same room beside the pool), fitness 7pm
Feb 05 - practice 9:10am
Feb 06 - exhibition game: Canada Games Reunion: Former CG players vs. Current CG players, 8-9:30pm Civic Center
Feb 10 - exhibition game: UPEI vs. Canada Games CARI 5:30-6:45pm, fitness 7pm
Feb 12 - practice 9:10am
Feb 17 - team meeting 5:45pm, fitness 7pm

Feb 19 - travel day!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Update

Practice Saturday morning (January 22) has been cancelled. We will re-schedule for Sunday, January 23, 5-6pm (note earlier finish) in Kensington.

Please let Robyn know if you're interested in helping with the Adult Esso Fun Day at 9:15 Sunday night in Kensington.

Have a great night!

Are you free?

Wondering if players are available to practice Sunday, 23 Januray 5-6:30pm in Kensington. Given the current forecast, tomorrow mornings ice may be cancelled. Please email Robyn this morning if you're able to make the Sunday time.

Have a great day!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Fitness cancelled

Given the forecast and the travel dynamics of many, we're cancelling fitness this evening. Please email Robyn to confirm you've received this notice.

See you all Saturday!

The Weather Outside is Frightful...

We will make a decision by 3pm about fitness this evening, please check your email and/or the blog at that time before leaving home!

Happy Shovelling!

Monday, January 3, 2011

Cancellation of exhibition game

Due to the weather forecast and the travelling conditions, we're cancelling our exhibition game today. Please email Robyn to confirm you've received this message.

We will be playing UPEI on Thursday, 06 January at 5:30pm. We will not have fitness afterwards. Please confirm you can attend the game.

Have a great day,

Happy Shovelling!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday today to Jessica Cameron!

Enjoy your Christmas break - we found out last night that Kris MacPhee is unable to work with us next Thursday, and we're trying to coordinate with Summerside Pool to have fitness there on the 30th. Will let you know asap.

No ice time Saturday, 25th December or the 01st of January, but we are meeting at 2pm on the 03rd January for an exhibition game. Will let you know who when we have that confirmed.

Hope Santa finds you! See you next week!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Santa Claus is Watching!

Huge kudos and big thanks to the runners who took part in the Santa Claus run today - never have so many Santas, Elves, and Reindeer run at once around UPEI! Great job, and thanks Nadine for organizing this for us!

Upcoming events:

Fitness December 16th

Practice December 18th 9:10-10:10, followed by fitness at Queen Elizabeth Elementary. We have a team/parents meeting at 12:30 at the elementary school.

Ladies, we had decided to have a Texas Scramble gift exchange after fitness, $5 limit. If you've never experienced this style of gift exchange, be prepared. Highly competitive people with wrapping paper....better keep your shoulder pads on!

Have a great week!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Update

Apparently, we should cancel fitness more often!! Congratulations to Nadine, who got engaged when fitness was cancelled last Thursday. And yes, she is seriously considering having 20 bridesmaids and 21 fathers give her away. (Apparently her own father wanted a piece of the pie as well.) Check out her rock, she had to get a special hockey glove at the Pownal Blades last game, just to be able to shoot!

Good luck to Shannon MacAulay, at the Team Canada Camp December 17-19. If successful, she'll find out on the 20th and she'll travel to Sweden to play at the World Championship on December 27th. We're proud of you Shannon - good luck!

December Schedule

Fitness: December 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 7pm - please let Robyn know if you can't make it to a fitness session.

Practices:
December 04 9:10 in Kensington
December 11 9:10 in Kensington Team run 2pm at UPEI (be there for 1:30, Santa hat in hand)
December 18 9:10 in Kensington Team fitness afterwards at the elementary school,
Team meeting (with parents!!) 12:30pm at the elementary school

We're trying to secure exhibition games for December 20th, 27th, and January 3rd. Will let you know when we find out!

Please let Robyn know what you are able, or unable to attend.
Take care of your injuries!

Looking for 'younger' pictures of players - baby pics, when they first started playing hockey, etc. Scan and email to one of us, or bring it in and we'll scan and get it back to you. Thanks!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Fitness cancelled

Due to a number of scheduling conflicts, we've cancelled fitness for Thursday, 25 November. Please email if you are unable to attend Saturday's practice.

Have a great Friday with no school!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Let It Snow!

Thanks to those who could help today at the Seaport Center setting up for the benefit for Kristen Cameron. Great to know you all have skills beyond the rink - and no, you may not count lifting the tables and chairs as fitness!

We have fitness Thursday evening at 7, and practice next Saturday at 9:10. November and December calendars have been emailed, please let Robyn know if you haven't received one.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Congratulations Genna, Congratulations Alyssa!

Let's take a minutes to wish good luck and have fun to Genna Phelan and Alyssa Ferguson, heading to St. John's Nov 10th representing Hockey PEI...we hope they take the rain with them!

A change in this week's plan: there will NOT be a fitness session on Thursday, 11 November, due to Remembrance Day and the exams that some of you are writing this week.

Saturday, 13 November: practice at 9:10, off-ice fitness 10:30-11:30 (be prepared for indoor and outdoor!) and chili and biscuits (don't worry Mel, we'll find something else for you!) at Chris and Robyn's parents place 11:35-12:30. As you can tell by the timeline, Mom and Dad live quite close to the rink, we could run there.....wait a minute, that's a good idea!

Parents are invited to the chow down, (fitness too, if you think they can handle it!) or can drop you off at the rink and pick you up at Aikens'.

Aiken's house: 54 Andrews Drive (Andrews Dr. is directly across from Castle building center which is on Route 2 as you leave Kensington heading towards Charlottetown.)

Have a great week!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Hallowe'en Tricks and Treats

Great job ladies who were involved in the exhibition game today against the UPEI Jr Varsity team. A strong performance, consistent effort throughout the game. Your fitness levels were clearly demonstrated, kudos to the off-ice work you've put in.

Fitness Thursday evening 7pm, see you then!