You have been working for months on end for this moment.
You took a few weeks off after your season to rest your battle wounds, and since then you have been going hard in the gym for five months. Hockey players realize what time of the year this is.
Players are wrapping up their summer training programs and not only getting ready for main camp, but also for the grind of a long, 62-game season.
Rookies are heading to camp looking to make a strong first impression on the coach, not only in inter-squad games, but more importantly exhibition games. Rookies must truly play to their strengths, and do what they do best because the window of opportunity they have to make an impression is rather small.
Now on the other end of the table, veterans are looking to improve on last season not only personally but also collectively as a group. You are hoping your summer training translates onto the ice, and you can make that much more of a difference to help your team on a nightly basis. Not only do you have the common goal of winning the Bogart Cup in the back of your mind, but you also have the individual goal of attaining the coveted NCAA Division-I scholarship. As a veteran, it is important you use the exhibition games as a tune up to get ready for the CCHL showcase, so you can start your season on the right note. You also know trades will occur during the offseason, but coming together as a group within the first few weeks of the season is extremely important.
Teams do a great job of having movie nights or team dinners early on in the season. Building those bonds with your teammates early, and making the new players on the team feel welcome is imperative so the rookies can just play their game. Once that bonding happens, you can start working toward the common goal of being a champion.
