Re: Maine Black Bears 2010-2011 - Part Deux
Learned speed? I don't think it's a hockey aptitude problem. While there are techniques, drills and physical training that obviously help players improve their speed, I don't think they're locked down secrets. Most players I've known and seen with great speed had: some level of innate athleticism that put them ahead of the curve, and, a resilient work ethic, devoting hours per week for years toward it. When you're focused on systems, strategies, chemistry, let alone balancing your sport with college academics, there is only so much you can do during the season.
Players who make noticeable improvements in an ability like skating tend to labor at it during the offseason, and Tim can't control everything they do or don't do away from Orono.
And I think you misunderstood my mention of Shemansky. I was saying that for the majority of years of recent memory, we've had at least 1 freshman make an instant impact offensively. We all expected immediate impact from Joey Diamond but it took him until the final third of the season. Shemansky's production, regardless of how it came, eased our patience with Joey emerging because someone was affecting the scoreboard from his class in the meantime. So it's been a while since we haven't had a freshman posing an immediate threat.
Learned speed? I don't think it's a hockey aptitude problem. While there are techniques, drills and physical training that obviously help players improve their speed, I don't think they're locked down secrets. Most players I've known and seen with great speed had: some level of innate athleticism that put them ahead of the curve, and, a resilient work ethic, devoting hours per week for years toward it. When you're focused on systems, strategies, chemistry, let alone balancing your sport with college academics, there is only so much you can do during the season.
Players who make noticeable improvements in an ability like skating tend to labor at it during the offseason, and Tim can't control everything they do or don't do away from Orono.
And I think you misunderstood my mention of Shemansky. I was saying that for the majority of years of recent memory, we've had at least 1 freshman make an instant impact offensively. We all expected immediate impact from Joey Diamond but it took him until the final third of the season. Shemansky's production, regardless of how it came, eased our patience with Joey emerging because someone was affecting the scoreboard from his class in the meantime. So it's been a while since we haven't had a freshman posing an immediate threat.
