Tech returned home from its trip with a 2-3 record. But this trip wasn't about wins and losses, it was more about trying out some new things the coaches have installed.
"Damon (assistant coach Whitten) came in and brought in some new ideas," Russell said. "We altered our "D" zone coverage, our forecheck, we changed our backcheck, and worked on cycling and blind rushes.
"The systems really took root when the players saw that they worked. They've (the players) bought in completely to the new systems we've implemented."
Several players excelled in the new systems. One of those who really caught the coaches' eyes was redshirt freshman forward Milos Gordic.
Gordic, who got off to a good start last season, played in only eight games before having to sit out the rest of the year with an injury. His return gives Tech another goal-scoring threat.
Another player who lost a year to injury, redshirt sophomore Michael Lickteig, also had a good trip.
If he continues to play like he did in Europe, Lickteig will be in the lineup a lot more this season.
"Some guys played themselves up and some guys played themselves down," Russell said.
