It has been a season of firsts in the Road Warriors' inaugural season here in Greenville. Added to the list, tonight, will be the team's first game seven in the Kelly Cup playoffs. The game against the Nailers promises to be a heart-wrenching, edge-of-your-seat 60-minute (or more) affair to decide who moves on to play the Kalamazoo Wings in the conference final. The do-or-die nature of the game is sure to make any observer or participant quite anxious. How appropriate is it, then, that the Road Warriors have the most experienced Game Seven man in the ECHL manning the bench tonight?
Dean Stork has been involved in a league-record nine game sevens prior to tonight. Five have been as a coach and four were as a player. He has emerged victorious in seven of those nine game sevens. That includes wins in a pair of game sevens last season over the Charlotte Checkers (conference semifinals) and Reading (conference finals). The series win over Reading was history making because the Cyclones became the first team in ECHL history to come back from a 3-0 series deficit and emerge victorious. There might be only one person in the building tonight who won't feel the pressure of Game Seven and with that guy leading the Road Warriors, it certainly won't hurt their chances.
With that said, here's my look in at, and my thoughts from, today's morning skate.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 21
It feels like the calm before the storm here inside the BI-LO Center. Ironic, somewhat, because it seems very similar to the weather outside. On that front, if the pre-game block party is canceled we'll make that announcement around 3:00 this afternoon. But here inside both teams have wrapped up their morning skates and the teams are off for the pre-game meals and requisite naps to get ready for this contest.
For the last couple of days, I've been trying to get a feel for how I think this game might go, and I haven't figured out a darn thing. The first four games followed a pretty standard pattern with Greenville dominating play for long stretches of time, but having trouble converting. Wheeling would answer back with a couple of chances of its own and usually cash in the real high-quality ones. Game Five was the abberation with Greenville putting up big offensive numbers, but also giving Wheeling more chances to score than it had in the other four games. All this while the Road Warriors were short two players due to suspension. Will tonight's game match what we saw in Game Five, or will it be back to the old standard from the first four games? Does Peter Delmas start after getting yanked not even half way through Game Five, and if he does how will he rebound? Can Nic Riopel piece together two strong starts and give Greenville its best opportunity to win tonight? How will the return of players from the AHL on both sides effect the respective clubs? So many questions to be answered over the 60 minutes of game time. In the mean time, here's my video diary from today's morning skate.
Also want to say happy 22nd birthday to my sister Tracy!
For the last couple of days, I've been trying to get a feel for how I think this game might go, and I haven't figured out a darn thing. The first four games followed a pretty standard pattern with Greenville dominating play for long stretches of time, but having trouble converting. Wheeling would answer back with a couple of chances of its own and usually cash in the real high-quality ones. Game Five was the abberation with Greenville putting up big offensive numbers, but also giving Wheeling more chances to score than it had in the other four games. All this while the Road Warriors were short two players due to suspension. Will tonight's game match what we saw in Game Five, or will it be back to the old standard from the first four games? Does Peter Delmas start after getting yanked not even half way through Game Five, and if he does how will he rebound? Can Nic Riopel piece together two strong starts and give Greenville its best opportunity to win tonight? How will the return of players from the AHL on both sides effect the respective clubs? So many questions to be answered over the 60 minutes of game time. In the mean time, here's my video diary from today's morning skate.
Also want to say happy 22nd birthday to my sister Tracy!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 20
8:40 at night and the video is finally uploaded. What a crazy day it's been getting caught back up after a week up north in Wheeling. Still working on updating game notes and getting materials prepared for tomorrow's game. Already have that nervous excitement that I think everyone in the building will be feeling around 7:30 tomorrow night. Any good suggestions of what to do to take my mind off of it? Haha. Hope you all enjoy today's edition of my playoff video diary.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 19
And on Sunday they rested. What a week it was in Wheeling for the Road Warriors. It was an emotionally draining trip, but after a couple of one-goal losses it ended as well as it possibly could. The Road Warriors appeared to clear a major hurdle as the offense broke out for five goals and chased Nailers goalie Peter Delmas a quarter of the way through the second period. The driving force behind the offense was the line of Justin Bowers (1G, 2A), Marc-Olivier Vallerand (1G), and Jimmy Kilpatrick (3A) which produced seven points in the game. That line had been largely in check during the series, but now they could be hitting their stride. Momentum is a tricky thing to figure out, but it seems like it could be swinging in Greenville's favor with the next two games coming up at the BI-LO Center. But for now, it's time to enjoy a nice day off on Easter Sunday!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Playoff Diary Day 18
There is no tomorrow for the Road Warriors now. It's exciting and nerve wracking all at once, from an observer's point of view. For the players who will try to avoid elimination tonight I think it will provide an acutely heightened sense of focus. These guys play the game they love for a living and if they don't win tonight they will not be playing competitively again until October. They would also be separated from one another as they go their respective ways to train for the summer and sort out where they will play next season. None of the guys in the Greenville dressing room want that because they have grown close over this season and enjoy playing alongside one another. The Road Warriors' fate is in their own hands and 60 minutes of play on a sheet of ice in northern West Virginia tonight will determine whether they will go home to Greenville for at least one more game.
One item that is out of their control is which players will be available tonight. The melee at the end of Game Four was an extremely unfortunate situation. Not only are the Road Warriors facing possible suspensions, but by engaging the Nailers in that fight they showed Wheeling how frustrated they are. It's an extremely emotional time of the year to be playing hockey, and of course the guys in blue and white were ticked at losing another one-goal game. But somewhere within yourself you have to be able to skate off to the dressing room and not give your opponent the satisfaction of knowing they got to you. But who knows, maybe the Road Warriors will be able to vent their frustrations more properly tonight by pumping some shots into the net. It was a light workload this morning at WesBanco Arena. Check it out:
One item that is out of their control is which players will be available tonight. The melee at the end of Game Four was an extremely unfortunate situation. Not only are the Road Warriors facing possible suspensions, but by engaging the Nailers in that fight they showed Wheeling how frustrated they are. It's an extremely emotional time of the year to be playing hockey, and of course the guys in blue and white were ticked at losing another one-goal game. But somewhere within yourself you have to be able to skate off to the dressing room and not give your opponent the satisfaction of knowing they got to you. But who knows, maybe the Road Warriors will be able to vent their frustrations more properly tonight by pumping some shots into the net. It was a light workload this morning at WesBanco Arena. Check it out:
Friday, April 22, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 17
Here we are on the morning of Game Four in Wheeling, West Virginia and even though we woke up to gray skies and chilly temperatures, I've had this song in my head all day:
In my opinion, this series is going to be the best, most exciting, and most dramatic of the Kelly Cup playoffs (every other second round series could end in a sweep). These teams match up with one another so well and compete so hard that every game promises to be an edge-of-your seat affair. Just look at the results from the first three games, each one has been decided by a single goal with the winner not scored until the third period or later. Plus there's the fact that the Road Warriors and Nailers players absolutely despise each other at this point of the series. I don't know how anyone could assume that tonight will be any different.
It's with that in mind that I'm just enjoying each minute of this day. It has been a long time since I've had a chance to cover playoff hockey and it's been a thrill to be a part of this series. The Greenville players have enjoyed it, to a degree, as well but they're not happy about their current standing in the series. They feel that they've out-chanced and out-played Wheeling for many minutes of the first three games but haven't gotten the results they want. You could point to four disallowed goals over the course of the series as one reason why Greenville is trailing at this point. You could also point to the play of a certain masked man for the Nailers (he will remain un-named in this space for the remainder of the series). But the fact of the matter is, the Road Warriors can control certain factors that would make those points non-issues.
As I mentioned in the blog yesterday operative number one is a better net-front presence in the offensive zone. Both goals in Game Three were scored on net-front plays - a tipped shot from the point and a rebound - so proof is there that the template works. That's the primary area where battles must be won tonight. Success in front of the net will translate to success in the other problem area - the power play. The Road Warriors got off the schnide with a PPG in Game Three, but it has to continue to improve. In the defensive end, I think it's steady as she goes. For the third straight game, the Road Warriors kept Wheeling under 30 shots in Game Three and severely limited Wheeling's quality chances. The Nailers just did an impressive job of cashing in their best chances. Greenville needs a superb effort in goal tonight like it got in Games Three and Four against Elmira and Game Two against Wheeling.
I'm going to have to work hard to stay busy today because if I'm not working, I'll be sitting watching the clock waiting for 7:35 to roll around. And just like a watched pot never boils or a watched phone never rings, a watch clock doesn't tick. One thing you all can look forward to is I'll check back in later in the day to update the blog with a behind-the-scenes look at the Road Warriors' dressing room area here at WesBanco Arena. That'll be around 4:00 once the room gets the full game day setup. Until then, enjoy Just Jack and this glory day!
It's a little later than expected, but here's the dressing room tour I promised!
In my opinion, this series is going to be the best, most exciting, and most dramatic of the Kelly Cup playoffs (every other second round series could end in a sweep). These teams match up with one another so well and compete so hard that every game promises to be an edge-of-your seat affair. Just look at the results from the first three games, each one has been decided by a single goal with the winner not scored until the third period or later. Plus there's the fact that the Road Warriors and Nailers players absolutely despise each other at this point of the series. I don't know how anyone could assume that tonight will be any different.
It's with that in mind that I'm just enjoying each minute of this day. It has been a long time since I've had a chance to cover playoff hockey and it's been a thrill to be a part of this series. The Greenville players have enjoyed it, to a degree, as well but they're not happy about their current standing in the series. They feel that they've out-chanced and out-played Wheeling for many minutes of the first three games but haven't gotten the results they want. You could point to four disallowed goals over the course of the series as one reason why Greenville is trailing at this point. You could also point to the play of a certain masked man for the Nailers (he will remain un-named in this space for the remainder of the series). But the fact of the matter is, the Road Warriors can control certain factors that would make those points non-issues.
As I mentioned in the blog yesterday operative number one is a better net-front presence in the offensive zone. Both goals in Game Three were scored on net-front plays - a tipped shot from the point and a rebound - so proof is there that the template works. That's the primary area where battles must be won tonight. Success in front of the net will translate to success in the other problem area - the power play. The Road Warriors got off the schnide with a PPG in Game Three, but it has to continue to improve. In the defensive end, I think it's steady as she goes. For the third straight game, the Road Warriors kept Wheeling under 30 shots in Game Three and severely limited Wheeling's quality chances. The Nailers just did an impressive job of cashing in their best chances. Greenville needs a superb effort in goal tonight like it got in Games Three and Four against Elmira and Game Two against Wheeling.
I'm going to have to work hard to stay busy today because if I'm not working, I'll be sitting watching the clock waiting for 7:35 to roll around. And just like a watched pot never boils or a watched phone never rings, a watch clock doesn't tick. One thing you all can look forward to is I'll check back in later in the day to update the blog with a behind-the-scenes look at the Road Warriors' dressing room area here at WesBanco Arena. That'll be around 4:00 once the room gets the full game day setup. Until then, enjoy Just Jack and this glory day!
It's a little later than expected, but here's the dressing room tour I promised!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 16
Some folks in Wheeling seem to think that the Game Three win broke the spirit of the Road Warriors. Don't believe me? Check it out here. I, personally, think it's quite presumptive to think that about the team that earned the top seed in the Eastern Conference by being an extremely mentally tough club. After winning 19 games combined in November and December, call ups and injuries left the lineup looking vastly different and Greenville managed four wins in 12 games over the month of January.
That bump in the road did not knock the team off course, though, and the Road Warriors stormed back to win 17 games combined in February and March. All the while the South Carolina Stingrays were trying to chase them down for first in the South Division, and they, themselves, were reeling in Reading for first overall in the conference. They knew what their goals were, stayed focused, and fought hard to achieve them.
Sure, Wednesday's loss was disappointing because on the whole I thought Greenville out-played Wheeling. But that disappointment did not seem, to me, that it was weighing the players down. The mood at the team dinner after the game was subdued but there was no sense of panic. It seemed more like a quiet determination to regroup and get back to work. It was almost as if they didn't want to wait until Friday to hit the ice again. And I bet by the time the puck drops on Game Four, you'll see a Road Warriors team that's not disheartened, but motivated to play its best hockey.
That bump in the road did not knock the team off course, though, and the Road Warriors stormed back to win 17 games combined in February and March. All the while the South Carolina Stingrays were trying to chase them down for first in the South Division, and they, themselves, were reeling in Reading for first overall in the conference. They knew what their goals were, stayed focused, and fought hard to achieve them.
Sure, Wednesday's loss was disappointing because on the whole I thought Greenville out-played Wheeling. But that disappointment did not seem, to me, that it was weighing the players down. The mood at the team dinner after the game was subdued but there was no sense of panic. It seemed more like a quiet determination to regroup and get back to work. It was almost as if they didn't want to wait until Friday to hit the ice again. And I bet by the time the puck drops on Game Four, you'll see a Road Warriors team that's not disheartened, but motivated to play its best hockey.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 15
We've been in Wheeling for just over a full day, now, and still have yet to see the sun shine. It's quite a big difference from when we left Greenville and the sun was shining most every day, but at least there hasn't been any snow like the flurries we got when we were in Elmira for the first round. The gloomy weather hasn't dampened the team's spirit, though, and from my point of view it seems like the players and coaches are in a good place mentally and emotionally. Last night's team dinner was really relaxed and fun with a lot of jokes being slung back and forth and a lot of laughs shared. Today, however, the laughs and jokes take a bit of a back seat as it's much more of a business-like mindset for the Road Warriors.
Tonight's Game Three at Wheeling is a huge swing game when it comes to the momentum in this series. Greenville has that elusive creature in its corner after the dramatic overtime win in Game Two, but how long will it stay there? Wheeling is back on home ice for three straight games and has home ice advantage in what has become a best-of-five series. Wheeling hasn't been at home since April 9 when it clinched a first round win over South Carolina. So I expect a raucous atmosphere here at WesBanco Arena that should, ultimately, give the Nailers a big jolt of energy. I have a feeling that the Road Warriors are going to have to weather a big storm early in this game, and a big factor in that will be whoever is the starting goalie. I've got some more thoughts on that in my video entry for today...check it out:
Tonight's Game Three at Wheeling is a huge swing game when it comes to the momentum in this series. Greenville has that elusive creature in its corner after the dramatic overtime win in Game Two, but how long will it stay there? Wheeling is back on home ice for three straight games and has home ice advantage in what has become a best-of-five series. Wheeling hasn't been at home since April 9 when it clinched a first round win over South Carolina. So I expect a raucous atmosphere here at WesBanco Arena that should, ultimately, give the Nailers a big jolt of energy. I have a feeling that the Road Warriors are going to have to weather a big storm early in this game, and a big factor in that will be whoever is the starting goalie. I've got some more thoughts on that in my video entry for today...check it out:
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 14
It's been a couple of slow days news-wise with the Road Warriors so that's why it's been since Saturday that I've checked in with a new entry. Sunday was a very light optional skate at the BI-LO Center with only a handful of guys turning out, and Monday was a quick workout with the entire team on the ice. We left Greenville on Monday at 11:00 p.m. and drove straight through the night to get to Wheeling. I made it through a period of the Red Wings-Coyotes game on the TV before crashing. We stopped just outside of Wheeling for breakfast at Cracker Barrel (Momma's French Toast Breakfast was great) and while waiting for everyone to finish eating I got in a game of checkers with Ryan Martin, our equipment manager. I'm disappointed to say that I was beaten pretty handily, but I'll do better in the rematch! Since most of you loyal fans won't get to see the inside of the Nailers' home I wanted to show you the quirky building that will host Games Three through Five of this series. Take a look:
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 14
I don't know about the rest of you, but my nerves are nearly shot from the overtime hockey we've seen in the playoffs so far. The seesaw of emotion when the next goal ends the game can really be excruciating haha! But it's so much fun to be a part of, as I'm sure you'd all agree. As fun as it's been, though, a full weekend off to kick back, relax, and watch some NHL playoff action is a beautiful thing. I can't remember, at all, the last time I've had back-to-back days off. It might go all the way back to Christmas! Since there wasn't much news on the team today, I got some footage as I was walking downtown to help set up a radio interview for T.J. Reynolds and Brad Cole. Check it out:
Friday, April 15, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 12
So Game One didn't quite go according to planned for the Road Warriors. Everyone saw firsthand that this Nailers squad is quite different than the one Greenville took down six times in six tries during the regular season. These Nailers like to push the pace, play physical, and make things tough through the neutral zone. It's up to the Road Warriors to respond tonight and make sure they don't head back to Wheeling down by two games. In my video below I share more thoughts on what Greenville needs to do better tonight than the team did in Game One:
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 11
I won't lie, I felt like a kid at Christmas when I woke up this morning. After four days of waiting the Eastern Conference semifinals are finally upon us. I got to the BI-LO Center early today and had a good talk with Coach Stork about what to expect out of the Road Warriors tonight, and what his expectations are for this series. He and I both agree that this is going to be a tight series, with a lot of one goal games, and that the Road Warriors' regular season record against Wheeling is worth about as much as a $2 bill right now.
Tonight's game will be critical for the Road Warriors' success in this series. Wheeling did an amazing job of going to North Charleston and taking both road games from the Stingrays to snare a 2-0 series lead heading back to Wheeling. The top-seeded Road Warriors couldn't pull off that feat against Elmira, Reading couldn't match the feat against Cincy, and neither could Kalamazoo against Florida. Now an 0-2 deficit in a best-of-seven series is a lot less daunting than in a best-of-five, but with three straight games in Wheeling looming, Greenville desperately needs to win at least one of these two games at home. In my video diary below, I give you a preview of what to look for from the Road Warriors tonight.
Tonight's game will be critical for the Road Warriors' success in this series. Wheeling did an amazing job of going to North Charleston and taking both road games from the Stingrays to snare a 2-0 series lead heading back to Wheeling. The top-seeded Road Warriors couldn't pull off that feat against Elmira, Reading couldn't match the feat against Cincy, and neither could Kalamazoo against Florida. Now an 0-2 deficit in a best-of-seven series is a lot less daunting than in a best-of-five, but with three straight games in Wheeling looming, Greenville desperately needs to win at least one of these two games at home. In my video diary below, I give you a preview of what to look for from the Road Warriors tonight.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 10
It was a crazy busy stretch to begin the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the Road Warriors. Four games in five days is tough during the regular season, but to do it in the amped up atmosphere of an opening-round series is downright brutal. I'm glad all I had to do was stand in the booth, watch, and talk about what was taking place on the ice. But now that there haven't been any games since last Saturday it feels like the wait has been forever for this second round series to start.
My first inclination when considering Wheeling and South Carolina as possible second-round opponents for the Road Warriors I naturally thought Wheeling was the more favorable matchup. I mean Greenville won all six against Wheeling in the regular season but just squeaked out nine wins in 17 tries against South Carolina. Should be an easy choice, right? But when you look deeper and see that Wheeling's roster has turned over so much since the teams last met I don't think you can put much stock in the regular season results. This Wheeling team is good, plays tough defense, and has a potent power play. This series will be an absolute test for the Road Warriors.
One factor worth keeping in mind, though: Wheeling might be a little weary coming into this series. On top of the travel to arrive here for Games One and Two, the Nailers have been taxed by the emotions of an arduous final two months of the season. After building up a 14-point lead in the North Division, the Nailers fell on hard times and lost all 10 games that it played in February. That streak put the Nailers in the middle of the Eastern Conference pack amidst a seven-team battle for the final four playoff spots. A strong turnaround allowed them to sew up the fourth seed, but I don't know how much might of their reserves were spent just trying to keep their heads above water in that crazy dogfight. Either way, the Nailers are here and ready to go so the Road Warriors have to rise up to meet the challenge. Here are my thoughts on the keys to a successful series for the Road Warriors:
Also, you saw the smashup car for the first time yesterday. This afternoon, a few of the Road Warriors players got their first shots at it:
My first inclination when considering Wheeling and South Carolina as possible second-round opponents for the Road Warriors I naturally thought Wheeling was the more favorable matchup. I mean Greenville won all six against Wheeling in the regular season but just squeaked out nine wins in 17 tries against South Carolina. Should be an easy choice, right? But when you look deeper and see that Wheeling's roster has turned over so much since the teams last met I don't think you can put much stock in the regular season results. This Wheeling team is good, plays tough defense, and has a potent power play. This series will be an absolute test for the Road Warriors.
One factor worth keeping in mind, though: Wheeling might be a little weary coming into this series. On top of the travel to arrive here for Games One and Two, the Nailers have been taxed by the emotions of an arduous final two months of the season. After building up a 14-point lead in the North Division, the Nailers fell on hard times and lost all 10 games that it played in February. That streak put the Nailers in the middle of the Eastern Conference pack amidst a seven-team battle for the final four playoff spots. A strong turnaround allowed them to sew up the fourth seed, but I don't know how much might of their reserves were spent just trying to keep their heads above water in that crazy dogfight. Either way, the Nailers are here and ready to go so the Road Warriors have to rise up to meet the challenge. Here are my thoughts on the keys to a successful series for the Road Warriors:
Also, you saw the smashup car for the first time yesterday. This afternoon, a few of the Road Warriors players got their first shots at it:
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 9
Playoff time is my favorite time of the year. Everyone's emotions are running so high and every game feels like a life-and-death struggle. Each win makes your belief grow stronger, and every loss is a crushing blow to the dreams of a championship. For those of us with the Road Warriors organization, it gives us a chance to tap into those emotions and have some fun with the great fans who support us. It was in the spirit of fun that the idea was born to have a car decorated in the colors of our opponent, for this round the Wheeling Nailers, that our fans could smash up. Well, the idea has turned into reality, and I'm proud to give you a look at the car that you'll all have a chance to take a crack at on Thursday night. Enjoy!
PS: Of course I had to get a couple of early shots in :)
PS: Of course I had to get a couple of early shots in :)
Monday, April 11, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 8
Well, I would have posted this entry sooner, but the first time I tried to upload the video, my laptop's internet connection dropped out and I had to start over. Did I ever mention that I love technology [/sarcasm].
Anyway, it was a slow day at the arena with only a team meeting in the afternoon to go over playoff booklets and the itinerary for the series against Wheeling. Since it's been so long since the Road Warriors and Nailers have met, I figured it'd be a good time to talk about a few players on Wheeling's side that I think will have a key impact on the series. On Wednesday, I'll break down the Road Warriors' line up and who I think will play a major role for the blue and white. Tuesday's entry is going to be reserved for some fun and shenanigans.
Anyway, it was a slow day at the arena with only a team meeting in the afternoon to go over playoff booklets and the itinerary for the series against Wheeling. Since it's been so long since the Road Warriors and Nailers have met, I figured it'd be a good time to talk about a few players on Wheeling's side that I think will have a key impact on the series. On Wednesday, I'll break down the Road Warriors' line up and who I think will play a major role for the blue and white. Tuesday's entry is going to be reserved for some fun and shenanigans.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 6
What a night last night! It was playoff hockey at its edge-of-your seat finest and the cherry on top was Greenville hanging on for the dramatic victory. And what great fan support, too. The 3,000-plus in attendance were so rowdy and loud and made for an incredible atmosphere at the game. I could feel the energy in the press box and I'm sure it was even greater for the players down at ice level. It'll take the same kind of effort tonight, so everyone bring your A-game. If you haven't seen, as well, we're having another block party before the game tonight so come out early to enjoy cheep food, drinks, and great music.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Update
I have a love/hate relationship with technology. Love it when it works, hate it when it doesn't mostly because I don't know how to fix it. Anyway, I fell behind on my blogging due to some internet connectivity issues in my hotel room in Elmira. It really wasn't a good day all around for us with the Road Warriors. The show must go on, however, so I've got the entries from the last two days here as well as this morning's footage from the morning skate.
There's lots of work still to do to prepare for tonight's festivities so enjoy the videos and I'll check in with you here again tomorrow!
There's lots of work still to do to prepare for tonight's festivities so enjoy the videos and I'll check in with you here again tomorrow!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 3
It might be rainy/snowy here in Elmira, but it's still a beautiful day in my mind because it's the first day of the 2011 Kelly Cup Playoffs. For the players and coaches, all of the preparation over the summer, all of the hard work during the season is about to be put to the test in a grueling two-month tournament that will determine the best team in the ECHL. The games are going to be fast, well played, and, if nothing else, intense as every player on the ice wants to do everything within his power to help his team to new heights. It's going to be a privilege to cover these games for you and it's my hope that we get to spend a lot more time together this season. I know it's unlikely that many Road Warriors fans will be able to make the 700-plus mile trip to see their team play in person, so today's video diary gives you a peek inside First Arena as the Road Warriors were going through the paces in their morning skate. I hope you enjoy!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Playoff Video Diary Day 1 and 2
Hey everybody! I know it's been a while since I last checked in and I hope you didn't miss me too much. If you did, well you won't have to worry about that now that it's playoff time. So that you can keep up with everything that's going on with the team in the postseason, I'm going to do a video diary every day. Whether we're at home or on the road. I might not always be able to update it on a daily basis, depending on internet access, but I'll update as often as possible.
Since there's no wireless internet on our bus anymore, I had to wait until now to upload the diary entry from yesterday and today. So you're getting two for the price of one! (Even though neither really cost you anything to begin with.) It should be a great ride through the playoffs, and I know I'm going to enjoy it because I haven't been involved in the playoffs since 2008.
Something I wasn't able to document on video, but was able to sit in on, was the Road Warriors' team meeting on Sunday afternoon before we left for Elmira later that evening. I was humbled that Coach Stork asked me to be there as I view myself as just a very small part of this team's makeup. But I was there, nonetheless, as he went over travel itinerary, scouting reports on the Jackals, etc. After all that everyone in the room took a turn telling a story about some experience they had in their life that dealt with winning (insert Charlie Sheen joke here) and what it took to get to the top. What I realized, more than anything, is how tight-knit this group of players is and how badly each guy wants to win for the others. It's a really encouraging sign and something that could help carry this team a long way over the next few weeks. No matter how long it lasts, I can't wait to share the experience with all of you great fans. With that, here's a look at my first two diary entries:
Since there's no wireless internet on our bus anymore, I had to wait until now to upload the diary entry from yesterday and today. So you're getting two for the price of one! (Even though neither really cost you anything to begin with.) It should be a great ride through the playoffs, and I know I'm going to enjoy it because I haven't been involved in the playoffs since 2008.
Something I wasn't able to document on video, but was able to sit in on, was the Road Warriors' team meeting on Sunday afternoon before we left for Elmira later that evening. I was humbled that Coach Stork asked me to be there as I view myself as just a very small part of this team's makeup. But I was there, nonetheless, as he went over travel itinerary, scouting reports on the Jackals, etc. After all that everyone in the room took a turn telling a story about some experience they had in their life that dealt with winning (insert Charlie Sheen joke here) and what it took to get to the top. What I realized, more than anything, is how tight-knit this group of players is and how badly each guy wants to win for the others. It's a really encouraging sign and something that could help carry this team a long way over the next few weeks. No matter how long it lasts, I can't wait to share the experience with all of you great fans. With that, here's a look at my first two diary entries:
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