The Player's Psyche, Part 2

Today's Blog is part 2 on the Player’s Psyche. We learned in part 1 that this has to be worked on at a early age. I am very fortunate to know a gentlemen who runs a hockey school for midgets through high school age. You can follow Dennis Chighisola on twitter @CoachChic.

Randy: Thanks, Dennis, for the opportunity for the interview.

Dennis: And thank you, Randy, for the opportunity to help your audience in any way I can.

Then, before we get going, perhaps I can apologize to you and your followers about not being up on the NHL as much as most hockey folks are. Of course I try to keep tabs on all levels of our wonderful game, but I tend to study individual players more as part of my work, as well as trying to keep an eye on trends that might affect the younger players I'm trying to help.

Randy: Thanks, Coach. As you know, I recently did a blog on the player’s psyche. So this interview is part 2 of that blog, as I hope to explore that topic further, starting when they are young.

Dennis: The timing of this is pretty interesting, Randy, because I've just recently posted several podcasts discussing the mental side of our game. 

Actually, your audience might be interested to know that I've been calling that "the last frontier in sport" for at least two decades. What I'm getting at is that everyone has known for quite a long time how to improve their physical skills -- like biomechanics, speed, explosive strength, stamina and a lot of others. I can't blame them, either, if they want to be able to fly on the ice, or be able to fire frightening slapshots. At the same time, few players, coaches or hockey parents seem to appreciate that probably half of the battle in playing at a high level will ultimately depend on mental makeup, or on a player's ability to perform under some pretty stressful conditions.

With that, I believe we need to stress this area of preparation beginning with the youngest levels. Or, said another way, it's quite possible a player is headed for trouble if he or she isn't guided in this area from an early age.

Oh, and one last thing here before I get further into this topic... Like a lot of other things, I believe we have to separate what the parents and coaches know from what the kids are troubled with until the time is right.

Randy: How do you go about getting to know a new student?

Dennis: Very subtly, I guess... I mean, a player who is aware you're studying him or her isn't going to act naturally. Anyway, while I don't know how other coaches might handle this, I don't think there's a formula or chart one can run down in order to evaluate a young player. Instead -- or at least from my perspective, I'm taking "gut readings" -- on how a youngster responds to different things.

As an aside here, let me suggest to parents that they always let a coach (or teacher) know about anything that might affect their youngster's ability to learn.

I actually stumbled across this while teaching a hockey skills clinic sometime back in the late-1970s... What happened was that a fairly talented student froze in his tracks several times when I called on him to demonstrate a skill. It wasn't until I chased down his mom that she informed me that he was legally deaf. Ugh. Maybe she was trying to protect her son for some reason, but she was really doing the wrong thing, for her son and for me.

From that point on, I've always included an area in my clinic or hockey school signup forms asking if the applicant has any special learning needs that we coaches should be made aware of.

Returning to your question, though, Randy, I'll have to suggest that it's a long, slow process in getting to know a new player. A lot of kids aren't what they appear to be in the earliest sessions. More importantly, however, I'm not the type who makes rash evaluations -- on anyone.

Randy: How do you learn how a given player learns?

Dennis: I think I may have answered some of that already, but let me add to the above that the process is ongoing. I mean, some seemingly slow learners can show up one day and suddenly kick things into a new gear. And, I guess it's just as possible that one of my better students can as suddenly seem to lose interest or intensity.

As another aside here, I might point out to parents and new coaches that we all have learning preferences. Members of your audience probably know this about themselves, but we all tend to prefer either seeing new information, listening to it, or getting involved in the exchange of that information. 

That in mind, can you imagine how a single approach to teaching might satisfy about a third of the players, and leave the majority a little less so? That's why I'll try to employ a number of different methods and teaching tools when it's at all possible. The first thing I do to deal with this problem includes mixing in some demonstrations (as visuals), quick explanations (for the audio), and even a brief discussion (for those who need to be involved in the process). I take things a little further, though, and rotate through different tools -- like a greaseboard at rinkside, a model rink on the lockerroom floor, and videos the kids and parents can view at home online. My ways aren't perfect, but my hope is to satisfy more of my kids' learning needs.

Then, it just struck me that coaches work with kids under varying conditions. Personally, I don't like to do private lessons with young players, this owing to the cost to their parents, and the fact that a little one's attention span and some related key motor learning principles suggest otherwise. That leaves most of us coaches to deal with young players in a group setting, be it either in a clinic or on a team.

Working with kids within a group doesn't mean that we can't be keeping an eye on each individual's needs. What it does mean, though, is that we probably have to address those needs more broadly. 

In reference to the latter, let me suggest something else to new coaches and parents... If a few kids need the instruction slowed a bit for a few sessions, that isn't likely to hurt the rest of the group all that much. Nor does it usually hurt others if extra drills -- or a few remedial ones -- are inserted.

Randy: How do you go about correcting a player's bad habits?

Dennis: Well, all that said about dealing with a group, I think one of the best things a coach can do is communicate with the parents of young players. And, if the coach doesn't initiate such a conversation, the parents should.

To be honest, there's only so much a coach can do to help a young player's psyche. In a clinic, the coach might see a kid for an hour, while the coach of a young team probably only gets to influence him or her for two or three hours per week. Oh, while we might be able to help with things in those short spans, our efforts probably go for naught if what we're trying to accomplish is being undone over all the other hours.

By the way, while I said I didn't have a checklist of things to observe in a young player, the guest speaker in my mental training podcasts, John Haime, did address nine specific areas for listeners...

Of these, I think maybe only a few would be evident in real beginners. As young ones move into competitive levels -- like Mites and Squirts/Atoms, however, I think the bulk of John's ideas come into play.

For sure, any kid's drive to achieve is important, otherwise he or she isn't going to improve -- a lick. 

Focus is obviously important with older players, although I'm not sure how much we can hold little ones' feet to the fire in this area. Goal setting fits in this category, as well.

John addresses fear and nervousness in his presentation, and I'll suggest that those things can be noticed in the youngest kids. I've had a bit of success helping young ones with these, although that was usually dictated by just how deeply engrained their fears were.

Then, your followers might be interested to know that I've head coached at a US high school, in Juniors, and at a small college. And I'll tell them that guys at those levels had better be pretty focused, they'd better be competitive, and they'd better have some self-control. Their chances of ice-time would also be helped with a degree of optimism.

That said, I wonder if readers might appreciate how those things have to be slowly but surely creeping into a young player's personality as he or she matures. In other words, a player isn't going to be able to just turn on things -- like dedication, focus, a competitive nature or personal discipline -- when he or she arrives at a higher level. So it should make sense that young ones need to be gradually steered towards the right mental traits.

Randy: How do you know when to be hard on a kid and when to encourage him to do better?

Dennis: Well, Randy, I was wondering when you'd finally get around to a question I don't look forward to answering. Anyway...

I do know that I'm never hard on a young one, UNLESS it has to do with general behavior. Let's face it, it's important for the adults in charge of any group to ensure things are safe for all the kids. I don't think that's any different from the way they'd be handled in school or at home. 

I think I might be able to put all of my suggestions into a rough formula, though, this to cover the current question, as well as just about all I've mentioned today...

To begin, I think we could all agree on what the final hockey player should look and act like, and that would include the nine traits John covered in his podcasts. At the other end of the spectrum, we have to know that we can't force such things on beginners or real young ones.

And that suggests to me that the hockey player's mental training should be incrementally introduced over a lot of years -- or not unlike the way we gradually increase their skill and game play education. In other words, I think we should increase our expectations of developing players with each passing year -- from beginners through Juniors, when it comes to both the physical and the mental sides of their game.

Lastly, Randy, let me share a couple of links that may be helpful to your readers...

- The podcasts I referenced are episodes number 11, 12, 13 and 14 (http://myhockeypodcast.blogspot.com/)

- I have an "Ask The Coach" area on my CoachChic.com website where I offer to answer questions posed by players, coaches and parents (http://coachchic.com/ask-the-coach/)

7 Reasons the Flames are Successful

Originally posted on Flames Jumbalaya

The Flames are the talk of the season. Anyone not talking about the Flames is obviously not watching, or is no one we need to concern ourselves with. Seriously, who would have picked the Flames to be nine games above five hundred to start the season. Every time someone asks me how the Flames are doing it, I get tongue-tied. It is not just one thing. They are doing several things that seem be going right. In fact, I have a hard time holding it to five seven. These are in order of importance. Of course, you can disagree with me, but that just makes you wrong!

Bob Hartley

Bob is the best coach in the League. He knows how to motivate. Bob's strength is working with younger players. He knows how to teach. He has implemented the perfect system for the players. What is really important is that the players believe in the system. He has sold it to the players, and they continue to buy in.

Flames Defense

Mark Giordano

Mark is probably the leading candidate for the Norris Trophy. He is a leader in the dressing room. He knows when to rush the puck, and he knows and when not to. He is on a career year in points. Right now he is heart and soul of the Flames.

TJ Brodie

Brodie is developing into a number two defencemen. Ever since he signed an extension, he has developed into the stud the Flames thought he would. He is playing like a vet in the League for years.

Dennis Wideman

Wideman is outstanding. He is scoring goals at will. He has regenerated his career. He has become a powerplay specialist. He is doing everything right, and Flames are the sole beneficiaries.

The Leaders

Shawn Monahan

Monahan has put the sophomore jinx to bed. Everything he was last year, this year he is more. He comes up with the goals when we need them. He is developing into a complete player. The Flames continue to use him in all situations, including protecting a lead in the third period.

Lance Bouma

No one can doubts Lance’s heart. Every time the Flames need some motivation, Lance provides it. He throws his body in front any shots fired. He is fearless. He hits with the best of them, but more importantly, is willing take a hit to make a play.

The Kids

Johnny Gaudreau

This kid has more moves than a slick car salesman. He can stick-handle in a phone booth. Everyone was worried about his size, but he is too slick to be smacked. He has overcome every obstacle in his way. He is a winner everywhere he has played including this season.

Josh Jooris

Where did this kid come from? He has the wheels to put the heebee jeebies into every defensemen in the NHL. He has a great wrist-shot, which can often surprise goalies. I love his ability to jump on loose pucks and make the other team pay for their mistakes.

Goalies

Both goalies have been outstanding. At times it was Hiller who was making the key saves. He was getting the bulk of the starts. But when Hiller struggled, Ramo took over and won four straight starts. The Flames have had fantastic goaltending.

Heart

The Flames have more energy and heart. Every player knows his role, and when does not do his job, he is is easily replaced. Every line is skating, hitting every opposition player in sight.

This and that

Do not plan on the Flames bringing in a hired gun. Do not get me wrong; they love winning, but they are in no hurry to gamble this team’s future. Wideman has pretty much taken himself off the market. The Flames have one of the best defenses in the League, and they will not mess with it. What they will do is take a huge contract off of a team, but will make them pay for the service. They are busy trying to improve the team, but will not jump into it. They will take their time before their next move.

A Player's Psyche, A Coach's Role

I have a friend who used to be involved in the industry. We really could not get into many hockey discussions, because most of the topics were taboo (due to confidentiality.) To my lucky charms, he is out of the industry, so now we can have hockey discussions! 

Recently, we got to talking about just how fragile a player’s psyche is. To the point that sometimes he will stop trying, just drawing his paycheque. I was dumbfounded. I thought every player cared about winning and losing. How does a player just lose heart?

He said it happens without them even realizing it. When a rookie gets drafted to a rebuild team, he sometimes finds himself in an atmosphere where losing is acceptable.

He begins to think it does not matter how hard he works. He begins to get frustrated, and he begins to get used to losing. Then he gets into the habit of losing.

At this stage, he still cares, but there is a thin line. Thin enough that the coaches really have to be on top of things. If they miss it, little things can set the player off and he will start shutting the coach out.

He starts making mistakes over and over again. Not bothering to change his style. Telling his coach that he knows best. The team continues to fire coaches and not hold the player responsible.

How can losing be acceptable? Why would anyone accept losing as part as their routine.

My friend said it does not happen overnight. It happens gradually.

But shouldn’t the coach notice the signs?

Apparently they are part of the problem, not the solution. They are so involved in the process that they become oblivious to what is really going on.

He said he has seen teams consistently outplay another team game after game, and yet they keep losing. The players get very disheartened. Players may finally begin to think: “Who cares?”

Well, I can understand that, but can’t the general manager step in make a major trade? Or maybe the coach can change things up, benching players or changing the lines up.

But of course, that is easier said than done. The general manager has to bring in the right kind of players.

(I smiled and said: “Yeah, get players who can score and play the game!”)

But his response was that that is where the problem lies. Everyone seems to think it is easy to put players together and put them in the right place. But it is like a puzzle. You have to find the right pieces. Coaches sometimes work blindly, trying players out in different places.

They may try to make a player what he is not. For example, putting an offensive player on defense. They rationalize this, thinking this will make him more of a complete player. When a coach tries to make a player something he is not, it can really backfire. The defenseman may very well become resentful. Or since he does not succeed as a dman, he loses all sorts of confidence. When he continuously gets put in places where he cannot succeed, it really wears on him.

So I asked: “What is a coach suppose to do?”

This is where a coach truly becomes a coach. He has to get to know his players. Really, a coach is part shrink. Sometimes he has to gently massage a player’s ego. And sometimes a coach has to bring a player back to earth.  Sometimes he has to treat the stars with kid gloves. For some reason, the stars do not feel they have to work as hard as third- and fourth-liners! 

I asked how the third and fourth line players take that.

If they want to stay on the team, they take it. You can buy role players for a dime a dozen. Finding a superstar is a completely different story.

So, as you can see, being a coach is not as easy as people think. He has to be part friend, part psychiatrist, and part parent. The hardest part of being a coach is knowing when to push a player and when when to massage their ego.

I will be trying to get together a part two on this topic soon! Let me know your thoughts on it.

Leafs Turmoil

What was that? Seriously, where do I even begin? First of all, they get bombed by the Sabres 6-2. That was bad enough, but the preds debacle was a disgrace. One that cannot be tolerated. They look like a team who is not interested in the game.

I have heard many explanations for the Leaf problems. Everything up to the players are shutting out the coaches. Some have gone to the extreme of saying that the players are playing to get Carlyle fired.

The players have fervently denied that. I wonder if they doth protest too much. I am not saying they are trying to get him fired as a coach. But I wonder if they wouldn’t mind if it did happen.

The theory that seems most plausible is that the players simply do not know how to win. The defense continues to throw the puck away in their own zone at an alarming rate. 

The forwards continue to float around the defensive zone, not hitting anyone. Talking about hitting—no one is hitting. In the two game losing streak, too many times Predators forwards were standing in front of the net without any fear of repercussion.

The goalies have not been great. Both Bernier and Reimer have given up their share of bad goals. In fairness, they have not gotten much help from Phaneuf, Franson, or Gardiner. These are the big three. I could also mention how often Polak is caught out of position.

Before you let the forwards off the hook, they are not exactly helping the defense out. They are often doing too much loafing. They have to get back and support the defense, Kadri really has to pick up his game. It really looks like he does not have his head in the game. He is too easily distracted. 

Matt Frattin paid big time for his play, but laziness is an awful disease that has hit the Leafs locker room. The three best forwards of late have been Komarov, Santorelli, and Holland. Even they were sleeping in the Preds game.

The main problem with the Leafs right now is that they are relying too much on the first line, JVR, Bozak, and Kessel. But the first line still has to improve on its own end. They were lifeless in the Preds game.

The Leafs have to start being smarter. They need to stop the blind passes especially. The defense have to pitch in at the right time, and someone better get back to cover for him. Back checking has reach a new low; in fact, it has been a disappearing act. 

Shanny may not make a panic move, but maybe he should, because this team continues to make horrible decisions.

Are the Leafs Changing their Colours?

The Leafs played their best game of the season, blasting the Bruins 6-1. They were flying on all cylinders, consistently out-working the Bruins.

Physical play

The biggest improvement in the Leafs' game was physical. They would not let the Bruins push them around. They were sticking up for each other, and maybe even getting in to the Bruins players' heads. Too many times in recent games, the Leafs were letting the opposition get into their heads.

Play Smart, Put Out the Effort.

The Leafs were playing smart, not making bonehead plays. Less selfish play, and more team play. This game, the Leafs were hitting and egging the Bruins on. They need more of that play within their game. In the past they were often lazy, not willing to make the reach, instead tripping up, taking the easy way. But tonight, the Leafs were energetic, taking bull by the horns, and forcing the play instead of being forced.

Power Play

When was the last time the Leafs connected three goals on the power play? It was a very pleasant change. The biggest improvement was the passing. They were precise and accurate. It wasn't the blind passing of the past where someone was suppose to be there, but nobody told him. 

The less mind-reading the better! The players really seemed to be on the same page. They have to look, to know when to shoot and when to pass. 

Bernier

In a nutshell, Bernier was outstanding, stopping the Bruins from everywhere. He was focused and didn’t let the big, bad Bruins take him off of his game. He was the stable influence in the Leafs' zone. He made the first save and controlled the rebounds. 

Bernier's play can influence other parts of the Leafs' game. If Bernier can be more consistent in his play, this will really help the defense’s psyche. Lately, the defense has been walking on eggshells, not trying to make mistakes. If Bernier can show them he has their back, fewer mistakes will be made. Simply put, defense will not have to be perfect. They can relax, knowing that one mistake won't necessarily be disastrous.

Defense has to be smarter

There are still way too many times defense is throwing the puck up the middle. The Leafs have to be smarter with the puck and stop the panic plays in the defensive zone. Communication has to be there. They must let each other know when there is trouble.

Forwards Come Back, Give Defensemen Options

The forwards need to get back to the defensive zone. They need to do their jobs. The defense is making blind passes and panicking. They are running out of options. I have observed the forwards heading up the ice too early too many times. Someone has to stay behind to give the Dman a target.

Defense is a team game. The Leafs' defense have been blasted, and rightly so. But the forwards can help. They have been left out to dry too many times.

Conclusion

The Leafs showed us what they are capable of in the mauling of the Bruins Wednesday night. More will be expected of them. The Division is there; the Leafs just have to grab it before anyone else does.

Thanks for reading.

Should We Plan the Parade

Did I get you attention? Seriously though, you have to admit the Flames are the talk of the League right now. Everything about them is a feel-good story.

I continue to worry about when the other shoe drops; yet there are no reports about the shoe dropping. The Flames are still winning, and the world has not ended. Heaven knows, they have enough excuses for there world to end. Think of the player’s injuries alone. What players, you ask? Matt Stajan, Joe Colbourne, and Mikael Backlund… of course, I have not even mentioned our biggest injury yet. That, in my opinion, is Mason Raymond. With five goals, he was the leading scorer before he was injured. 

So how have the Flames overcome all odds to remain in the playoff hunt? Not only do they remain, but they have exceled to one of elite teams in the League. I have heard so many people ask how they are doing it. By mirrors? Does Bob Hartley have voodoo dolls of all the other thirty teams? Do the players all carry around a rabbit’s foot?

Here are some of my thoughts on the Flames’ surprisingly fast start this season.

1. Bob Hartley 

Bob is one of the best coaches in the League. He is getting the best out of every player on the Flames roster. Right from the start, the players knew what exactly was expected of them. Not only do they know what it is expected, he puts them in positions where they will succeed. He knows exactly who he wants on the ice and when. 

He is especially very good with out young players. He does not throw them out in the wind. He brings them in slowly, giving them each a little more responsibility, until they reach their potential. Case in point: benching Johnny Hockey a game, so he can see the game from the press box. From that moment, Johnny was a shoe-in for the Calder trophy. 

The second reason is really also the third reason at the same time.

2. Jonas Hiller

Probably the steal of the free agency draft. Simply put, Jonas has been outstanding in every sense of the word. He has been a rock all season so far. He is so cool in net, rarely does he allow himself to get out of position. He does this by playing deep in his net. I think this gives him a better view of where all the action is. He uses his size to his advantage in finding out where the puck is. He has been very successful in finding the puck when the net seems to be getting crowded. Most goalies come out to cover the angle, but with Hiller, he seems to be able to cover more of the net by staying deep. His style helps with his ability to control the rebounds, which helps him cover most of the net.

3. Mark Giordano + TJ Brodie = best combo in the league.

Mark and TJ have been the talk of the League. Mark is Mr. Consistent. Everyone knows his offensive ability. His rushes into the offensive zone are epic. Case in point: on Lance Bouma’s goal, Gio got the perfect pass after he got around PK. But do you notice he kills penalties just as much as power plays? He is first to block a shot as well as to take a shot. He is one of most complete defensemen in the League right now.

TJ is growing to be one of the best in the League in his own right. His strength is his speed. He glides through the zone and yet he can get back to cover up in his own zone. You remember his play in the defensive zone in the Habs game? The blocking of the pass in his own end and the perfect backhand pass to Goudreau? I do not know too many defensemen who could have made that pass. TJ has learned from the best (Gio) how to handle the pressure and get the puck up to the forwards.

4. Defence pinching in 

Another key point in the success of the Flames is the ability of the Defense to pitch in with the offence. Hartley has given them a green light to jump in the play anytime. This is true with all the top four. Russell and Wideman have also been known to jump in. Their ability to jump in at the perfect time has been key. This also has to do with the netminding of Hiller; knowing he has their backs if they do jump in.

5. Johnny Goudreau + Shawn Monahan: blessed beyond their years

Johnny Goudreau 

The Flames fans have not been this excited about a rookie since the Newy days. Mr. Hockey, the name by which Goudreau is known, has been nothing short of spectacular this season. He has the ability to do things with a puck that I did not know were possible. He has been one of the most consistent Flames this season. The biggest compliment I can give him is his skill at staying calm no matter what the situation is. For example, in the Panthers game he set up Monahan for the fifth goal. How many players do you know that could make that blinding pass? The Flames have him on the ice in the last minute to score the empty net goal. The kid has so much composure, you would swear that he has been in the League for ten years, yet he is only twenty-two.

Shawn Monahan

So far, the sophomore jinx has not happened. With three of our centers out, Shawn has stepped up to the plate as our number one Center. His six goals lead the team in scoring. He is a leader who has at times been Mr. Clutch. I have noticed this season that he has gotten stronger. He has a more complete game this season.

Conclusion

Obviously, I do not know if the Flames are going to keep up this pace all season. But what I am saying right now is that they are playing like a playoff team. They are finding new ways to win instead of finding ways to stay in the game. Every player on this team knows his role and is doing his best to fulfill it. It is a credit to how they are coached, and a credit to them for executing. Right now, they are gaining confidence that they can compete, and that can just as big as winning itself. As long as Hartley continues to get these players believing in themselves, who knows? Maybe a miracle on the red mile can still happen.

First published on Flames Jambalaya

Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Observations

So far this season, I have observed five things that have been going on with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Lack of Consistency 

This season has been a real up and down season. There have been times when I loved the way the Leafs have played, and times I found myself shaking my head. I find myself swinging between wanting to fire everyone to wanting to give everyone a raise. So you can imagine my confusion when people ask me are the Leafs are a playoff team. That is an interesting question. Right now, I would have to say no.

Although the Leafs were on a three game winning streak of late the Leafs play was not warranted of that honour. To many mistakes the only consistent thing about the Leafs this season, is they will be consistently making some real boneheads plays this season. There will always be a one silly stupid lazy mistake that will cost team a goal in the net.

Not Enough Supportive Scoring

Phil Kessel

When Phil scores, the Leafs usually win. Simply put, Phil is heavily relied upon to be the leader, and he gets the paycheque to do that. Phil has six goals, ten assists. He has been outstanding this season. I am sure he is quite capable of taking this team on his shoulders. The problem is, he may just have to do that.

Kessel leads this team with sixteen points. The next closest player is Tyler Bozak with eleven points, and JVR with eight. Next are Daniel Winnik and Leo Karmarov, both with seven points. That’s right: Daniel Winnik has more points than Nazem Kadri, who only has five points. Nazem has to pick it up. We need Nazem’s support in order for this team to be successful. Sorry; one goal in twelve games does not cut it. The Leafs need the secondary scoring to take some pressure off the first line.

Joffrey Lupul

With the injury to Joffery, the Leafs should be actively looking for another top six forward to fill in. It will looks like Lupal is the most unlucky forward on the team. The Leafs have to find a way to trade or pick up the slack with some of the forwards.

Defensive Woes

Jake Gardiner

I never like calling any players out. But in all honesty, Jake really has to pick it up. Lately he has been… well… terrible. At times he has shown the puck moving defenceman that he can be. But too many times, he has been sloppy in his own zone. The latest mistake in Phoenix was awful, and he knows better.

Lack of Offense in the Defense

Cody Franson

Franson leads the defense in goals. The defense as a whole have to pitch in more with the scoring. The Leafs rely constantly on the first line. If the forwards can't score, someone has to. Cody is a good offensive defenceman. Frankly, he needs support.

Pick a Number on Goalie; Specifically Jonathon Bernier

Randy Carlyle

Earlier in the week, Bernier was beginning to get on a roll with two solid starts. I really feel that Bernier should be our number one spot. I am not so sure that Carlyle, has done this. If he wants Bermier, to be number one, he has to reward him when he is playing well.

Whatever Caryle is selling, no one is buying it. Either the players are not buying into his system, or we have the wrong players for the system. Which begs the question: How long before we push the panic button?