Friday, Jun. 20, 2008
Hockey camp gets back to basics
By BRIAN HERNALSTEEN
News-Mirror Writer
The Mansfield Hockey Team held its camp June 11-14 at the Dr Pepper Stars Center in Duncanville. Members from the team this year, as well as those hoping to make the jump to the team next season, attended.
Heading up the camp were Tim Bergland and Mike Lundby, as well as Mansfield coach Tim Madigan.
Bergland is a 5-year veteran of the NHL and Lundby is a 25-year coaching veteran from Minnesota.
The players were welcomed to a couple of different voices, as well as some new drills.
"We are out here because we are just wanting to get back some of those basic skills that we may have forgotten about. It’s a really great opportunity to get the fundamentals down," said Zach Nuss. "We want to get back to what this game is about: skating, passing, puck control. These coaches brought in are world class, and we want to improve in a lot of areas."
One area that has been improved on since hockey came to Texas is the style of physical play. Bergland noticed a contrasting style from what he was use to when he visited 10 years ago.
"Back then, the players were all about checking each other and putting hits on bodies. It was almost like football on ice," Bergland joked. "There was a big discrepancy in the skill level from Texas and up north. But they have come a long way and they are only going to get better."
The skill level has changed. Players on the ice are different from when hockey first came to Texas.
There seems to be an adaptation of a European style of play, in that players are working on their skating, passing and puck control, something that the Mansfield team feels was missing after last season’s disappointing first-round exit.
"We want to get stronger in every area, that is why we are out here," said Joe Dancy. "Skating and passing are two things I really need to work on, and it looks like we will all get better in those areas. We are also working on our endurance."
Development of endurance isn’t the only area needed by Mansfield. In order to completely adapt to the European style of play, and play the puck on every possession, camps like these are invaluable.
"We really want to focus on the development of basic skills and of their movement. Some of the skaters out here are really good, and we want to take all of them up a level," Lundby said. "We are showing them some different ways of doing drills. A different voice every now and then can help with their development."
Bergland agrees, saying that the program is still young and growing.
"Coach Madigan is trying to build a good program here, and he has done well. To be successful at this level, coaches need to be open to different ideas, and need to be willing to grow with the program," Bergland said. "The kids seem to listen and soak up the fresh ideas. Coach Madigan has done a great job preparing them and letting them expand their thinking."
The camp was attended by students in grade school through high school, allowing different skill levels to work together in an effort to improve the team overall.
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