A veteran once told me and a couple other rookies that the only thing that keeps structure on a team is the fine system. Keeps order. Step out of line. Slack. Embarrass the team. Disrespect... the team, as a whole, comes together and puts you back in line.
Now I have to agree on one point... without a check the average person is going to let things slip now and then. And if the team doesn't set things right it will probably end up in a loss or two before a reality check does... and teams can't afford to throw away games.
But in my personal experience the fine system often works against a team. It sets some people up as arbitrary leaders... most of whom have a terrible time with power... and this power dynamic kills team chemistry. FYI. Teams live and die off chemistry.
And what's more, the fear of stepping out of line can become all-encompassing. It can suffocate a team. Stifle creativity. Make the rink not a fun place to come to. In the end the team is worse off. The problem is that some players care more about status and power than winning. I guess it's not surprising, however, because this mentality is common everywhere. But for me it still sucks every time I see it.
This week we finished 1-1 in 2 very close games. With only 4 imports the hockey is harder in a way because more is expected of you in each game. It's going to be a great challenge this year.
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