Okay, here is a blog post about my experience putting together the Austin Prep hockey roster, written in the style you requested:
Alright, so I got tasked with building the Austin Prep hockey roster this year. What a headache! But also kinda fun, in a weird, masochistic way.
First off, I sat down and made a list of all the returning players. Easy enough, right? These were the kids I knew, the ones I’d seen play last season. I pulled up my notes from last year’s games and jotted down each player’s name, their position, their strengths, their weaknesses, the whole nine yards.
Then came the real work – the tryouts. We had a bunch of new kids show up, all eager to prove themselves. It was days of watching them skate, shoot, pass, and checking, I had to keep my eyes peeled. I was looking for raw talent, sure, but also for that “it” factor, that spark, you know? I tried to assess their skills.
I’m scribbling notes like a madman, trying to keep track of everyone. “Number 32, good hands, needs to work on his backcheck.” “Number 17, speed demon, but can’t hit the broad side of a barn with his shot.” Stuff like that.
- Returning players check
- Tryouts held and observations made
- Tough choices time
After the tryouts, it was decision time. This was the hardest part. I had a whiteboard set up in my garage with all the names, and I’m moving them around like chess pieces, trying to find the right combinations. Who plays well together? Who can fill the gaps we have?
I spent hours staring at that board, shuffling names, making some tough choices, and drinking way too much coffee. Cut some good kids, which always sucks. But at the end of the day, I had to do what I thought was best for the team.
Finally, I had my roster. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a solid group of kids, a good mix of experience and new blood. I felt good about it. I felt we had built a good team.
Now, the season’s started, and we’re a few games in. So far, so good. The team’s playing well, they’re working hard, and they’re having fun. And that’s all that really matters, right?
Building a hockey roster is a lot of work, no doubt. But seeing those kids out there on the ice, giving it their all, makes it all worthwhile. It’s a great feeling to watch a team come together and start playing as one. And hey, maybe we’ll even win a few games along the way. That would be the cherry on top! I hope we can achieve good results!
