Coyotes Opener with Coach Dominic

I was so lucky that I got to go to the Coyotes first game of the season. Everyone got a Olli Jokinen bobble-head. It is so cool, it even looks just like him. I had a great time. My friend Jacob was there and he scored a goal at intermission. Coach Dominic was there too and we were hanging out and talking during the game. He said I could help hm on the ice sometimes. I really want to do that.

What a great game, the Coyotes WON! Olli got the first penalty of the game and also the first goal! He was amazing in his first game as a Coyote. I saw so many of my friends at the game, it was so much fun! HHHOOOWWWLLL!

Behind the Mask ~ New Skates

Here I am, sporting my new Behind the Mask hat and showing off my new skates. I had my old pair for almost two years. I was bummed when they told me that they could not be sharpened anymore and I should consider a new pair. I loved those skates!!

Off to Behind the Mask I went! As always Nick and Josh were really helpful. I tried on a few pairs, but I was sold on the Bauer Vapor XXII. Some of the other skates have wider cuts at the ankle and it was hard to walk in them, the Bauer skates had more support and better fit at the ankle.

The real test was the ice and they were awesome! If you purchase your skates at a BTM store, they will give you a deal on sharpening them. It is always fun going in and seeing Josh, they are so helpful at the Chandler store.

My first year travel team picture is still posted at the cash register. For all your hockey needs visit Behind the Mask!  They ROCK!

Coyotes vs Sharks Peter Mueller Had a Hat-Trick

My family went to see the Phoenix Coyotes take on the San Jose Sharks in a preseason game.  Peter Mueller and MurphWith the Sharks in town, I had to see Roenick play!  We stayed on the sharks end while they were warming up.  I was at the glass, and Jeremy Roenick came over to me and hit the glass with his stick!  I was so excited.  That was the highlight of the night for me.

I also got to see Olli Jokinen in a Coyotes uniform for the first time.  He played great.  Peter Mueller was on fire tonight, his line was really working well together and he got a hat-trick!  Some of my hockey friends were at the game and I also saw some PF Chang’s players I knew.  Coyotes win 5-1!

I got to meet Peter Mueller at Jobing.com Arena last month, he’s really cool!

PF Chang’s vs LA Kings U18 AAA

After going out to dinner with some of my Jr. Coyotes teammates on Friday night, we went Coach Jimmy Johnsonover to the Alltell Ice Den to see the PF Chang’s U18 AAA take on the LA King’s team.  This game was so awesome.  The PF Chang’s team is really good, although the King’s kept up.  In the end the PF Chang’s team won 6-5.

We were cheering and chanting for the PF Chang’s team so loud, and when their player scored a goal he came over and banged on the glass where we were sitting.  It was really a good hockey game!

I attended a clinic in the spring of 2007 taught by the PF Chang’s Coach Jim Johnson.

Shout Out to my Hockey friend Powers

During my summer house season on the Saints; we had a new player join the team.  I greeted Jake in the locker room, and told him if he needed anything during the game, I would help him.  My mom suggested to his mom that he check out the Tuesday night power skating class at Chandler Polar Ice.  He attended power skating weekly.  His game improved so much; that by the end of the season, he was making plays and contributing toward scoring.  One thing Powers has it determination!

Powers is playing house again for his second season.  He started the preseason off with a bang.  His team lost 3-2, but those two goals were his.  He was the game winning MVP and got the game puck!  When I heard the news, I had to call and congratulate him.  Awesome job Powers!  Look forward to playing with you again.  See you at Power Skating!  Murph

NHL Coyotes Power Skating Coach Mark Ciaccio

The Jr. Coyotes were fortunate to have the Phoenix Coyotes Power Skating Coach attend their practice on Thursday night. Coach Mark Ciaccio ran the same drills with us that he has the NHL players do.

Coach Ciaccio spent an hour teaching us about staying low to the ice and having our skates come back to the V position. We worked on crossovers and then without sticks, we put our arms out like jet airplanes and ran two at a time doing crossovers around the circles. We had incredible speed! It is my favorite drill.

During my fall break from school, I look forward to attending his Hockey Skills Clinic on October 9 & 10 at the Alltel Ice Den in Scottsdale.

Here is a video of the first time Coach Ciacco attended our preseason practice in June 2008:  Video

From USA Today:  In an effort to tone up certain parts of his game, C Olli Jokinen has been working with Coyotes power skating coach Mark Ciaccio.

Another great article about the NHL Phoenix Coyotes players whose game has improved with the help of Mark Ciaccio:  Article