PigOut
12-26-2008, 01:24 PM
Rockford Newspaper -
http://www.rrstar.com/sports/pros/x5123630...ime-for-IceHogs (http://www.rrstar.com/sports/pros/x512363054/Holiday-break-comes-at-good-time-for-IceHogs)
Holiday Break Comes At Good Time For IceHogs
By Doug Goodman-RRSTAR.COM
Posted Dec 24, 2008
ROCKFORD — The four-day Christmas break is a blessing and distraction for the Rockford IceHogs, says head coach Bill Peters.
“There are guys who have been nicked up for quite awhile,” he said. “Now they have four straight days off and get away from the game (to heal). And to break the routine in any walk of life is a good thing.”
The IceHogs entered the break after dropping three games last weekend.
Peters believes thoughts of their upcoming vacation might have affected some players.
“Breaks have an impact on you, for sure,” he said. “Some of the young guys have a tough time staying focused. There are some definite distractions. Guys are worried about travel plans home and are thinking about spending time with family and friends.”
But the break also came at a perfect time to put those losses behind them.
“It’s an opportunity to get away, clean your mind and recharge your batteries,” Peters said.
Days off will be limited after Christmas as the IceHogs play seven games in a nine-day stretch, beginning Friday at home against division-leading Chicago. Rockford, sixth in the division with 33 points, faces Chicago three times during the nine days.
“It is a very important stretch coming off the break,” said Peters, whose team is five points out of first. “When you play those games without practicing or being together for four days, it’s about playing an intelligent game, keeping it simple and playing hard.”
Rockford also plays fifth-place Iowa (35 points) twice and last-place Quad Cities (26) twice during the stretch.
http://www.rrstar.com/sports/pros/x5123630...ime-for-IceHogs (http://www.rrstar.com/sports/pros/x512363054/Holiday-break-comes-at-good-time-for-IceHogs)
Holiday Break Comes At Good Time For IceHogs
By Doug Goodman-RRSTAR.COM
Posted Dec 24, 2008
ROCKFORD — The four-day Christmas break is a blessing and distraction for the Rockford IceHogs, says head coach Bill Peters.
“There are guys who have been nicked up for quite awhile,” he said. “Now they have four straight days off and get away from the game (to heal). And to break the routine in any walk of life is a good thing.”
The IceHogs entered the break after dropping three games last weekend.
Peters believes thoughts of their upcoming vacation might have affected some players.
“Breaks have an impact on you, for sure,” he said. “Some of the young guys have a tough time staying focused. There are some definite distractions. Guys are worried about travel plans home and are thinking about spending time with family and friends.”
But the break also came at a perfect time to put those losses behind them.
“It’s an opportunity to get away, clean your mind and recharge your batteries,” Peters said.
Days off will be limited after Christmas as the IceHogs play seven games in a nine-day stretch, beginning Friday at home against division-leading Chicago. Rockford, sixth in the division with 33 points, faces Chicago three times during the nine days.
“It is a very important stretch coming off the break,” said Peters, whose team is five points out of first. “When you play those games without practicing or being together for four days, it’s about playing an intelligent game, keeping it simple and playing hard.”
Rockford also plays fifth-place Iowa (35 points) twice and last-place Quad Cities (26) twice during the stretch.