How An Experienced Coaching Staff Bolsters the Beauts' Latest Run for Isobel
Published on March 22, 2018 under Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Buffalo Beauts News Release
For the third consecutive season, the Buffalo Beauts will compete in the Isobel Cup Final - the only team in the NWHL to have this distinction. It's no coincidence that the team also has the league's longest-tenured coach, Ric Seiling.
Following the first trip to the Cup, Seiling secured the talents of former NHL defenseman Craig Muni to help bolster the defense, and this year, ex-NHL goalie Tom Draper joined the pair as the team's goaltending coach. The trio has engineered what is the hottest team in the league, taking an 11-game win streak into Newark to face the top-seeded Riveters on Sunday in the Isobel Cup Final.
Neither Seiling nor Muni take much credit for the team's success. Both coaches cite the play of the team that has been the key. "Team," Seiling stated simply. "We approach this with a team concept. Craig and I have been on winning teams and each time it has been a team effort. Yes, once in a while a player may step up and shine. But it has always been a team effort so the chemistry in the room, on the ice and on the bench is important to us."
Muni agrees with his colleague. "With our background and winning championships in our day, it has always been a team concept first," he said. "Everything is done for the betterment of the team. Players have always had a good chemistry on and off of the ice - we treat everyone like family and with respect."
It hasn't been the smoothest ride for the Beauts. The impressive winning streak came after a 2-4 start to the year. Again, the coaches credit the players for turning things around. "[We started with] 14 new players," Muni stated, and said it was clear that, "Everyone would get an opportunity to play and show their skills. We needed to get to know their strengths, and they needed to get to know us and our system, [as well as] the team concept."
"It took the coaches time to figure out the players and the players to figure out each other," Seiling said.
The coaches were pressed to talk about a change in strategy that helped drive the team's play and confidence. "That would be telling trade secrets just before a championship game," Seiling quipped.
Muni elaborated on their approach. "We didn't get much production on the back end early in the season. We stressed their involvement and utilized their skills and skating abilities. We tightened things up as a team and became more offensive," adding, "It really only became a thought process of shooting more. We are less concerned with other team's shot totals. In order to score, you need to shoot and hit the net!"
NWHL Goaltender of the Year Amanda Leveille has been a catalyst for the team's success, allowing only 1.61 goals against in the last 11 games. Muni says the goaltender has worked hard individually, and a good relationship with Draper has helped, as well. "Lev has been outstanding all season. She's kept us in every game and gave us a chance to win. Her confidence has continued to grow after taking the number one role over from a split system last year. Tom Draper has also been a great influence on Lev this season."
The evolution of the Beauts has been amazing, but the story wouldn't be complete without mentioning the sale of the team to Pegula Sports and Entertainment. The environment in the arena has changed drastically since that time. "To see the fans come out to our last home games and be treated to an exciting brand of hockey has been great," Seiling said. "Our team has responded to the fans and want to be the best they can be so the fans of the Buffalo Beauts have something to be proud of."
Muni is blown away by the support. "The fan support and media coverage has been fantastic since PSE has purchased the Beauts. The crowd has been extremely important in our win over the weekend. Loud, enthusiastic, engaging, behind the team, and on the edge of their seats with every play."
As the days tick away, the Beauts coaches prepare to become the first repeat champions in league history, preventing the Riveters from hoisting the Cup for the first time. Be sure to tune in for this historic matchup as the game streams live on twitter.
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from March 22, 2018
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
