Breaking The ice

Coach’s Corner with Guy Carbonneau 

When the race to the Patty Cup started, it was all new players who had to start playing with new teammates, but Guy Carbonneau feels that there’s always been competition between the guys from the start. To come away with the Week 5 victory in London in their first appearance in the final was extra special for Carbonneau after his team faced tough competition in the first half of the season. 

“I was starting to feel bad a little bit for the players, but right away after the game, I think everybody had a big smile on,” Carbonneau said. “I think everybody was happy, so those are the times when it's really fun to be part of the group.” 

While Team Carbonneau did come away on top, the road to get there wasn’t necessarily easy.  Having to face Team Mullen right off the bat, followed by Team Trottier in the semifinals put Team Carbonneau to the test, and they passed. They have seen Team Mullen in previous weeks, and Carbonneau is pleased with how his team has grown on the ice since their first game against the reigning champions. 

“They play with a lot of confidence, and they have the kinds of players that can make a difference at any time,” Carbonneau said. “So, I think every time we played them, we just got better.” 

It is in the back of every coach and player’s mind that only four teams can advance to the finals in Vegas, and Team Carbonneau’s weekend in London gave them a confidence boost that there’s still a chance they can be one of those four teams. Looking ahead to the next three weeks, the head coach has a positive and is aware of some possible changes that need to be made to continue to find more wins. 

 
“Having a chance to go to the final and win it just put us right back into the race,” Carbonneau said. “I think when we play every week, we play with all a lot more confidence and confidence in each other. I think we now know what we need to do on the ice and what we can do. I think the core guys that I have are really solid so it’s going to be a fun finish.” 

Now that we’ve reached the halfway mark of the season, Carbonneau feels that his team has found on-ice chemistry and the style of play that works for them in the 3-on-3 format to find success. 

“The first two weeks, I think there was a lot of hesitation between the players, the referees, the rules, but I think now guys are a lot more comfortable on the ice,” Carbonneau said. “They just do what they love to do. “