Balancing Act

The Chill is off to a great start. With the special Sunday morning games at Kelley Create Center an even dozen will be completed in our first week. With our great start, there is already 'an elephant on the rink'. If you have worked with me, you know that l strive to address issues in a positive and timely manner.

We've had games of every kind including several close battles and draws, and some more lopsided play. On the lopsided ones, please have some patience. There is no league (amateur or professional) that has exact parity. The teams on the wrong end were generally cool and know there is always another game, but I've already heard from some players that certain teams or players don't belong or should be moved.

Come on folks - please don't lose perspective. Any given night does not make a session, and all teams - including those who joined us for Winter-Spring get to fully participate in the playoffs.

I personally address all comments and attend virtually every game to keep a pulse on play. We have adjusted rosters, created teams, changed schedules, and will continue to focus on competitive balance - but it will never be perfect.

Moving teams during a session is impractical, costly and disruptive. Moving teams after a session to align them to the right division is something we have and will do. The idea here is to compete in a sportsmanlike manner, be friendly, and have fun.

No one wants to be on the wrong end of it each and every game - I've been there and it is no fun - but those instances offer incredible personal growth opportunities. If you don't believe me, ask any one of the 2020 AAHL Novice Champion Nuggets. After a regular season of 'getting it handed to them' they never gave up and went on to win the cup which everyone thought was a miracle on ice.

Please know that I will continue to listen, observe, coach players and teams and make some adjustments to keep things in reasonable balance. Also know that I will not be making huge changes, disrupting league play and causing confusion in an attempt to please everyone. With nearly 300 players the adage 'you can't please all the people, all the time' is definitely true.

Over the last three years our annual player survey has returned a rating of 4.5 or higher out of 5 stars. My goal is to make it a 5-star experience for all of you, impossible? maybe - but it doesn't mean I will ever give up trying.

'The Commish'