Day in the life: Men’s Ice Hockey
by Matthew Toombs
edited by Trevon Jengelly and Tyler Comeau
Friday November 22nd, Men’s Ice Hockey had a pre-game warm up before they faced off against Saint Michael’s College in a NorthEast 10 hockey matchup.
(Photo: Matthew Toombs)
The coaches, Nik Passero and Shaun Millerick, start the pre-game warm-up roughly 3-4 hours prior to game time in order to set the tone for all of their players.
Before the game the coaches sit in their office and talk about where players should be placed. They go through different scenarios in case their original plans do not unfold.
Millerick said, “Meeting before to discuss player placement is important. If a player that we originally talk about being on the penalty kill takes a penalty, it is crucial to have back ups so we aren’t in a panic mid game.”
Passero spoke on behalf of pre-game rituals. “I don’t really have much,” said Passero, “One thing that is a must for me is writing my dad’s name in my game card. I lost my dad last April to a heart attack and when I look on that card and see his name and I know he is with me. On a lighter note I also pick up a black cherry seltzer water. That doesn’t mean I always drink it but I always get it.”
In addition, the coaches make sure that the players have snacks for pre-game as well as during the game.
