By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist

I was most recently talking to a high school coach and mentioned that I want “performance” from my players – and if I got it I didn’t care if we won the game or not. The coach asked me to define “performance” and did I really think that was the only thing that mattered.My response went something like what I’ve written below.

By Chris Pryor

With the 2014 Olympics right around the corner and the NHL sending its premier players to represent their respective countries, the question has come up again, is this the best option? What does the fan truly want to see?

By Hans Eisenbeis

One of the great things about those recent TV series that go “behind the scenes” with NHL teams is that viewers get to see the professional game from ice level all the way back to the locker room, on to the team bus and beyond. And the first thing you notice about how the pros play the game is what filthy mouths these guys have. Coaches, players, equipment managers, the guy who sharpens skates – they all swear like sailors who’ve lost their liquor.

By Diane Ness

As we get into the deep stretch of our winter season, practices can get difficult. The excitement of the beginning of the season has passed and holiday tournaments have already played out.  We still have a few weeks before district tournament games and even longer before end of the year Mite tournaments.

By Dr. Rob LaPrade
http://drrobertlaprademd.com

Question: I just received a penalty for not having a mouth guard. Why do I need to wear one?