Our team is having a lot more fun now that we are winning compared to early in the season when we got off to a slow start. We began the month undefeated in regulation and it has helped us climb to the top of our division. Winning allows everyone to be more confident, energetic, and relaxed. It translates at practice, during games, and off the ice as well.

Either way, we always try to prepare the same way. Before each game, our coaches work hard to develop a game plan specific to the team we're playing. We watch video. We look at clips of their recent games and games that we played against them in the past. We go over their systems in each zone and their power play and penalty kill. We also look at their potential lineup and who their key players are.

We're about one-third of the way through the season and so far my favourite team to play is Providence. Providence is the Bruins farm team and my “little” brother is property of the Boston Bruins. Providence is also a division rival and is close to Worcester which makes our games even more competitive.

I'm not sure if many of you out there have seen it yet, but The Voice has become pretty popular with our squad. My housemate, Curt Gogol, and I get pumped up to watch it every Monday and Tuesday. The judges are good and there's a lot of talent this season. Fans should check it out.

Speaking of music, I should give a shout out to Tim Kennedy and Sena Acolatse, our DJ's in the locker room. Whatever they've been choosing of late has worked. They have great taste in music and play a good variety of stuff depending on the situation. They do a good job of picking the right music to play in pre-game or post-game.

Last year I was away from home for Christmas playing hockey at the World Juniors so I am somewhat used to being away at Christmas. This year, I will be able to spend some time with my parents. However, my brother will not be able to join us as he is going to Ufa in Russia to represent Canada at the World Juniors. So this year, we will be watching and cheering hard from across the Atlantic!

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