Stronso

By: Tyson Nash
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News flash, the Phoenix Coyotes have arrived in Portland, Oregon._ I am here in beautiful Portland preparing for our game Wednesday night against the San Jose Sharks at the Rose Garden, the home of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers._


It doesn’t look like I will be playing tonight. We still have 37 players in training camp and I know the coaching staff wants to give everyone equal opportunity to earn a spot on the team._ Not playing tonight will give me an opportunity to watch the game from the stands and gain a fans’ perspective._ Watching a game can help a player see different aspects that he can’t view from the ice because guys have to react so quickly down at ice level._ I will probably make some mental notes and help the guys in any way possible._


I thought we played well in our first two preseason games against the Los Angeles Kings and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim._ Sean Burke and Zac Bierk kept us in the hockey game against the Kings and we were able to comeback and win the contest in the third period._ The game against the Mighty Ducks was also entertaining._ We lost in overtime, but there were a lot of positives._ Brian Savage played very well scoring a couple of goals and I think Chris Gratton was very strong in both games._ I know both players are looking to get off to a good start and even though it is two preseason games, it was nice to see the entire team play well._


Confidence is something that is very important in this game._ If a player can play well and score a couple of goals in a scrimmage or preseason game, it gives a guy that positive feeling._ It is funny when you think about it, but hockey is probably 90% mental and 10% physical._ A player can feed off the confidence he gains from his coaches and teammates and it is amazing how productive a player can be when his confidence level is high.


It is also important as a team that guys start to feel that we are never out of a hockey game._ That is why come-from-behind wins like the one against Los Angeles are important._ I have a feeling that our team will be involved in many games this season that are settled by one goal or less._ The more success we have early in the season in those situations, the better off we will be later in the year.

Heading to California for two games last weekend marked our first road trip of the season._ I had Mike Sillinger as my roommate and he is a good man._ Usually the biggest debate on the road is who controls the remote control in the hotel room._ Experience is the determining factor between roommates for exclusivity on the television remote control._ Sillinger got off easy having me for a roommate because as soon as my head hits the pillow, I am asleep quickly._ It is always nice to be back with guys and hanging out as a team._ We had a chance to eat dinner together and on the plane ride, there is always a card game._

I had a chance to do some reading on the road trip and I saw that my former teammate Marc Bergevin was highlighted in the Hockey News yearbook for his practical jokes._ Bergevin is playing with the Pittsburgh Penguins this season and I had the chance to play with him in St. Louis._ I was lucky in the sense that he left me alone for the most part, but he was always keeping guys on their toes._ Sean Hill, who David Tanabe played with in Carolina, is another guy that is hilarious._ You need guys in the locker room that keep things fun._ Todd Simpson appears to be that way with our team this season._ Without teammates like Bergevin, Hill and Simpson, the locker room would be too tense at times during the season. Guys have to be reminded to have some fun._



As I get established more in the community, I will be getting involved with some local charities in the Phoenix area._ I have talked with Landon Wilson and Shane Doan about some of the local organizations they work with._ My wife and I have visited hospitals in the past and it really helps put life in perspective._ You meet so many individuals who posses such a strong character._ I really enjoy visiting elementary schools and talking with the kids as well._

Game time is inching closer, so it is time to head to the rink._ I know I am repeating myself, but thank you for reading my diary and I appreciate the positive feedback I have received.

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