Posted: Feb 07, 2020

Coach's Corner- Michael Cox

PAXTON, MA - Women's ice hockey is close to wrapping up their season and has played a tough stretch of games since they returned from break. Although the squad has not had the results they have hoped for, women's ice hockey head coach, Michael Cox still remains confident in the AMCATS as the season comes to an end. Before the season concludes later this month, goamcats.com sat down with Coach Cox to get his thoughts on the team coming back from winter break.

Despite not getting the results as you and the team expected after returning from break, what are some things that have encouraged you?

Cox: All the elements for a successful team are in place, except experience. We have a strong work ethic on the ice and in the weight room, our players are close, committed to one another, and to the process, and we have the talent. Our practices are fast and spirited. Yet the wins have not been there for us and that can be discouraging, especially when our players are working so hard for them. The reality is we're still young. But our youth is also our greatest asset because the level of excitement to come to the rink and compete has not diminished one bit, and that is very encouraging.

What are some areas you can improve on as you round out the last part of the schedule?

Cox: We are looking for consistency in our game. Again, that comes with maturity. We may play 50 minutes of great hockey in a game but it is that 10 minutes of a letdown that has been the difference between winning and losing for us. We can obviously compete with the teams, we are playing in long stretches. However, we just need to learn how to put together a full game and close out a few wins.

What is some advice you give the team after a game, win or lose?

Cox: The message has been to stay with it, to continue to try and improve. I tell our group once this thing turns, we will never go back to where we are now. But if we want it to turn, we have to make it happen ourselves, that no one else can do it for us. We also do not want to just steal games here or there. We want our opposition to play their best game and we want to beat them. That is real progress.