Here we are a little past the midway point of the season, and it is a good time for each coach to assess their team in relation to their district rivals and determine if the team is on track to meet the goals set at the beginning of the season.

For some, the reality of where their team stacks up versus expectations can be disappointing. For other coaches, they may be pleased with the progress the team has made and are excited about the prospects for the end of the season District and Region Tournaments.

Here are five suggestions to help you evaluate and prepare for the last half of the season:

1) Regardless of your league standings, be sure to be positive and optimistic with your players. In some cases, winning as our society tends to define it may not be a realistic goal, but a creative and caring coach can find a way to keep the team focused on improvement. Remember, it is common for teams that got beat by wide margins in the early season to compete very well in the second game against the stronger opponent later in the season when development is emphasized over outcomes throughout the year.

2) Take a hard look at where your team needs the most work. Usually, it is with basic fundamentals like skating and passing. Continue to work hard on skating, passing and puck handling skills because without those skills, even the most elaborate systems will not work. USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey have countless resources available if you are looking for new ways to develop those skills.

3) Meet with the parents of your team and give them a mid-season report on how you feel the team is progressing and what you anticipate as the regular season ends in early February and playoffs begin. Be honest with them and set realistic expectations. It is also a good time for some questions and answers. As long as you have been true to your values and beliefs as outlined in the parent meeting at the beginning of the year, this should be easy and valuable for your team.

4) Be sure that practice continues to be fun and that you include some small area games and competition drills to keep the players energized and enthusiastic about coming to the rink.  You could also consider mixing in a few unorthodox drills that require players to adjust to new situations.

5) Be sure to have fun yourself. We all want to win, but that is quite often out of our control. Be sure to stay connected with your players and guide them along with positive reinforcement and optimistic messages. If you stay upbeat, so will they.

Have a great second half of the season because every day is a great day to play hockey!