September 24, 2009.
Chemistry is defined as, mutual attraction or sympathy; rapport.
What does it take to build team chemistry within an NHL hockey team? Well for starters, players should be together and around each other as much as possible. Sounds easy enough, but consider that this is the first year in a long time that the Maple Leaf players are actually hanging out with their teammates after games and practices. Brian Burke, President and GM of the Maple Leafs, said he wanted to bring a new culture to Toronto. A culture, involving players who can be team members as well as friends. Although he has not forced this among his players, he encourages it. Players are going over to each others houses for dinners. There is talk of the team participating in Paintball and other activities, which will only help build team morale and more importantly, chemistry.
Team chemistry also entails players to be as one when it comes to games. Burke brought in players who aren’t selfish, good communicators, players that know what their role on the team is. This will only help in the development of young players such as Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak. The Toronto Marlies are heading to Scotland for a four team mini tournament. This is a great move by the Leaf brass. This trip will be a good stepping stone for the growth and maturity of these AHLers. This is another example of Brian Burke's commitment to bring a new “culture” to the city of Toronto.
Chemistry is also important when it comes to the coaching staff. It’s not supportive if the players have chemistry but yet they don’t get along with the coaches. Ron Wilson, Keith Acton, Rob Zettler and Tim Hunter have always been team players throughout their respective careers. This was no mistake by Brian Burke; he knew these guys would be the launching pad for the chemistry within the organization and team.
Even with all that said, nothing can be accomplished if there isn’t chemistry on the ice, when it matters most. Only time can help build chemistry during the games. And as Leaf fans, we can only hope that the chemistry between all these players will work.
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