Still no hockey, so what is a Head Coach supposed to do? Boston Bruins Head Coach Claude Julien is keeping his skills sharp by coaching a youth hockey team.
Julien was a special guest coach for a youth team of 8- and 9-year olds. The 13 boys from the Winthrop Squirt B youth hockey team won a raffle to benefit the Boston Bruins Foundation and Massachusetts youth hockey that saw Julien behind the bench.
“It was a lot of fun to get behind the bench and deal with young hockey players again,” Julien said. “They were having fun and enjoying the game. They were an excited group.”
Winthrop coach Steve Indrisano still called all the shots for his team, but Julien was there to offer tips to the young players as well as encouragement from taps to the helmets after shifts to fist bumps after the three goals scored. Winthrop edged out a 3-2 victory over Watertown.
The boys were not the only one in awe.
“It was really fun,” Indrisano said. “It’s good to have someone who sees the game through his eyes. It was really good. Like the kids, it’s something I’ll remember forever.”
Little less talked about is the impact the lockout has on Head Coaches. Typically arriving to the rink well before and after the players, a major part of his routine consists of reviewing video footage to better the team. His free time is normally limited.
The NHL lockout has allowed Julien to participate in events such as this, but he and his staff still work very hard. Four days a week he and assistants Geoff Ward, Doug Houda, and Doug Jarviswork work out of Wilmington’s Ristuccia Arena. The group works out, reviews game footage and plan for training camp that increasingly looks like it will never happen.
“We’ve identified parts of our game we want to improve and make better,” Julien said. “At least we can give guys an idea of what those areas are. When we start, we can work on those things and clarify those few areas. The advantage that we have is that basically, we have the same team. It’s not like they don’t understand these concepts and the system.”
The extended absence from the real thing, a real season, still takes its toll.
“As much as you talk about family, your family can sense that you’re not really quite the same,” Julien said. “You’re bored. You’re trying to keep busy with things around the house. But this time of year, the one thing you can’t change from us is that we’re used to a full-go schedule. Full tilt. It’s a hard time. The other coaches have expressed the same sentiments. It’s really hard.”
Over the weekend, Julien finally had a team to coach. Pre-game talks spoke to having fun and to give an honest effort. The young players received the full treatment. Equipment manager Keith Robinson put nameplates above each players stall in the Winthrop dressing room. The players also had to sign a one-game contract the Bruins organization had printed out.
“Today is a day about being here with the kids and making the most of the situation,” Julien said. “That’s what I’ve tried to do. I came in here and enjoyed a real fun hockey game. That’s all you can do in these situations. Take advantage of what’s given to you.
“For me, it’s an opportunity to get involved a little bit with youth hockey, give back, and make the most of the situation. All I can say is that I had a lot of fun today. It certainly brought back a lot of memories.”
Julien remained at the rink after the game, signing autographs for whomever wanted them.
