Gerner skates across freshman year

Ryan Gerner, freshman, glides onto the ice with the Homestead JV hockey team. Through the motions of stopping, shooting and passing on and off the ice, Gerner prepares himself and the team for success.
By stopping the negative attitudes, blaming and puck-hogging, Gerner is able to focus on the game and assist his team in the best way. “Almost every athlete criticizes themselves for what they did wrong or what they should have done instead,” Gerner admitted. Through stopping the negative self-talk an open mind is allowed for a strong team effort.
Through shooting for his best effort, Gerner is able to provide solid defense and maneuver his way on the ice. Gerner explained that without showing maximum effort the team is at a loss because they are losing potential for scoring.
Passing to other teammates allows teamwork to occur, while simultaneously creating an element of trust. “A team cannot exist without the elements of communication and trust,” Gerner said.
Through combining these techniques of teamwork, Gerner and his teammates can create strong bonds that lead to strong wins.