wspaper. "I should be playing in a week, 10 days maximum. Maybe quicker when I get proper treatment."Plekanec hopes to get a full report on his health when he is examined by Canadiens doctors once the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is ratified and training camps open.Plekanec was second on the team with 35 assists last season,Authentic Corey Crawford Jersey, and fourth with 52 points.
Former NHL player Steve Webb is often asked why he decided to volunteer his time as a youth hockey coach and travel throughout the country last season with the Long Island Royals' Under-16 National Team.His response is simple and to the point."Because that's what people did for me in my hometown," Webb told NHL.com."When I reflect on when I was in minor hockey as a 14- and 15-year-old, I remember having NHL guys helping out the team," he said. "It was actually Doug Gibson who, over time, was the one who connected me with assistant general manager Gordie Clark to get my tryout with the Islanders. And it all goes back to sitting on the bench as a 14-year-old, not playing that much, but here I am. Gibson and Bill Plager assisted me along the way and provided advice."HOCKEY SKILLSBack to Basics: Stickhandling tacticsBy Deborah Francisco - NHL.com Staff Writer Hockey's evolution during the past three decades has made the ability to stickhandle more important than ever. READ MORE › Off-ice building critical in creating a champion Make your next hockey road trip memorable Break in those new skates with a few helpful tipsMORE HOCKEY SKILLS STORIES ›Webb also mentioned another former player, Paul Crowley, who never reached the NHL but spent seven seasons in the American Hockey League with Binghamton and Rochester. Crowley, drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1975, dedicated many mornings in the summer to assist then-youngsters Cory Stillman, Mike Fisher and Webb."All these former players and coaches were amazing influences who assisted me when I needed assistance and dedicated their time," Webb said. "In return, that has made me feel that this is what I want to do. I love to see guys achieve their goals in life, move on and have successful careers."It's just one example of how minor league hockey can not only help players with the skills needed to advance in the sport of their choice, but how it also provides lasting life skills."That's the reason I like coaching hockey in general," said Jon Greenwood, the director of hockey development at the Maritime Hockey Academy in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. "I think there are so many life skills to be taught, whether it's teamwork or being on time, listening to directions or just getting along … all those types of things are huge life skills."As kids get into junior high ages, that's when time management becomes so important with balancing school, family and hockey. Playing a sport and staying in shape is great, but I think those life skills are the No. 1 aspect and the reason I'll put my daughter in team sports … I w