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The Worcester Sharks Be A Leader Program Presents
Ask a Shark a Question
Do you have a question for the Worcester Sharks Be A Leader spokesman Dan Spang? Dan enjoys hearing from his fans and is anxious to answer your questions.
As the season and this program go along, Dan hopes to have some of his teammates take your questions also. Keep looking for *guest* appearances by your favorite stars.
Check back often to see Dan's answers.
Remember: The only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked!
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QUESTION: Hi Dan my name is Andrew and I am having some trouble with my muscles tightening during practice and games. What are some of the most important stretches to do on the ice?
ANSWER: Hi Andrew - Yours is a tough question to answer because I don't know how old you are, or which muscles you are having trouble with. Generally speaking you want to do a solid warm-up/loosening-up BEFORE you even get on the ice. This is a mistake that a lot of young athletes make. Many times I will ride the bike and kick a soccer ball around, just to get my muscles loose before I think about getting on the ice. Thanks for the question and good luck!
Asked by - Andrew Clavette,
Medford, MA,
2/12/2008 1:04:54 PM
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QUESTION: Do you think young women should be playing ice hockey. I played ice hockey many years ago and hockey is still my favorite sport. I do attend all home and away games. Good luck with the rest of the season.
ANSWER: I think hockey is an excellent sport for young people (male or female) to play. The life lessons and team building that occurs (even if you don't realize it at the time) is phenomenal. Thanks for the well wishes. We appreciate all of our fan support!
Asked by - LM,
Worcester,
1/10/2008 6:48:47 PM
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QUESTION: I'm 10 and I just started playing defense. I played wing for 4 years. What should I work on the most being defense now?
ANSWER: Tom, There are many skills that a defenseman must bring to the table. At your age I would concentrate on your skating and speed. Improving in those areas will serve you no matter what position you play (remember, you're only 10 -- don't get locked in to any 1 spot just yet).
Asked by - Thomas M,
Chelmsford, MA,
12/13/2007 4:13:04 PM
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QUESTION: Hey Dan I was wondering if Thomas Greiss is coming back to Worcester?
ANSWER: Dimitri Patzold was sent to Worcester on a conditioning assignment. Although I don't know for sure, I expect him to return to San Jose in the near future -- sending Greiss back to Worcester.
Asked by - Crystal,
Spencer, MA,
11/25/2007 9:44:29 AM
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QUESTION: My son is a solid defenseman for a Bantam team. He is also a team leader. Recently the team added a very good goalie. The problem is that he think's that he's God"s gift to hockey. He takes all the credit for the victories and none of the blame for the losses. Sits alone in the locker room and can't wait to get to juniors. The only time he talks is to complain about something. For some reason all of this is all right with the coach. Now the whole team is playing weak defense and going down the tubes. As a team leader what should my son do?
ANSWER: Al, interesting question and tough issue(s). I think the first step is to have a team meeting (run by the captains)-- no parents or coaches and try to tackle some of these issues. If that is not productive, I think a good leader / captains would discuss the problems with the coach. Unfortunately, if that doesn't get your son anywhere, he may need to look into another team. As far as the entire team playing weak defense -- that is really unexcusable. I understand morale may be low because of the goalie issue but players & leaders make tough choices. Each player has to take individual responsibility and play 100%. The team leaders (captains) need to take some control & attempt to motivate. I hope this situation improves. Please keep me updated.
Asked by - Al,
Grafton,
11/23/2007 1:36:12 PM
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QUESTION: Do you get paid extra money to be the Be A Leader spokesman?
ANSWER: Hi Don, I feel very fortunate to be in the position I am with the Worcester Sharks. I volunteer my time as the spokesman for Be A Leader because I truly believe it is important for young kids to have & be exposed to positive role models.
Asked by - Don,
Auburn, MA,
11/23/2007 12:57:30 PM
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QUESTION: Who do you look up to as a leader and a role model. I met Jack Parker when my team skated at a BU game a couple weeks ago, he seems like a really good leader to his team.
ANSWER: Tom, Great question! I looked up to many people as leaders. Jack Parker was a very good leader when I played for him at BU. We followed him into battle every game and we trusted him. Other leaders I looked up to growing up which I think helped mold me were Freddy Meyer (BU Captain my freshman year, now playing with the NY Islanders), my older brother Matt (Captian of my High School team for 2 years) and my father. My father was a big influence on my life just by the way that he chose to raise my brothers and me and how he battled adversity in his life.
Asked by - Thomas M.,
Chelmsford, Ma,
11/22/2007 8:30:44 PM
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QUESTION: What inspired you to develop Be a Leader? Is it true that you played in Cleveland?
ANSWER: To answer your questions: The Worcester Sharks came up with the idea for Be A Leader. As soon as I heard about the program I volunteered to be the spokesman. I enjoy telling kids like you about my life and some of the choices that I made.
Life is all about choices and it is important that you make good decisions and the right choices starting at an early age.
Yes it is true that I played in Cleveland. I played 8 games during the '05-'06 season.
Asked by - Ben,
Worcester,
11/14/2007 3:22:48 PM
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