With four weeks remaining in the season while I was working on a blog about head shots in the Canadian League, I – ironically enough – suffered a concussion. It’s my fifth (that I can remember) and I’ve been sidelined ever since. Throughout the entire recent media blitz over hits to the head, the long-term effects of concussions began to weigh on my mind. At what point should I make a decision to keep playing or shut it down? When should I begin to value the most important organ in my body? And who is responsible for making that decision?For Jason's full story check out his blog at The Hockey News.
Showing posts with label Jason Cassidy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jason Cassidy. Show all posts
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Jason Cassidy’s Blog: Head shot change must come from players
The latest from Jason Cassidy. Here is a little teaser.
Monday, 22 February 2010
Jason Cassidy's Vlog - On the Road: challenges of being a student athlete
Another interesting piece by STU Journalism student Jason Cassidy.
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Jason Cassidy's Blog: Danton deserves a second chance
We have always had great respect for Jason Cassidy, well that respect has just doubled. Cassidy has really nailed down the essence (in our opinion) of Mike Danton playing for SMU and has "shown up" some seasoned journalist with his views. For the record Damien Cox wouldn't know a CIS hockey game from a hole in the ground, and his article demonstrates his ignorance.
GREAT WORK JASON. Here is a little teaser from his article.
Here is another great read over at Neate Sager's CIS Blog. This is a very comprehensive story.
GREAT WORK JASON. Here is a little teaser from his article.
Only a few seasons ago, I was fortunate to line up against the likes of Corey Perry, John Tavares, Patrick Kane, Steven Stamkos and Bobby Ryan. Not only does the addition of a player with 92 games in the NHL not worry me, there have been others come before him with more impressive track records (Jared Aulin’s 224 NHL/AHL games before joining the Calgary Dinos in the CIS in 2007-08). Often, players come into the league having been drafted to the NHL or spent time in the ECHL, AHL, or at NHL training camps.Read Jason's blog.
Here is another great read over at Neate Sager's CIS Blog. This is a very comprehensive story.
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Jason Cassidy’s Blog: The holiday ‘break’ and welcoming new recruits
From THN.com:
...hockey is a game about improving your team relative to those in the league. And if other schools are bringing in quality talent, you’ve got no choice but to follow along and take those risks if you stand any chance of winning.
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Jason Cassidy's Blog: Club culture
Jason Cassidy's latest entry at The Hockey News:
Winning teams in the CIS are bound through a strong sense of team and brotherhood. Take the University of Alberta Golden Bears, who’ve won a record 13 national championships. The University of New Brunswick, also an annual powerhouse, has been to the national championship game three consecutive seasons, winning two of them. These teams make the most with the roster they have recruited year after year.That one was for you UNB fans. Here is another interesting note
In the Atlantic Division (AUS) there has been speculation surrounding the abrupt resignation of University of Prince Edward Island coach Dylan Taylor. Rumour has it the players were fed up with his coaching methods and had lost confidence in his ability to guide the team.
I’d be surprised to see the truth actually surface, but it demonstrates the importance of culture and winning. When teams lose, they look to their leaders and coaching staff for guidance. In this case, it may not have been there. And when that culture isn’t there, a few simple trades can’t solve the problem to get your team out of a hole.
That’s why hockey is the most fascinating game on Earth. The logic goes far beyond what it should, and we love it.
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
Jason Cassidy's Blog: Trials and tribulations of a road trip
Jason Cassidy's latest entry at The Hockey News
Though for us university folk, bus trips are a chance to catch up on class reading, assignments and share ideas about similar classes.
One thing’s for certain: I’m sure most professional hockey players avoid reading advance qualitative research methods, biomechanics or macro theory before a big game.
Monday, 17 August 2009
Jason Cassidy’s Blog: A productive off-season is a must
Jason Cassidy's latest entry at The Hockey News
Taking someone’s word can be a safe option, or it can backfire. Coaches haven’t officially landed a recruit until he arrives on campus and takes part in a practice. As a result, university hockey turns into a blindfolded game of poker in which all coaches are expected to come out with their chips lined up in perfect order.
Building a team around false hopes can be risky and tough to manage. Players select schools based on a few categories: the program, its location, the team’s reputation of winning and also the perks included (which is a whole other subject).The summer months appear ever so quiet, but behind the scenes schools are searching for the foundation of their program.
Monday, 13 July 2009
Jason Cassidy moves up to the big leagues...
...of blogging, that is. We'll give Tommies fans a moment to regain your collective breath.
Congratulations on your great accomplishment, Jason. Looking forward to seeing you on the ice this fall, with our vote to change that "A" on your chest to a "C".
3rd year Tommies winger (and STUTOMMIES.COM blogger) Jason Cassidy is being featured as an Insider at The Hockey News with his own blog. Consider us the minor pros of hockey blogging. But you've got to get started somewhere. We're really proud of Jason, and are excited to see the exposure he'll receive which will help him toward his goal of becoming a journalist, as well as the attention he'll bring to STU's hockey program and to the journalism program at St. Thomas.
In Jason's first entry, he examines the difficult choice to be made by a graduating junior hockey player between pursuing a professional hockey dream or attending university.
I’d love to continue my career and work towards making it to the big leagues, but what if I don’t make it? Have I wasted that education package? Have I made any progress that will support my life after hockey?
A wise Tommies fan once said, "you have to be good enough to play in the pros, but smart enough not to". We're thankful Jason made the smart choice.
Jason gives some attention to, and extols the virtues of playing for STU:
I decided on attending St. Thomas University in Fredericton, N.B., a team led by former NHLer Mike Eagles. It’s a small campus with a community feel and for those who haven’t been, eastern Canada is a fantastic place. In Ontario people get lost in the crowd, but in the Maritimes everyone is someone.
Monday, 23 February 2009
Injuries
Originally printed in The Aquinian on 01/19/2009
When a person dedicates a large portion of their life to a particular sport, being unable to participate is devastating.
All athletes, at some point in their career, will experience an injury. Be it minor or major, injuries leave an impact in various ways that may go unnoticed to the average person.
For athletes, or the committed exerciser, a large part of their self-identity, and self-worth, will be ingrained in their active life. Often times, an injury can undermine an individual’s athletic self-worth and lead to a decline in how that person values them self.
The four main areas of well-being that are affected are the person’s,
Physical well-being; the pain of the injury and difficulties of a rigorous rehabilitation process. Temporary physical restrictions and possibly permanent physical changes.
Secondly, the Emotional well-bring is damaged due to the trauma of the injury and feeling of loss or grief. The immediate fear is the threat of weakened performance in the future.
Thirdly, a person’s Social well-being may be altered because of a lost connection with their role in society. A feeling of separation from family, friends and teammates will occur giving an athlete a feeling of loneliness or regret.
Lastly, and the most important of them all, is the damage left on an individual’s self-concept. An altered self image and threat to important goals and aspirations with give an athlete a sense of lost control.
It is difficult to prevent injuries entirely but there are a few ways in which you can minimize the odds.
Stretching has become a crucial part of sport that some athletes have yet to take it serious. Dynamic warm ups including active movements using balance and agility have over taken the outdated “cold stretch.”
The idea is to warm up the muscles and generate blood flow before beginning an activity. Stretching while the body has yet to warm up is ineffective and can actually contribute to pulled or torn muscles.
Athletes are training longer and harder to see improvement but overtraining accounts for a lot of sports injuries. Without adequate rest and recovery, these training regiments can backfire and decrease performance. A proper cool down period will allow the body to return to a period of relaxation and increase your gains in the long run.
Lastly, the importance of taking a day off is imperative and will allow the body to recuperate and repair damaged muscles.
I think I can speak from experience in saying that, injuries are going to happen. The main thing is that your prepared mentally and physically in order to avoid them from happening. And when they do happen, just remember it is all a part of the ride and just another story to tell once it is all said and done.
When a person dedicates a large portion of their life to a particular sport, being unable to participate is devastating.
All athletes, at some point in their career, will experience an injury. Be it minor or major, injuries leave an impact in various ways that may go unnoticed to the average person.
For athletes, or the committed exerciser, a large part of their self-identity, and self-worth, will be ingrained in their active life. Often times, an injury can undermine an individual’s athletic self-worth and lead to a decline in how that person values them self.
The four main areas of well-being that are affected are the person’s,
Physical well-being; the pain of the injury and difficulties of a rigorous rehabilitation process. Temporary physical restrictions and possibly permanent physical changes.
Secondly, the Emotional well-bring is damaged due to the trauma of the injury and feeling of loss or grief. The immediate fear is the threat of weakened performance in the future.
Thirdly, a person’s Social well-being may be altered because of a lost connection with their role in society. A feeling of separation from family, friends and teammates will occur giving an athlete a feeling of loneliness or regret.
Lastly, and the most important of them all, is the damage left on an individual’s self-concept. An altered self image and threat to important goals and aspirations with give an athlete a sense of lost control.
It is difficult to prevent injuries entirely but there are a few ways in which you can minimize the odds.
Stretching has become a crucial part of sport that some athletes have yet to take it serious. Dynamic warm ups including active movements using balance and agility have over taken the outdated “cold stretch.”
The idea is to warm up the muscles and generate blood flow before beginning an activity. Stretching while the body has yet to warm up is ineffective and can actually contribute to pulled or torn muscles.
Athletes are training longer and harder to see improvement but overtraining accounts for a lot of sports injuries. Without adequate rest and recovery, these training regiments can backfire and decrease performance. A proper cool down period will allow the body to return to a period of relaxation and increase your gains in the long run.
Lastly, the importance of taking a day off is imperative and will allow the body to recuperate and repair damaged muscles.
I think I can speak from experience in saying that, injuries are going to happen. The main thing is that your prepared mentally and physically in order to avoid them from happening. And when they do happen, just remember it is all a part of the ride and just another story to tell once it is all said and done.
Friday, 13 February 2009
Superstitions
Originally printed in The Aquinian newspaper on 10/13/2008
Athletes are odd creatures. Baseball hall of famer Wade Boggs used to eat chicken before every major league game he played. At the plate, he would etch the Hebrew word for “life” in the sand with the end of his bat.
Each day at practice he would take 150 ground balls, then do batting practice at 5:17 and sprints at 7:17.Call them what you will, but superstitions, rituals, and routines are a part of sports, and a necessity for players that swear by them.
They are a way to cope with circumstances that we can’t understand or are unable to control. It’s about the comfort they bring the athlete, who is always looking for an advantage in competition.Athletes and coaches follow daily and game time routines religiously because of their beliefs in superstitions.
In the past, teams have been known to never wash their uniforms or socks during a winning streak for fear of losing good luck. Coaches follow the same exact routines. Routines such as entering and exiting through certain doors, picking up hair pins for good luck, saying the same prayers and wearing the same outfit that was worn during a successful game.
Naturally, athletes are creatures of habit. They do the same thing day after day. They practice at the same time, they play at the same time and eat at the same time. Important parts of their lives are very ordered, and so, perhaps, they want to bring that same kind of order into every aspect of their lives.Lost sleep, nausea, and jumpy nerves often make a game a much less enjoyable of an experience. Anticipation and excitement is alright, but built up anxiety will hinder the athletes game. They are constantly in a battle with their unconscious mind. Ideally, you want the unnecessary nerves to disappear and for the body to react exactly as planned. But that’s not always the case.
Being nervous about game shows the player cares, but that nervousness can quickly become counter-productive. Think of nerves and anxiety as a type of fuel. Just like fuel, anxiety can be wasted or misdirected. Athletes become over excited and leak that energy leaving you feeling exhausted before the competition begins. On the contrary, being too relaxed will certainly not serve any purpose.
As Bud Light once claimed, “It’s all about balance”, a balance of excitement and nerves that will give you an absolute readiness, focus and intense energy to perform.
That’s where superstitions come in. They balance it all out. They are unexplainable, but are well-respected and understood among athletes, who use them to get the job done.
JC23
Athletes are odd creatures. Baseball hall of famer Wade Boggs used to eat chicken before every major league game he played. At the plate, he would etch the Hebrew word for “life” in the sand with the end of his bat.
Each day at practice he would take 150 ground balls, then do batting practice at 5:17 and sprints at 7:17.Call them what you will, but superstitions, rituals, and routines are a part of sports, and a necessity for players that swear by them.
They are a way to cope with circumstances that we can’t understand or are unable to control. It’s about the comfort they bring the athlete, who is always looking for an advantage in competition.Athletes and coaches follow daily and game time routines religiously because of their beliefs in superstitions.
In the past, teams have been known to never wash their uniforms or socks during a winning streak for fear of losing good luck. Coaches follow the same exact routines. Routines such as entering and exiting through certain doors, picking up hair pins for good luck, saying the same prayers and wearing the same outfit that was worn during a successful game.
Naturally, athletes are creatures of habit. They do the same thing day after day. They practice at the same time, they play at the same time and eat at the same time. Important parts of their lives are very ordered, and so, perhaps, they want to bring that same kind of order into every aspect of their lives.Lost sleep, nausea, and jumpy nerves often make a game a much less enjoyable of an experience. Anticipation and excitement is alright, but built up anxiety will hinder the athletes game. They are constantly in a battle with their unconscious mind. Ideally, you want the unnecessary nerves to disappear and for the body to react exactly as planned. But that’s not always the case.
Being nervous about game shows the player cares, but that nervousness can quickly become counter-productive. Think of nerves and anxiety as a type of fuel. Just like fuel, anxiety can be wasted or misdirected. Athletes become over excited and leak that energy leaving you feeling exhausted before the competition begins. On the contrary, being too relaxed will certainly not serve any purpose.
As Bud Light once claimed, “It’s all about balance”, a balance of excitement and nerves that will give you an absolute readiness, focus and intense energy to perform.
That’s where superstitions come in. They balance it all out. They are unexplainable, but are well-respected and understood among athletes, who use them to get the job done.
JC23
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Cohesion
Originally printed in The Aquinian on 02/03/09
Most athletes will agree on one thing.
A team in which every player gets along well with each other and communication levels are high, results in great performance.
It’s called Cohesion.
Meaning, a common vision. Clear and concrete goals that accompany that vision and members that believe in the strategy.
Teams with cohesion can achieve dramatic results. The way players on teams interact directly relates to success.
As a famous sports psychologist once put it, “The fittest to survive and succeed are those able to find their strength in cooperation, able to build teams based upon mutual helpfulness, and responsibility for one’s fellow teammates."
Many things affect whether a team bonds together or not. Stability increases the chances. When a team has been together for a longer period of time, naturally, they will become more cohesive. Similarities in age, sex, skill, and attitudes bring groups together. A team smaller in size with fewer players would bond quicker than a large one.
Cohesive teams have coaches and managers who support the players and encourage them to form relationships.
Problems arise within a team when members start loafing.
This is the tendency to lessen your contribution when a part of a large group. One might perceive another working less hard then he/she, so they feel that gives them an excuse to exert less effort.
However, some may feel that their efforts are having little effect on the outcome or that their contribution is going unnoticed. The main problem arises when players assume that others will cover up for their lack of effort.
Team dynamics are unpredictable. Shouldn’t management shy away from the tactical side of sport and spend time forming cohesion? I think that teams are unaware of cohesion until it actually happens.
The more cohesive a team is, the more it encourages everyone to raise the level of their game to match others.
More often than not, players resort to the notion, “If it happens, that’s great, but if not, well, we don’t have a close group this year and there’s not much that can be done."
Be sure to spend time developing quality relationships with teammates. The more you understand and trust a person, the better your chemistry will be during competition.
JC23
Most athletes will agree on one thing.
A team in which every player gets along well with each other and communication levels are high, results in great performance.
It’s called Cohesion.
Meaning, a common vision. Clear and concrete goals that accompany that vision and members that believe in the strategy.
Teams with cohesion can achieve dramatic results. The way players on teams interact directly relates to success.
As a famous sports psychologist once put it, “The fittest to survive and succeed are those able to find their strength in cooperation, able to build teams based upon mutual helpfulness, and responsibility for one’s fellow teammates."
Many things affect whether a team bonds together or not. Stability increases the chances. When a team has been together for a longer period of time, naturally, they will become more cohesive. Similarities in age, sex, skill, and attitudes bring groups together. A team smaller in size with fewer players would bond quicker than a large one.
Cohesive teams have coaches and managers who support the players and encourage them to form relationships.
Problems arise within a team when members start loafing.
This is the tendency to lessen your contribution when a part of a large group. One might perceive another working less hard then he/she, so they feel that gives them an excuse to exert less effort.
However, some may feel that their efforts are having little effect on the outcome or that their contribution is going unnoticed. The main problem arises when players assume that others will cover up for their lack of effort.
Team dynamics are unpredictable. Shouldn’t management shy away from the tactical side of sport and spend time forming cohesion? I think that teams are unaware of cohesion until it actually happens.
The more cohesive a team is, the more it encourages everyone to raise the level of their game to match others.
More often than not, players resort to the notion, “If it happens, that’s great, but if not, well, we don’t have a close group this year and there’s not much that can be done."
Be sure to spend time developing quality relationships with teammates. The more you understand and trust a person, the better your chemistry will be during competition.
JC23
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Fear of Failure
Originally print in The Aquinian on 01/20/09
I have noticed that everyone seems to have this big plan in their heads for themselves.
“I’m going to be the best, most spectacularly extraordinary, successful and rich person when I grow up”.
It’s as simple as that.
We are setting ourselves up to believe that anything less than perfection is failure.
Pop culture gives us the impression that those who are failures are generally poor, powerless, unpopular and physically unattractive. With this, we have created a culture of fear and avoidance of failure.
It’s quite evident in athletes. Like it or not, we are all afraid to make mistakes. Some athletes are so plagued by the thought of coach yanking me after a missed opportunity they lose all focus.
Many athletes hinder their potential by focusing on avoiding mistakes instead of believing in their ability.
One could argue that this fear illustrates your passion and care for sport.
You want to be successful and portray yourself as this wonderful gift from God.
However, I think people portray this image because they’re looking for social approval. They need to be confirmed and validated in society to show their dedication.
Let’s face it; we want the approval and respect of our peers. Whether you have been an athlete for only a short while or have been into sports for 30 years, the fear of letting others down can lead to substandard performances.
Then I wonder. Do you compete for yourself or for others around you?
It’s a tough question. Many people find it difficult to admit that they actually compete to gain acceptance from their teammates, family members, coaches, and so on.
Doubt has got to be the number one killer of confidence. Pessimistic or perfectionists tend to hold onto doubts, essentially dragging down their mind and effecting performance.
Think about it, you’re preparing to play the top team in your league and the first thing you say is, “how are we going to beat these guys tonight?” Before the competition has even begun, we are looking for answers.
To put it all into perspective, Failure is inevitable. It is an essential part of life that we cannot avoid.
It gives motivation to overcome difficult challenges. It shows you exactly what you’re doing wrong and forces you to take ownership over your problems.
It teaches you to be determined and committed to your dreams. It forces you to persevere.
So persevere already.
JC23
I have noticed that everyone seems to have this big plan in their heads for themselves.
“I’m going to be the best, most spectacularly extraordinary, successful and rich person when I grow up”.
It’s as simple as that.
We are setting ourselves up to believe that anything less than perfection is failure.
Pop culture gives us the impression that those who are failures are generally poor, powerless, unpopular and physically unattractive. With this, we have created a culture of fear and avoidance of failure.
It’s quite evident in athletes. Like it or not, we are all afraid to make mistakes. Some athletes are so plagued by the thought of coach yanking me after a missed opportunity they lose all focus.
Many athletes hinder their potential by focusing on avoiding mistakes instead of believing in their ability.
One could argue that this fear illustrates your passion and care for sport.
You want to be successful and portray yourself as this wonderful gift from God.
However, I think people portray this image because they’re looking for social approval. They need to be confirmed and validated in society to show their dedication.
Let’s face it; we want the approval and respect of our peers. Whether you have been an athlete for only a short while or have been into sports for 30 years, the fear of letting others down can lead to substandard performances.
Then I wonder. Do you compete for yourself or for others around you?
It’s a tough question. Many people find it difficult to admit that they actually compete to gain acceptance from their teammates, family members, coaches, and so on.
Doubt has got to be the number one killer of confidence. Pessimistic or perfectionists tend to hold onto doubts, essentially dragging down their mind and effecting performance.
Think about it, you’re preparing to play the top team in your league and the first thing you say is, “how are we going to beat these guys tonight?” Before the competition has even begun, we are looking for answers.
To put it all into perspective, Failure is inevitable. It is an essential part of life that we cannot avoid.
It gives motivation to overcome difficult challenges. It shows you exactly what you’re doing wrong and forces you to take ownership over your problems.
It teaches you to be determined and committed to your dreams. It forces you to persevere.
So persevere already.
JC23
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Between the Lines
Tommie Fans,
My name is Jason Cassidy and it's an honour to have been invited to contribute to the site. While studying journalism at St. Thomas, I write a bi-weekly column that is published in the school newspaper, The Aquinian.
For those who are unable to pick up a copy around campus, I will be posting my articles here to give you a bit more insight into the life of a student athlete.
I want to thank STUTOMMIES.COM for giving me this opportunity and I welcome any feedback or concerns from the readers.
Enjoy the second half of the season,
Jason Cassidy
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally Printed in The Aquinian on 09/16/2008
I often wonder where I would be today if sports were not apart of my life. Would I be in New Brunswick attending St. Thomas? Would I be completing a degree in journalism? Would I be writing for the Aquinian? Probably not!
More importantly, where would I be today without the relationships I have formed and the experiences I have shared with such wonderful individuals?
Athletes are bread to win championships. It is instilled into their mind at a very young age that winning is everything.
Though I am quite certain that once the journey is over, and it becomes time to call it a career, most athletes will remember the friendships. The experiences they have gained and the appreciation of teamwork they shared with others.
Memories last a lifetime. Very cliché, but memories shape an individual and help to guide them through the trial and error periods throughout life.
The sporting world is extremely cut throat and you can be sure it will throw many challenges in your way. It is important to understand how to channel those experiences to improve yourself not only as an athlete, but as a person.
This column will explore the many highs and lows that my fellow St. Thomas athletes and I have endured, and how those challenges have shaped us as individuals. Please be sure to send in your feedback and share the ever lasting memories that have changed you as a person!
My name is Jason Cassidy and it's an honour to have been invited to contribute to the site. While studying journalism at St. Thomas, I write a bi-weekly column that is published in the school newspaper, The Aquinian.
For those who are unable to pick up a copy around campus, I will be posting my articles here to give you a bit more insight into the life of a student athlete.
I want to thank STUTOMMIES.COM for giving me this opportunity and I welcome any feedback or concerns from the readers.
Enjoy the second half of the season,
Jason Cassidy
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally Printed in The Aquinian on 09/16/2008
I often wonder where I would be today if sports were not apart of my life. Would I be in New Brunswick attending St. Thomas? Would I be completing a degree in journalism? Would I be writing for the Aquinian? Probably not!
More importantly, where would I be today without the relationships I have formed and the experiences I have shared with such wonderful individuals?
Athletes are bread to win championships. It is instilled into their mind at a very young age that winning is everything.
Though I am quite certain that once the journey is over, and it becomes time to call it a career, most athletes will remember the friendships. The experiences they have gained and the appreciation of teamwork they shared with others.
Memories last a lifetime. Very cliché, but memories shape an individual and help to guide them through the trial and error periods throughout life.
The sporting world is extremely cut throat and you can be sure it will throw many challenges in your way. It is important to understand how to channel those experiences to improve yourself not only as an athlete, but as a person.
This column will explore the many highs and lows that my fellow St. Thomas athletes and I have endured, and how those challenges have shaped us as individuals. Please be sure to send in your feedback and share the ever lasting memories that have changed you as a person!