[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Here's glimpse into Ward's game day preparation. Great article that sort of lets you know what Ward is all about:

http://thecoachessite.com/troy-ward-...y-preparation/

Ward is the first member of his staff to arrive at the rink in the morning. According to those inside the Heat organization, this could be as early as 4am.

He uses this time to get organized to address the needs of his assistant coaches to ensure they are good teachers. Luke Strand is the team’s offensive coordinator (play with the puck) and Cail MacLean is the defensive coordinator (play without the puck). Jordan Sigalet takes care of the goaltenders. Each coordinator will have a 5 -10 minute meeting with the team, or group of players, in the morning prior to the pre-game skate.

A lot of information is going to be communicated to the players leading up to a game. It can’t all come from the head coach. You have to pick your spots.

Ward believes in a “hands off” approach, allowing his assistant coaches to do their jobs. He plans to address his group once during the day, generally two hours prior to puck drop and only for 3-8 minutes.

Occasionally, he will meet with his team in the morning to make announcements, such as trades, call ups, travel arrangements, etc. However, it’s rare that he’ll “double dip”, as he puts it, and go back to the team twice in one day. If you’re in front of your team too much, you risk losing your “stinger”.

Ward has a success pyramid displayed in his office, which outlines the process his team will follow throughout the season. The foundation of the pyramid is built on forming good habits and only expending energy on things you can control. Each time he addresses his team he sets their focus back on the pyramid. This keeps his message consistent and his players’ process orientated.

Ward never addresses his team following a game. Win or lose.
He doesn’t see anything positive in doing so. The players are mentally and physically exhausted after going to war for 60 plus minutes. They already know if they played well or poorly. There is also the risk of saying things you’ll regret and sending a new or conflicting message.

Instead, he provides himself the opportunity to watch film and form a thorough evaluation of his team’s play and each individual’s performance. The following day, he’ll be better fit to calmly and clearly articulate his thoughts.