Ahead of the U18 league starting on Saturday we caught up with Junior Men's and Cork Wolfpack U18 Head Coach, Victor O'Brien. Victor gave his thoughts on the season ahead and how the U18 league ties in with the Junior Mens National Programme.

All the top leagues in the world play stop time, so for us to help our players get to the next level we need them to get used to the way the game is played at the top level, stop time is only one. We also have the change in goals to the World Skate size and moving away from the ice style.
The main change from running time to stop time is the extra fitness required, as the play is the full 40 minutes. Secondly is the pace of the game, as the clock stops between plays the urgency to get to the face-off isn't as big, which gives players a bit more of a breather so they can work harder and skate faster.
The change in goal size will have a significant impact on how goals are scored, the over the shoulder top corner goals are far less likely forcing teams to look for the precision pass for the one-time shots. As the goals are smaller the scores are also smaller meaning games are generally closer so more competitive.
Both of these huge changes will force teams to adapt their style of hockey, which we hope will bring the Irish game closer to the international style of play.

The most important attribute that I am looking for as a coach is willingness for a player to work hard for their team-mates, games aren't won by the guys that only want to put the puck in the net. It takes the hard graft of playing at both ends of the rink, back-checking and making sure that they play with discipline and not giving up when things aren't going a certain way.
When watching the guys that want to be in the final selection I am looking for leaders, both on and off the court. The guys that are looking for the assist and trusting their team-mates to score rather than blindly shooting into the goalies bread basket. I will also be looking for guys to be more intelligent with the puck, inline hockey is all about keeping possession and having the patience and ability to create a more definite chance to score.

I am always looking for potential talent to boost the squad. While some players may have not represented themselves at the trials, I will be watching the U18s league and all leagues for that matter, for anyone that we may have not seen or someone that is developing at a fast rate. Also, within the U18s age group players are constantly growing, guys are getting bigger, stronger and faster. So just because a guy didn't get picked now, if they work hard they can definitely get a call up to one of the trainings and offered a second chance.

With no ECB this year we are guaranteed a new champion. Can you give us your thoughts on each of the 6 teams?

Midland Thunder - Winner of the Playoffs last season. This team is going into the league looking very strong. They have 90% of last years squad back and they have all grown bigger and stronger. The big test for this team is to see if they can continuously play like the cohesive unit they were in the Play-Offs, with coach Janis Kipars in charge, I'm sure that he will have them well drilled and we can expect them to hit a new level this season.

Kilkenny Storm - Another squad that we can expect to see a big step-up in quality this season. They have returning players which will add depth and skills. Having only gained players and not having lost any since last year, the Storm will be a major force to overcome. The Storm have always been well drilled and disciplined, with coach Paul Cummins at the helm, we expect no different this season.

Bangor Chiefs - Their Coach Michael Creane represented the Mens National Team at the World Championships over the summer, we are sure he will bring home this experience and apply some major changes in strategy and style this season. This change will force all the other teams to try and adapt. Looking to build on their 4th place finish last season, the chiefs are sure to battle hard throughout the season to keep their playoff spot.

Dublin Flying Ducks - A team that has been going from strength to strength each season, we have seen them mature and get faster and stronger. Always well disciplined and with a very strong work ethic, we can expect the Flying Ducks to cause a number of upsets. Barely missing out on a playoffs last season, their drive for a spot in the top 4 means that no other team can take them for granted.

Waterford Penguins - The new kids on the block, we dont really know what to expect here. But if they play any bit like their Coach Martin Gashpi, then we can expect them to work hard and fight for every single puck.

Cork Wolfpack - Coming off one of the worst seasons in recent past the Wolfpack have something to prove. The return of their head coach after a 3-year hiatus and the addition of a new assistant coach means that the Wolfpack will be far better structured and disciplined on the court. A club that has always developed strong individual players, it is their ability to play as a unit that will be tested when they go up against the top teams in the league.

Thanks for taking the time to preview the U18s league Victor. We hope that all player's give you selection headaches in finalsing the training squad!