Lemons -> Lemonade
A personal update + 2026 NHL playoff coverage info
It all starts Monday during a tennis match.
I am playing an opponent I know well to defend my spot on the club ladder. He’s beaten me in the past but I’m confident in my ability to find his weaknesses.
The match starts. I’m moving and seeing the ball alright, but his serve is a bit sharper than usual and mine feels off. He races to a 5-1 lead. First to eight games wins.
I focus on the controllable. If he keeps his level, too good. I think to myself.
I start to loosen up, to serve better. He gets a bit tentative. Playing one point at a time, I claw back to 5-5.
He recovers and moves ahead 7-6.
I hold serve to force a seven-point tiebreak, feeling serene. Soon I lead 6-3, with three match points in my favor.
He floats a mid-court ball that I can sink my teeth into. I step around to hit an inside-out forehand. Maybe the last shot in a great comeback.
And then I feel someone kick me hard in the right calf.
For a split second I’m confused. And then I know exactly what’s happened.
I drop to the ground, my right Achilles tendon ruptured.
Surgery is planned for Friday, ensuring that I’ll be in a painkiller-induced fog for my son’s third birthday party the following day.
My unexpected injury (and its accompanying six-month recovery time) is forcing me to drastically reshape my schedule.
On the plus side, I’ll have plenty of time to watch the NHL playoffs starting next week, which is where things get interesting for you, loyal reader.
Here’s what I have in mind
Multiple times a week, I’ll send an email to Hockey Tactics 2026 ebook buyers and paid Hockey Tactics Newsletter subscribers with a Zoom video call link
The calls will either be early afternoon or late evening Eastern Time
On the calls, I’ll break down clips from recent playoff games, then pivot to a question-and-answer session with those attending
I understand that most will not be available for every call, but if we can get somewhere between 10-50 people per session, it’ll make for amazing conversation
Each Zoom call will be recorded and archived here, on the Newsletter
I’ll be sure to make some of the clip breakdowns available to the 9500+ free subscribers, but most of the content will be reserved for paid members, those who are actively supporting my family and I through these challenging times
What you can do now
If you’re already a paid subscriber or a Hockey Tactics 2026 reader, just wait and I’ll be in touch early next week with details on the first call
If you’re on the fence about joining as a paid newsletter subscriber or buying the ebook, know that it is the best way to support me so that I can continue helping as many people as I can by sharing free hockey information online
Jack’s work doesn’t just present information—it connects overlooked details in a way that sharpens how people understand the game. - Adam Nicholas (Montreal Canadiens Director of Hockey Development)
