In the first organized hockey practice of the year, 35 men yesterday turned out on the Soldiers Field rinks. The players were formed into tentative teams and had short scrimmages, but no attempt was made to hold a long, strenuous practice such as will come later in the year. It was the first time on the ice this season for most of the candidates, and the afternoon was spent more in getting back into hockey form than in any effort at team play.

The work-out was under the direction of William H. Claflin, Jr., '15, who, it is expected, will be head coach of the University hockey team this year, although his appointment has not yet been confirmed by the Athletic Committee. Claflin was captain of the 1915 University seven which twice defeated Yale, thus taking the series for that year. He played on the University team at cover-point for three years, and also filled that position on his Freshman team.

Small Rink May Cause Change in Play.

Coach Claflin is a disciple of the type of hockey that was originated and taught by Alfred Winsor '02. Whether this style of play will be as applicable in the small Pavilion as it was in the large Arena is a difficult question, but it is agreed that with certain modifications, Coach Claflin will find it successful wherever the team plays.

Mr. Winsor himself has also agreed to resume the position of advisory hockey coach that he has held in recent years. He will not be able to coach the team regularly, but he hopes to help in the final practice before the big games. In the Winsor system, individual brilliancy has always been subservient to team play, and under his coaching the University teams of a few years ago developed exceptional proficiency in the passing game, triumphing time and again over combinations of brilliant players.

Today the squad will practice again at Soldiers Field at 2.30 o'clock and tentative teams have been formed to meet in a short practice scrimmage.