What is your background in hockey and coaching this team?
I have played and followed since I was 5 years old. Like a lot of young kids in Canada, it was all I ever dreamed of doing. When I wasn’t playing hockey at our local arena in Wellesley, Ontario, I was playing on the street, pond or watching on tv. Hockey has been a prominent part of my life and continues to be. When my son began playing hockey, I knew coaching young players was something I wanted to do. I was able to gain valuable experience the past three years as an assistant coach, and this year when the opportunity to become a head coach was presented, I was ready for it. During my time as a coach, I have been fortunate to get to know the players, their families and see them develop each successive year which is really enjoyable.
How do you create a love of the game with hockey’s youngest players?
Hockey teaches you many important lessons that translate off the ice - teamwork, friendship, effort, and fair play. Most importantly win or lose we are all there to have fun and respect others. It is important for everyone involved in hockey whether it be players, coaches, or fans to keep that in mind. At the end of the day, it is a game, so go have fun with it!
How do you create practice plans that keep your team focused and engaged each session?
I believe it is important to put practice plans together that incorporate many different aspects of the game. Every practice, we focus on three segments of the game - individual skills, team play and hockey systems/set up. Running drills incorporating each of these aspects keeps the players engaged.
Our time on the ice is very valuable. Every drill we run in practice presents a teaching moment for the players. I often remind them we are only on the ice for one hour, so it is important to make the most of it. It goes a long way keeping the players alert and ready to play!