In coaching I like to use parables and acronyms to help get the message across. I believe that while our athletes will continue to respond to last years message of B.E.S.T. (Better Every Single Time), I want to introduce the working in units of 5 message this year. That's having the ability to move up/down side/side as one cohesive unit of 5 skaters while making good hockey sensible plays. I have established an award system after each game which will focus on what I used to evaluate players for this team. These awards can then be attached to their dog chains.
The 5 H's of hockey refer Head, Heart, Hands, Hockey Sense and Hustle. Last year I talked to the athletes about coming to the arena in the right frame of mind in order to practice, play safe, fun games, to learn and to clear their Head to make room for this new knowledge. While doing this, I tasked them to Hustle or as some would say, "skate hard and fast" every play. The moment their blades touch the ice, they were to give me their B.E.S.T. effort every practice, single shift and every game. I also explained to them, that if they had Heart, not only in hockey, but with anything they did in life, they could overcome any obstacle that came their way.
This year I will talk to them about, Hands and Hockey Sense. It is the coaches job to push the athletes to the edge of their development. Each athlete has a gift, and some just open them later in life, but it doesn't mean they can't have the tools in place to try and open that gift a little earlier. We will be focusing on stick handling, shooting, and being creative with the puck. In order to create Hockey Sense, we will be focusing more on game situations and game play, such as small area games, 2on2 and 3 on3. Players will learn to analyze (read) and find a solution (react) to any given situation at this level of play. This will empower the young athletes to think, make decisions, and problem solve in a highly motivated and competitive environment.
The 5 C's of hockey is another tool that I used to evaluate players during tryouts and throughout the season. Last year, I spoke to the athletes about Coachability, Confidence, and Compete. When a young athlete enters a sport, they have embarked on a new challenge in their life. They have placed themselves in a position to learn new things, they show the ability to listen, their natural youthful energy will allow them to Compete and they will make mistakes along the way. This athlete is Coachable and their Confidence will be built upon any of these successes.
The other two C's are important and are considered life lessons. If the athlete can perform these newly acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities at their development point Consistently, then they will be able to find an admiration for the sport and take it to a different level.
What I hope to achieve through hockey is that, these young athletes will develop Character. It is incumbent upon the parent to raise their young athlete to their expectations and rules of the household, but to also trust in the fact that the coaching staff also possesses the knowledge, skills, abilities of hockey, and the same expectations to develop them to enjoy the sport, to grow and mature, and to be a productive members of society. I hope that these medallions, that I created will reinforce those core competencies to being successful in hockey and in life.
I have said this before and I will continue to stress, that, You parents are the most important people in your child’s lives, and I encourage you to continue to be active, be supportive, be genuine and be fans in their pursuit of hockey excellence. You have paid a lot of money to be a part of this team and I need you to be just as committed in getting your child to the rink for every practice, every game, and every team function and to believe in the system and the coaching staff.
My message to the players is simple, You have a certain responsibility now. You have to uphold your end of the deal and be just as committed to getting to the rink, getting to practice and be a valuable teammate throughout the season. Let’s be sociable with one another, talk to your coaches, your teammates and enjoy your activity. Come to the arena and work hard, listen, learn and have fun! Let’s stay grounded in victory and defeat, lead by example, listen more, talk less, and do the right thing when no one is watching.
I would also like to thank the sponsors for believing in our message and supporting the team in their strive for excellence.
GO SABRES!