Introductory Email from head coach, David Brebner
Good afternoon all,
We have been able to figure out coaching for my children which has allowed me to be the head coach of the U9 A2 team (team #2054).
As a background to me, I have three children, Damon (U11), Isla (U9) and Avery (just 3 years old but IP next year) and have been involved coaching the two older ones every year they have been involved with Oakridge (including a competitive team).
As any coach in this league will say, it is very rewarding to watch these players improve every year, and most importantly, with a smile on their faces.
This is how I view coaching a U9 team:
- Fun first - this is a house league team and many of the players just want to get out on the ice and have fun. I agree – hockey can be so much fun and I think that’s the most important idea these children need to have at 8 to 9 years old.
- Skill development – although skill development is second, I have seen time and time again, players who improve their skills, have more fun. It is just satisfying to do something you’ve never done before and then improve on it.
- Winning games – If the kids are smiling and improving, I’m less interested whether we win a game or not. However, I have found that the teams who are having fun and improving, seem to be the ones who end up winning games.
I do know that there are some players on this team who tried out for the MD team, did not make it but are interested in trying again next year (Isla being one of them). Please let me know if you child is interested in trying out for MD next year, because if the player wishes to improve faster, we can alter our coaching style to accommodate those children (no impact on any of the other players). For instance, with Isla wanting to make the MD team next year, I can provide more specific guidance or more difficult drills which she will gladly accept knowing that improves her chances of making the MD team next year.
Our webpage is https://oakridgeaeroshockey.ca/Teams/2054/ and I will be posting these emails there as well.
Our calendar is https://oakridgeaeroshockey.ca/Teams/2054/Calendar/ - instructions on how to add this calendar to your existing calendar (Google, Outlook, Apple iPhone, etc.) are here - https://oakridgeaeroshockey.ca/Teams/2054/Webcal/.
You will see my cell number in my signature. I am very busy during the day so calling during the day will likely not get me, but feel free to text if it is a short question. I will endeavor to response to all communication at least once a day.
And lastly, please let me know if there are any parents who wish to be on the ice during practices. It would be great if we could end up with 3 or 4 of us that are on the ice as it helps to run smooth practices.
Thank you all,
David Brebner