Meet the coach

Coach Andy Cuthbertson

Coaching Philosophy

                                         

Dear Parents, 

I wanted to take this opportunity to put in writing my coaching philosophy and my goals for your son and the team this season.  High school hockey can be an exciting and fun opportunity for your child to learn new skills, make new friends, and have fun.  As fun as it can be for your child, different expectations from the coach, parent(s), and player can take away from that positive experience in a number of ways.  As you read through this letter please make sure that my philosophy fits with your expectations of what you want for your son and how you believe the team should be run.  If not, this is your opportunity to let me know. 

 

Coaching Philosophy

·         I believe that kids gain confidence and a love for the game through positive feedback from parents, coaches, and other players.  Skill level develops at different rates for kids, but effort and having fun can always be achieved.  I try to always provide positive feedback for effort. 

 

·         I think it’s important that a coach takes more than a casual interest in the players.  I strive to talk with all the players 1 on 1 at some point during the practices and games.  I may not be successful getting to every player each day, but I want them to know that I’m interested in what they have to say and more importantly, I want them to know that their coach likes them as a person.

 

·         I believe in trying to make practices as fun and knowledgeable for the kids as possible, while providing the practice and instruction that they need to improve.  I’ve found that kids expect and respond to well structured and organized practices. 

 

·         Teamwork and developing chemistry is an important part of any team sport.  I always try to tell the kids how important it is for them to support each other and to always be positive towards their teammates.

 

·         Competition is an important element of any sport and as kids grow they naturally become more competitive.  I don't talk to the kids about "how important it is that we win" but rather how important it is to execute the play properly.  I feel my role and that of the parents is helping the kids develop the ability to deal with competition in a healthy way.  Effort and attitude is my focus.  If we can achieve that, then chances are we'll win the number of games that we are capable of winning.

 

I will work on teaching fundamentals and skills during practice, but I believe the game is the player’s time to execute what has been worked on in practice.  I will give instruction during the game if I feel it will help with their performance during the game.  I don't think any of the kids want to be told what they did wrong during the game.  I hope as parents you will do the same.  

 

Objectives

With this age group, I have 6 primary coaching objectives, which I believe are equally important.

1.     Teach the players the importance of respect, discipline, and a hard work ethic.

2.     Help your son develop the skills necessary to be successful at this level and to prepare your son for a successful season.

3.     To have fun and have the kids develop a love for the game.

4.     Learn about the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.

5.     Give positive reinforcement based on effort rather than results.

6.     Provide a safe and healthy environment for all the kids on the team

 

 

Playing Time and Positions

At the varsity level it is my job to develop each player to their maximum potential for the good of the Mohonasen-Schalmont hockey program. Playing time will not be equal for all players, as they will fulfill roles, which will benefit the good of the team rather than the individual player. Effort will be rewarded and a player’s acceptance of their role is extremely important.

 

Team Rules and Discipline

 

We will have a few team rules that we will make at the first practice.  Rules may be added during the season if necessary.

 

Player Expectations

1.     Be on time and do better than your best.

2.     I expect players to always show respect for the coaches, parents, and other players on the team.

3.     Spend time outside of practice working on hockey related skills.

 

Parent Expectations

1)     Please try to get your child to practice and games on time.  I know this can be difficult at times and impossible at other times, but it’s really hard to conduct practice or get ready for a game when players continually show up late.  If you know your child will be late or won’t be able to make it to a practice or game, please let me know in advance if possible.

 

2)     Get involved in playing hockey with your child.  This may be helping your son do some stick handling drills, or playing a street hockey game, or going rollerblading.  Kids love it when their parents get involved.  Repetition is also crucial for skill improvement.  There simply isn’t enough organized practice time for the kids.  They need to work on skills and develop strength and agility in the off season.

 

3)     Please encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game and practice.  Please cheer for your child during games, but try to keep from yelling instructions to them.  Remember this is their opportunity to enjoy playing in the game.

 

4)     Please let me know if you have a problem with me or something that is happening. I prefer that you do this on a non-game day.  These problems can be fixed very easily if I know about them and they are addressed in a professional manner.

 

5)     Safety is a primary concern for me.  Unfortunately, I can’t watch every child every second therefore if you feel that there is a problem then contact me.

 

I’m looking forward to a fun and rewarding season.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call me.

 

Sincerely,

Andy Cuthbertson