The two days spent sitting around making Hamilton sophomores and freshman aware of the Ice Hockey Club was somewhat successful. We got about 15 names of potential players interested. What was amazing to us that participated was the size of the incoming freshman class – 950+.

Huskies Days overall was quite busy. The football boosters were busying selling whatever they could to help fund raise for the teams travels to Florida. The track and field was looping their video of some of the highlights from last season. We stationed ourselves pretty close to the id line.. Everyone has to have an id. We did sell some of our last season merchandise (sun shades are a big hit in Arizona). We talked to many parents and students that were shocked to hear that Arizona hockey is really as big as it is. Some of the new transfer students – were really happy to hear that they do not have to give up on the sport that they love because they moved from the north.

All in all, we had fun. Some of the coaches, players and our school sponsor were on hand to liven up our time at the table. We talked about games won, games lost, funny moments on and off the ice and just enjoyed each other company.

Inquires are out for Ice time! We August being a slow month, we figured we would attempt to get a couple of sheets of ice to get all of the past, present and potential future players together to have a good skate, sweat a lot and have some fun! Have to run to check to see if any emails have finally come in from the rinks..

This is one of the most exciting and yet nerve wrecking times – getting ready to kick off the season. With less than a week away from high school starting back up. Planning is underway (the season really does not start till September).

First steps that I like to do – is have a quick volunteer parent (and some players) meeting. In this meeting we are attempting to gauge interest in the returning players, plan our “Huskies Days” and set up a couple of get the summer rust off sessions for our players (past and present). We had our meeting earlier this week and the turn out was pretty good. We accomplished much of the early planning with no difficulty at all. It truly is nice to have a solid group of volunteers.

Planning for “Huskies Days” (orientation for all new incoming students to the high school): We definitely insure that we have the sophomore and freshman days covered.. We use this time to pass out flyers – with an introduction to the Huskies Hockey Club and the league information (Arizona High School Hockey Association); get a sign-up sheet of anyone interested (for follow-up and invitation to a practice); and we are there to answer questions. We have been very successful with getting interest from some players – that frankly did not know that the high school had a team. We also have some of our hockey players available to help talk to potential players. Overall, it is just great to get the excitement back!

We currently are scheduling a couple of ice slots to get all of the returning players together, the interested new players and we also invite our alumni to any extra ice we have. This is an awesome way to keep the level of interest high. It is amazing to see alumni show up that are 5+ years removed from the program.

The next big event – which will be the topic of the next post – Parent Orientation. It is that time to sit down (before tryouts) and discuss the program, expectations of parents, players and coaches; and open up that first level of communication for the upcoming season. More details to follow.

I can smell the ice now!

It is almost that time, hockey season. I have been debating with myself to have a Hockey coach blog. The debate is always – who am I, who would read my stuff, could I help someone from a far? Simple questions, the answers – well – I guess I will find out.

Who am I? I have been a ice hockey coach for many years. I have coached mainly youth, with the last 8 years at the high school level. I got into coaching, because my son wanted to play the sport. I played as a youth in up state New York. When my son came home with note from kindergarten in Arizona – I was shocked. Hockey in the desert. This was long before the Coyotes came to town. I am USA Hockey level 3 certified (a few times over).

I will be stepping out of coaching this season (due to having my hip replaced in January) – but I still wait to be active in helping. I am currently a board member of Arizona High School Hockey Association. Check out the web site… I am very proud to be associated with the league.

Here is what I am going to post in the future about:

• Preparing for the upcoming season
• Kicking off the season (one with the parents, another with players)
• Try outs
• Practices
• Motivating players
• Handling off-ice distractions
• others as the season goes

If you have a topic you would like – please let me know (in the comments section) – I would be happy to add a few more posts.

I am looking forward to the upcoming season, as I step off the bench – and help my old club in different capacities (president of the booster club and just a fan).

Looking forward to having the puck drop soon. Are you?