Coach of the Month - November 2008

Many hockey coaches have played organized hockey from the time when they were young. Roger started in pick-up games and began playing organized hockey when he was in high school. Despite starting late, Roger proved his hockey expertise in college when he selected the winner of the 1974 Stanley Cup prior to the start of the season! What team do you coach? Hamden Youth Hockey Pee Wee B.

When did you first start playing hockey? In high school.

Who was the first team you played for? I played non-organized pick-up games because I got interested in hockey late.

What position did you play? Usually right wing.

Who was your favorite hockey player when you were growing up? Bobby Orr.

When and why did you start coaching? I started coaching in 1988 because I got my godson involved in playing youth hockey, and I helped out when they needed an extra adult on the ice.

Is hockey a sport that has been passed down in your family? No, but I got my godson and both his brothers into hockey, and now they are coaches. They are looking forward to having their future children play hockey.

What is your favorite drill to use with your players? The best drill is a 2 - on - 1. It combines skating, passing, defense, shooting, and goaltending in one simple, easy to understand drill.

What is your favorite age group of players to coach? Each age group has its advantages and drawbacks, but I think that Mites are the most fun. The young kids are the most eager to learn, and care more about having fun than winning.

What is the oldest piece of hockey equipment you still use? I have an Easton aluminum stick that is older than the players on my team. It was one of the early aluminum shafts and it is pretty heavy. Everyone who holds it says it weighs a ton.

What do you do when you aren't spending time at the rink? I have a classic 1969 Camaro convertible, so I go to car shows and cruise nights in the warm months.

If you could coach any professional hockey team, what team would you coach and why? I would coach the Philadelphia Flyers. I was at school in Boston when the Flyers won their first Stanley Cup by defeating the Bruins in 1974. I had picked them to win it before the season started, and they came through for me while I was surrounded by Bruins and Rangers fans.

How do you stay warm on the bench during games? In cold rinks, I wear a scarf, sweatshirt, knit hat, and gloves. I am usually able to keep warm easily. As long as I'm not sick, I can take the cold.

What have you learned from your players? They see the game differently than adults. What they want from hockey may not always be the same things as the coaches and parents want.

How do you think hockey can help kids develop as people? It helps kids realize it isn't just about them, as an individual, but they are part of a team, something bigger than themselves. They learn they can't have everything their way if they are going help the team.

How do you encourage your team when they are not playing to their full potential in a game? I talk to them about the basics. I tell them not to worry about the scoreboard, just concentrate on doing the basic things right on the next shift. When they come back to the bench, we review how the shift went. Break it down to one shift at a time and get them to think about small successes.

What do you like most about being a coach? I really love seeing kids learn. When I see players doing things in a game we went over in practice, it makes me feel great.