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Posted: **Fri Dec 05, 2003 3:23 pm**

Who do you feel are some of the best high school hockey coaches in minnesota. At the AA and A level <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... ferent.gif ALT=":|">

Posted: **Fri Dec 05, 2003 4:19 pm**

This is nearly impossible to tell. In our society we measure coaching ability wtih wins and losses. In reality some of the best coaches may be at schools that only win a handful of games every year. A better way to look at it is why are they coaching in the first place? If they are truly there for the kids and the love of the game then in my book they are a great coach.

Posted: **Fri Dec 05, 2003 8:48 pm**

I think jr is right. We shouldn't rate coaches by W/L records. I've observed coaches who consistently are able to put together a strong team year after year regardless of what they have to work with. Roseville's Sertich and Hasting's Welch fit that mold I think. On the other hand, I've also seen coaches that can't seem to put it together even if they have talent. Coaching matters.

Posted: **Fri Dec 05, 2003 9:49 pm**

Randy Schmitz - Lakeville <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/roll.gif ALT=":rollin"> <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /laugh.gif ALT=":lol">

Posted: **Fri Dec 05, 2003 10:27 pm**

There are a number of variables which make for a good coach. Obviously, what a coach does/doesn't do with his talent on a year-to-year basis is an indication of coaching ability. In addition, what is the coach's commitment to the local youth program? What does he do to help his players become better people and succeed in life as well as hockey? We can all throw out the obvious names, but I'll offer up the names of a few gentlemen that I've come to respect over the past few years even though they don't grab alot of headlines. Some people in their areas may argue (hell, some hockey parents/players would claim Scotty Bowman couldn't coach Squirt C), but I like what these guys do for their programs and I respect them as people: Mike MacMillan, Buffalo Dave Esse, Cloquet Ty Eigner, Brainerd Mike Randolph, Duluth Portman Squirt "A" Sorry, the Randolph comment is really for another thread but I couldn't resist. Although I do respect Mike and the other mentioned as well.

Posted: **Fri Dec 05, 2003 10:38 pm**

Tony Sarsland, Elk River, Former Greenway coach, Pat Guyer, and Todd Manthey, Anoka

Posted: **Fri Dec 05, 2003 11:53 pm**

Roy Nystrom Albert Lea. He has brought stability to our program started coaching 32 years ago before we had a indoor rink. A 4 year letter winner for the MN. Gophers and leading scorer in the 60s, he could of coached anywhere. Year after year he puts a competitive team together with less talant than bigger schools. He builds apon his team that hard work pays off. He has been chosen top Coach in the big 9 many times, its too bad someday he will have to retire.

Posted: **Sat Dec 06, 2003 4:18 pm**

Most of the "Best" coaches have all left the high school game for good reasons.

Posted: **Sat Dec 06, 2003 9:23 pm**

KEVIN GORDON,DEAN BLAIS AND TERRY (KRAZY)THOMPSON FROM I FALLS

Posted: **Sat Dec 06, 2003 9:44 pm**

BIAF, Please elaborate as to why the great ones are gettig out. I have talke to a lot of old timers who want to know what is the major reason? Is it parents? Community pressure, micro managed administrators or all the above. Just curious on your take on this topic.

Posted: **Sun Dec 07, 2003 1:10 am**

Cambridge has one of the top coaches in the state. He is going on his 2nd year and is his first year the team improved 7 games. Also, he coached for Notre Dame and was a pro scout, so he knows what he is doing.

Posted: **Sun Dec 07, 2003 6:51 am**

I know you didn't ask me, but I feel pretty strongly on this. I think they see how society has begun to treat the youth now a days. More so parents than anyone else. Kids are allowed to do what they want when they want and 90% of them have no idea what respect is. I'm appauled when I hear some of these kids talk to their parents. When there is no demand for respect at home from mom and dad why would anyone respect what a coach says. The other reason, parents sitting in the stands with stopwatches, and everyone thinks their kids is getting screwed. I sat with a parent the other day who's child was going out every third shift, and was killing penalty's and you know what he said? He said he was going to call the coach tonight and find out why jr. wasn't on the power play. Isn't that something. Oh yeah he's a sophomore. It used to be about the kids and being a positive influence in a childs life. Now its about keep the kid happy, keeping the parents happy, and if the team wins thats a bonus. Thats why I think they are getting out.

Posted: **Sun Dec 07, 2003 1:14 pm**

JLS- I think they are getting out for a combination of the reasons you mentioned with the parents being far and away the biggest reason. No parent today seems willing to accept the fact that the in-house squirt program won't last forever and equal icetime and attention are behind them. Life is not fair, get over it. Parents attending practices, waiting for the coach after the game, calling at all hours to question their decisions is not worth the pay that equals less than $5 an hour a head coach receives. The "love of the game" gets pretty slim after a few years of what is nothing short of harassment. Enjoy the season!

Posted: **Sun Dec 07, 2003 3:25 pm**

I got out of coaching because of family obligations. Coaching is a full time job that has a high level of stress involved. Coaches are not in it for the money. I personally miss the relationships that I built with many fine young people more than anything else. Game night would come in second. However, I don't miss the long hours and the headaches that come along with the job.

Posted: **Sun Dec 07, 2003 3:32 pm**

Mike Macmillen? get real. he cant even keep his best players, they all leave thier terrible program for the mighty elks of elk river! Boo-Yeah!

Posted: **Sun Dec 07, 2003 3:40 pm**

rjs13- go away sooner than later! PLEASE! You will be banned!

Posted: **Sun Dec 07, 2003 3:42 pm**

for what, voicing my opinion.

Posted: **Sun Dec 07, 2003 4:17 pm**

At Centennial the many volunteer coaches and the high school coach Erik Aus deserve some credit for bringing this program to the forefront. They are going to be around for awhile.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /happy.gif ALT=":D">

Posted: **Mon Dec 08, 2003 2:21 am**

Lets see Aus getting something done first, Centennial is a growning community, and the youth program is where it really happens. Brain Henricks may be the one you want to credit with the tremendous job he has done in that youth program. If they get it done this year I'll be the first to say he's done a wonderful job, but if he doesn't look for a change at the helm, I would think. (and no I'm not trying to get something started, I just know the community is waiting to see what happens.) They seem to be off to a good start, maybe they'll keep it going till March.

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Lets not praise him just yet