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Elvis wrote:I'd be guessing parents and alumni at Breck. Even though they made the Section Finals, the lost to the Saints, which is unnacceptable to them. No suprise there. Breck will want to get a big name, former NHLr to run their hockey program.

The more confusing rumor going around is the Let's Play Hockey guy resigned from Minnehaha? Any truth to that?

Puckguy19 wrote:

Cabela10 wrote:

SYRUS THE VIRUS wrote:A high school head coach should not dictate or get involved with the youth program. The coaches in the youth program should be qualified to teach there kids the game of hockey and get them to be better hockey players. I do not agree with the concept that a high school coach tells the youth program to run the same systems. All that does is make the program boring when they get to the high school level because the kids are doing the same things for 5-8 years.

Plus most youth programs don't have the talent to run the high schools systems. You shouldn't force a team to run a certain system. You must look at your own team and do whats best for that particular team.

High School coaches should only go to the games to watch for kids that have potential to skate on varsity in the next couple years.

I couldn't disagree more. In addition to being qualified instructors, I believe the system run at the high school level should definitely be what the youth program is built upon. There would be different aspects of the system taught according to age and talent, but it appears to me that nothing is a greater waste of time and effort then having a lack of continuity throughout the program.

Head coaches at the HS level need to be hands on in the youth programs. Parents and players expect it. In my view they should be working with the youth coaches, making appearances at events, and ultimately having control of the off-season programs. Not only a way influence the program, but provide an additional source of income to the staff at the HS level. Some programs are able to guarantee an additional $15,000-$20,000, minimum, for the HS staff. Without that kind of proactive stance, the rest of us might as well concede to the private schools and those that are well-heeled.

I see both of your points and you both have valid thoughts.

But I do believe a HS coach's involvement with the youth programs is critical in having quality players around when they're HS age. And he can do this in different ways that don't require him to live at the rink.

1) Begin the season by having a meeting with the youth coaches (could be classroom, on ice or a little of both) and talk about what kind of players and type of play you need out of the boys when they're on your team. Talk about the importance of skill development for the younger teams. Talk about your systems and drills with the obvious knowledge that only certain things will be age appropriate. (this will make the youth coaches -which are primarily dads of players - better coaches. And a good coach is a student of the game.) It shows the youth coaches your commitment to their kids.

2) Attend 2 practices and games of each level starting with squirts on up. One early on in the season and one towards the end. At the games, take a moment to say hi to the kids before the game. And after the game - share a couple of notes with the coaches on what you're seeing. It will motivate the kids to work harder knowing the HS coach is there and it will show the parents your commitment to their kids. I know this sounds like a monumental task (especially with the larger associations that have multiple B & C teams) but in those cases - split out the time with your Assistant coaches. It'll have the same affect.

3) Assign individual HS players to youth teams as mentors. (which essentially means they go to several youth practices throughout the season and interact with the kids on the ice. The coaches run the practice and the HS kid can help demonstrate drills and work ethic, etc.) The youth players look up to these boys and it helps drive and motivate them. Plus, it's a great experience for the HS kids, as well. And it's something they can put on there college applications under community service. Again, it shows your commitment to their kids.

In general, why is this important to do steps 1 - 3? First of all, you'll have more advanced athletes - no doubt about it. But the underlying theme to all your work; the youth coaches, players and the parents have seen (first hand) your commitment to their program and they may be more apt to be committed to your program in return. Don't forget, the parents are the ones that take their kids out of the local programs and move to the private schools.

Don't ignore the youth programs - get involved. The highest levels of hockey have their feeder programs that they're involved with - why should HS be different?

Tony Soprano wrote:Can anyone confirm Johnson has left Minnehaha? This is a surprise if true.

Defiant wrote:I have heard that the mankato EAST head coach has resigned, if this is true, I hope they go after the ex-new prague coach....

elliott70 wrote:Toby would be great in Bemidji.

Pioneers_18 wrote:

elliott70 wrote:Toby would be great in Bemidji.

I wouldn't be too excited about Andy or Toby. A Great Hockey Player does not a Great Coach make lest ye forget about Mssrs. Monsrud and Justice.

Don't know about Toby's abilities but can say for sure that Andy was not as good as his resume mya indicate as a youth coach in EP or Chaska. If I were you I'd be on Fitzy he's the best man for the job and has done great things with the youth program for many years. What Cary did when he was in Warroad was work with the youth program to make sure development was occurring at all levels and they were playing the way he wanted them to play giving all kids the knowledge and opportunity to play Varsity when they arrived. Peach might not be a bad 2nd choice he's been around those kids since they were mites.

elliott70 wrote:

Pioneers_18 wrote:

elliott70 wrote:Toby would be great in Bemidji.

I wouldn't be too excited about Andy or Toby. A Great Hockey Player does not a Great Coach make lest ye forget about Mssrs. Monsrud and Justice.

Don't know about Toby's abilities but can say for sure that Andy was not as good as his resume mya indicate as a youth coach in EP or Chaska. If I were you I'd be on Fitzy he's the best man for the job and has done great things with the youth program for many years. What Cary did when he was in Warroad was work with the youth program to make sure development was occurring at all levels and they were playing the way he wanted them to play giving all kids the knowledge and opportunity to play Varsity when they arrived. Peach might not be a bad 2nd choice he's been around those kids since they were mites.

Bob has been my choice for several years, but he wants to stay with his kids and help them and the other boys in their age groups.

Fitzy and Peach on the bench would make for a few wins.

elliott70 wrote:
Pioneers_18 wrote:
elliott70 wrote:
Toby would be great in Bemidji.


I wouldn't be too excited about Andy or Toby. A Great Hockey Player does not a Great Coach make lest ye forget about Mssrs. Monsrud and Justice.

Don't know about Toby's abilities but can say for sure that Andy was not as good as his resume mya indicate as a youth coach in EP or Chaska. If I were you I'd be on Fitzy he's the best man for the job and has done great things with the youth program for many years. What Cary did when he was in Warroad was work with the youth program to make sure development was occurring at all levels and they were playing the way he wanted them to play giving all kids the knowledge and opportunity to play Varsity when they arrived. Peach might not be a bad 2nd choice he's been around those kids since they were mites.


Bob has been my choice for several years, but he wants to stay with his kids and help them and the other boys in their age groups.

Fitzy and Peach on the bench would make for a few wins.

They were able to do it when they coached bantams together

Tigers33 wrote:Puckguy -

What happened in Monticello? I thought that program was continuing to improve. Didn't they have a pretty good team the last couple years.

Tigers33 wrote:Puckguy -

What happened in Monticello? I thought that program was continuing to improve. Didn't they have a pretty good team the last couple years.