Rep Coaches (Erin-Hillsburgh Minor Hockey Association)

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2021/22 Rep Coaches:

We are very pleased to announce our 2021-2022 Erin-Hillsburgh Minor Hockey Association Rep coaches.
They are truly committed to providing a safe and positive rep experience with a focus on putting the Fun into fundamentals.

We will be adding coach bio's and additional info very soon!

U8/9 (Novice) BB -Kevin Smith

My hockey background: I haven’t missed a season in 40 years! I played competitive hockey from Tyke to Juvenile and continue to play in men’s leagues 2x/week.

My coaching history: I had the pleasure of being an assistant coach for my son Matt’s teams for 6 years before taking the head coaching role for the U12 BB team last season.

What I am most looking forward to accomplishing with my team this season: for some it will be their first experience as part of a team so we’re looking to develop their hockey skills but also teach the importance of teamwork. Most importantly, however, we want their first year of rep hockey to be a fun, confidence building experience that will keep them coming back year after year.

What will you be looking for at tryouts: it certainly helps if you’re a great skater, but engagement and compete level are just as important!

U11 (Atom) BB - Jon Forbes

My hockey background:

I grew up in the London area and played at the AAA, High School, and JR level. Because of this, I feel that I have a good understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level. I have learned a great deal from the coaches that helped me develop at every one of these levels as well as the players who I competed against. These lessons have influenced my philosophy of the importance of developing both players and people and creating a culture of learning, respect, and fun. When my body allows, I still love to get out and play the game I love.

My coaching history:

I am a Hockey Canada – Coach Development 1 Level Coach (working my way higher), and have coached in the Erin-Hillsburgh association since 2015. I started as a CHIPS on-ice helper from 2015-2018 and then moved on to be an assistant coach for the Novice LL team in 2018-2019 and the Novice BB team for the 2019-2020 season. Last season, 2020-2021, I had the pleasure of being named the head coach for the U-10 BB team. To go along with my experiences in Erin-Hillsburgh, I have over 15 years of experience coaching at the high school level and am a certified power skating instructor. As the coach of the U-11 team for this season, I am so excited to continue with the development of the players on this team, some of whom I've had the opportunity to coach since they were CHIPS!

What I am most looking forward to accomplishing with my team this season:

Development is the primary goal for the team this season, helping each member of the team strive to become the best player and person that they can be. A key is to have the players understand the importance of hard work, attention to detail, commitment, and a good attitude. This will be honed through experiences both on and off the ice. Following Hockey Canada's Player Development Pyramid I will look to develop individual technical skills as a base, along with individual and team tactics. While skill development will be a major focus throughout the year, in addition, team play systems will also be introduced with the opportunity for all players on the team to learn and participate in the systems that are taught. Overall, I want the players to want to come to the rink, see their friends, grow and get better. Every success will be celebrated.

What will you be looking for at tryouts:

For tryouts I am looking for players who are excited to be at the rink and are willing to work hard and get better. Also, coachability, sportsmanship, and respect will be requirements. Overall, players are encouraged to compete hard for a place on the team and the opportunity to represent their town!

U13 (PeeWee) BB - Jeff Oakley

My hockey background:
I grew up playing hockey with the Hillsburgh Minor Hockey Association. Once Erin and Hillsburgh amalgamated, I began playing with the current EHMHA. After my minor hockey ended at Juvenile, I played a season with the Grand Valley Tornadoes in a senior hockey league. I then moved on to play in the Sunday night men’s league (which became the Friday night league) in Hillsburgh and played with the Cedar Valley Selects for close to 20 years. Once my son started in hockey I changed my focus from playing to helping him and many other new players learn and develop the necessary skills to play the great game of hockey.

My coaching history:
I have been involved with the EHMHA as an on-ice helper for 4 years of CHIPS, and trainer/assistant coach for the past 5 years.

What I am most looking forward to accomplishing with my team this season:
For me a successful season is one where each player develops and improves in all aspects from individual skills to team tactics and gain a better overall understanding of the game.

What will you be looking for at tryouts:
Once tryouts begin, I will be looking for players that have the desire to learn and improve their game. Skating, agility, and shooting are all key components of the game that will be observed. I encourage all players that plan to attend tryouts to do some off ice training that will improve their cardio, strength, and flexibility. Shooting pucks in the basement or driveway is a great way to increase the power and accuracy of their shot for the upcoming season. I look forward to getting back on the ice and seeing all the smiling faces!

U15 (Bantam) BB -Jonathan Cole

Early Days

I started playing hockey at a late age by today’s standards. My first year of organized hockey took place in Erin Mills during my Peewee year. I was always a decent hockey player growing up but never the most skilled. I would like to believe that my work ethic and level of competitiveness enabled me to play hockey until the end of my playing days. My competitive hockey days ended by the time I finished high school but the enjoyment of competition and sport kept me playing recreationally while attending University. After graduating University I opted to give back to the community and in my early 20's I was fortunate to have the opportunity of coaching representative hockey teams in the Mississauga area namely the Erindale Spitfires and Meadowvale Mohawks.

Middle Days

As with everything in life, when you combine passion and dedication, the end result is personal and professional development. Over the last 7+ years I have had the pleasure of volunteering at the EHMHA as either a head coach, assistant coach or team manager. Sprinkled into those 7 years are a couple of seasons which I would classify as “character building” and two Tri-County Championship Seasons. As with players, I assure you that coaches also develop and hone their craft over time. I am extremely honoured, excited and privileged to be involved with the 2021/2022 U15 Representative Team and look forward to applying all that I have learned over the years.

Future Days

I am extremely excited about the opportunity of working with a group of young adults in their hockey and professional development. At the very core the coaching staff will have a preference for mature, driven, hard working, dedicated competitive individuals who are looking to continue their development while playing the fantastic game of hockey.

In the background the work has already begun in building the foundation for what promises to be a very exciting and competitive season for the U15 EHMHA Representative Team. Should you have any questions or inquiries please don’t hesitate contacting me directly. See you at the rink before you know it!

[email protected]

U18 (Midget) BB - Lee Erwin

My hockey background: I've been involved in hockey ever since I was young. I played rep hockey from Novice through Midget(U7-U18) and went on to play Junior for three years. Hockey has continued to play an important part of my life and I hope that I can, in the not too distant future, play men's league with both of my boys.

My coaching history: I coached my first hockey team in my early twenties. I have been coaching high school hockey since 1999 and joined Erin-Hillsburgh as on ice coach with the Chips program in 2006. I have been either a head coach or assistant coach since that time. I have been lucky enough to coach at the rep level every age group from Tyke to Midget. This year I will be coaching the U18 BB team. I know the pride that comes from winning the OMHA title as I have experienced it both as a player and as a coach. I also know that success is the result of many hours of hard work and dedication.

What I am looking forward to most about this coming season: I am excited and looking forward to the EH tradition of welcoming home the young men who have played in other centres but would like to conclude their hockey career in their home town, with their friends. I look forward to guiding the dedicated and hardworking players through a unforgettable year filled with fun and friendships they will remember for years to come.

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