Your hockey background:
I had the opportunity to play at a highly competitive level. I grew up playing AAA hockey for the London Jets and then moved on to play JR.B hockey for the St. Thomas Stars and then the London Nationals in the GOJHL.
Through this, I have had the privilege of learning a great deal from the coaches that helped me develop and progress as well as the players who I competed against.
Your coaching history:
I have Hockey Canada - Coach Development 1 Training and am currently pursuing higher levels. The Hockey Canada Long Term Development Plan will provide the foundation of much of the training this season.
I have been involved was a coach with the Erin-Hillsburgh Association for the past 5 years. First, as a volunteer for 3 seasons with the CHIPS program and then as a Novice Assistant Coach for the past 2 years, most recently for the Novice BB's last season.
In addition to this, as a teacher at Mayfield Secondary School, I have been the Head Coach of the Girls Hockey team for 15 seasons along with helping to coach football and rugby. I have also had experience working as a Head Instructor for Total Package Hockey and UWO Hockey School which speaks to my development background. I am also a certified power skating instructor.
What are you looking forward to accomplishing next season:
My ultimate goal is to develop both players and people by creating a culture of learning and respect. Overall, I would like to see every player have the opportunity to improve and contribute to the team while having fun. I would also like to see the players learn to represent and contribute to the community that they play for by providing opportunities to give back.
This year, the team will be challenged to always try their best, to not cut corners, and to develop the tools to work through adversity showing good sportsmanship. I want the players to want to come to the rink, have fun, see their friends, grow and get better. Every success will be celebrated.
What will you be looking for at tryouts?
The most important thing that I am looking at tryouts is for players to be coachable and give their best effort. It should be apparent that they really want to be there to compete for a spot on the team. They should be ready to try their best, push their limits, show their skill, and demonstrate respect.
U13 (PeeWee) BB - John Martin
Your hockey background:
I love the game of hockey. The pace, the strategy, the technique, the excitement. I didn't get the chance to play myself as a kid, but I was (and still am) obsessed with the NHL - Go Leafs!
Seeing my son and his team mates share this appreciation has been so amazing to watch them go from flat on the ice in CHIPs 1, to now really understanding the game and developing on their strengths. I love seeing the bonds they have made as team mates and the lifetime of memories they are making.
Your coaching history:
I have been volunteering with EHMHA for 8 years now. I've done everything from being an on-ice helper for the little ones in CHIP, Team Manager, Assistant Coach, and last season I was thrilled to be a first time head coach of the PeeWee AE team.
I think most that have worked with me before would say I bring a positive attitude to the rink and I keep spirits up. Although last season we didn't have what you would call a winning season on the scoreboard, we more than exceeded the goals we set around development, team-first, having fun and most of all - having every one of them wanting to continue to play hockey next season. I take a lot of pride in the accomplishments of every player and my fellow bench staff members.
What you are looking forward to accomplishing with your team this coming season:
With the unfortunate situation of COVID-19, I am waiting anxiously like many of you to hear what the hockey program might look like for our players next season. Health & Safety will always come first, so I am happy to support PeeWee players however I can. I learned a lot last season that I can't wait to bring to this group of athletes. Once we can get back to team sports safely, I am looking forward to using the game as a way to raise the spirits of our children that have been hit pretty hard by these drastic changes in their lives.
What will you be looking for at tryouts?
The key things I will be looking for will be coachability - how the player listens to coaches, has a team first attitude, never quits and is hard working.