The North Central Predators are proud to be taking significant steps to advance the coaching and development provided to our players from Minor Atom to Major Midget. These steps include advancements in coach selection methodology, enhanced coach development and training, amd the provision of specialized seminars on offensive and defensive tactics as well as special teams. One example includes the special teams training to be provided by former NHL coach Ryan Walter.
Most recently, the NCOHA Executive has also decided to introduce two new programs universally recognized as best practices in the development of both players and coaches. These include a coach mentoring program for all NCOHA Predator coaches, and a strength and conditioning program available to all NCOHA Predator players.
We know that these programs, and the personnel chosen to lead them, will enhance our organization, our coaches and our players.
Coach Mentoring Program
The NCOHA Predators are proud to announce that Randy Salmon is the new Coach Mentor for the NCOHA Predators for the 2011/2012 season. Randy was approved for this position by the Executive, as presented to the Annual General Meeting in May 2011.
Randy is a very experienced coach and brings 23 years of hockey coaching experience to the position. Most recently, he has been named the Head Coach of the Huntsville Otters Jr. A team in Huntsville, Ontario. Randy has also coached to the Allison Hornets to the League Championship and the All-Ontario Finals. Before taking the Allison position, Randy was the Head Coach for the Orillia Terriers where he coached for three years, acquiring a 35-19-2 record in 2009/2010.
Randy is a native of the North Central area and has coached AAA, AA and A in North Central. He is the father of four boys who have all played hockey in the area. He is an extremely knowledgable and passionate coach, who has achieved a high degree of integrity and respect in Ontario’s hockey circles.
Over the summer, Randy will begin his position meeting with the NCOHA coaches to review season objectives, strategies and tactics.
Welcome aboard Randy!
Strength and Conditioning Program
The NCOHA Predators are also proud to announce that Mike Torkoff is the new Strength and Conditioning Advisor for the NCOHA Predators for the 2011/2012 season. Mike was approved for this position by the Executive, as presented to the Annual General Meeting in May 2011. Further, Mike will be assisting Coach Mentor Randy Salmon in his duties.
Mike is a former coach within the NCOHA Predator organization, and a former professional hockey player. Since Mike returned to the North Central area, he has become very engaged in personal fitness training and has forged solid linkages within the hockey training world, including the NHL and the OHL. Mike is passionately committed to training a wide array of local athletes but specializes in training specific to hockey. He has worked with some of the best athletes that the NCOHA Predators have produced. In fact, many of these athletes, once drafted, credit Mike with their advances in physical fitness. Most recently, Mike trained two Predators who finished at the top of their class in the U16 testing. Also, he continues to work with those playing at the professional, collegiate and junior hockey hockey levels. Anyone who has watched Mike’s training sessions can attest to his commitment to the development of his players.
On May 21st, Mike performed the first physical assessment of NCOHA Predator teams. Players were provided with first class assessments and a program to enhance their physical productivity. This provides coaches with an excellent snapshot of the speed, agility and strength of their players. It also provides players with a keen awareness of their strengths and weaknesses in order to move forward. Subsequent assessments will occur on a monthly basis.
Mike’s involvement will only serve to enhance our players’ strength and conditioning on the ice and their personal, athletic development and confidence off the ice.
Welcome aboard Mike!
The NCOHA Predator Executive will continue to provide up-dates in relation to the advances in the program we offer hockey coaches and players in the NCOHA region. We encourage our coaches, players, and their families, to participate in these programs to advance their individual development and the performance of our teams.
Pat Morris
Vice-President
NCOHA Predators