Coach selection for 2011-2012 has been initiated. This year, the organization adopted a new approach and assessed candidates in several areas. Areas of assessment included: resume, interview, and practical scenarios including a coaching development plan. The interview was different for various age levels and was comprised of questions touching on all areas from the use of the neutral zone trap and the 1-2-2 forecheck, to the communication strategies and the establishment of objectives.
Selections to date are as follows:
Minor Atom: Brent Preston
Brent is an enthusiastic, experienced coach who has a background in a variety of sports and a degree in physical education. Further, his submissions at the interview stage illustrated excellent organizational skills and a preprared strategy for development. He has been active in hockey including the organization of skill sessions and high school hockey. Congratulations Brent!
Major Atom: Kevin Russell
Kevin is an excellent coach who is a professional golfer, indicating his love of sport and his ability at individual instruction. Kevin has attended several coaching seminars and has practical experience in coaching hockey. Kevin has a complete development plan for the Major Atom that evolves throughout the year, concentrating on individual skills, tactics and strategy. He also is an excellent communicator with obvious organizational skills. Congratulations Kevin!
Minor Peewee: Eddy Smith
Eddy has a lifetime of hockey experience as a coach and a player and was the 2010-2011 Major Atom coach. His hockey knowledge is extensive and his love of passing this knowledge on is obvious. He is well-prepared for the upcoming season. Welcome back Ed!
Major Peewee: Steve Barnes
Steve is an experienced coach who has served as the NCOHA Predators coach for the 1999 entry for the past two years. He combines his Junior, NCAA and Professional experience as a player, to provide his players with excellent development in terms of individual skills and team tactics and strategy. His practices are high tempo and his success over the past two years is obvious. At present, the Minor Peewees are in the first round of OMHA Play-Offs and are tied with the Barrie Colts. Welcome back Steve!
Minor Bantam: Pat Morris
Pat is a experienced, dedicated and innovative coach who has a strong understanding of the game, which he combines with excellent teaching and communication skills. He is a very passionate, intelligent, and very critical thinker when it comes to getting the most out of his players. Pat has been involved in coaching with our organization for the last 3 years. Last year the team underwent significant improvement, with a huge growth in goals for, a large cut in goals against, and a significant 16 point increase in points. Pat has a plan and is well organized for the upcoming hockey season. Welcome back Pat!
Major Bantam: Greg McIssac
Greg is a highly committed, knowledgeable, independent coach who has spent several years as a volunteer within the Predator organization. Since his involvement with the 1997 team in December of this year, Greg has had significant success with the team. He has a great deal of new ideas and energy to put into the team for the upcoming season. Congratulations Greg!
Minor Midget: Murray Clark
Murray is a independent veteran coach with our organization with many years of experience coaching hockey. Besides being an outstanding teacher and coach, Murray has the temperament to relate to hockey players and, while seeking perfection in terms of performance, he has the needed patience to inspire and motivate the individual. His knowledge about the game of hockey is exemplary. Murray is organized and well prepared for the new hockey season. Welcome back Murray!
Once selections are concluded, all coaches will have an initial meeting to cover all major areas for the coming year.