2011 Elections Ballot

Name

Background

WORK:  Vice-President of Poet Risk Management
HOCKEY:  I have been coaching in LHA for the past 3 years at the Mite level. I was the Mite 1 Coordinator in 2010.

# Children in LHA

My oldest son, Griffin, will be a 3rd grader next year at JFK Elementary. He will be entering his final year of Mites in the fall of 2011.  My youngest son, Tanner, will be a first grader next year at JFK Elementary. He has 3 years left in Mites.  Obviously I have a vested interested in the future success of LHA as it relates to providing excellence in the area of fostering youth hockey development.

Accomplishments

Term Goals \ Plans

My goals are simple and based on what I perceive to be as potential areas of improvement relative to LHA’s current structure.

1. EVALUATION MODIFICATIONS: I would incorporate a new method for evaluating players, adjusting to a 5-point scale. Skaters would be evaluated on a pre-determined, defined set of drills. Additional subjective observations would be made that would take into account the speed at which the player executes the drill. Previous level played, as well as, grade would also be incorporated into the evaluation process; however there would be no carryover of scores from the previous season. Evaluations would be conducted by an outside group with notable hockey experience.

2. MITE TEAM STRUCTURE: I would establish 3 Mite levels, not dissimilar to what occurred this season; however here are the key differences. I believe strongly in balancing the levels with an equal number of teams and players. No one level should be the beneficiary of overwhelming partiality. Mite 3’s should consist primarily of 3rd graders and potentially a small mix of 2nd graders. Mite 2’s should consist of a few 3rd, mostly 2nd, and a small number of 1st graders. Mite 1’s should consist primarily of 1st graders and Kindergartners. Other key essentials:
• Available ice-time should be disseminated nearly equal among Mite 2’s and 3’s. Mite 1’s will receive slightly less ice-time based on the age of the player; however in turn parents will know that as their son/ daughter progresses they will receive the additional ice-time as they move on to Mite 2’s and 3’s.
• SELLING POINT ---- I would see it as my job to diffuse the emotion involving the team selection process, which I intend to do by stressing my 3rd goal, which is improving the practice structure.

3. PRACTICE STRUCTURE: Obviously a coach needs to be USA certified; however I would take this a step further. I would establish practice plans for each practice based on Mite level. The practice plans would show a progression in skill development throughout the season that parents could see and feel good about. Small groups would be utilized frequently with coaches coordinating drill sets amongst the two teams sharing the ice. Key essentials:
• Eliminate the perception that these teams are being coached by parents with various levels of hockey experience and limited attention devoted to practice progression.
• Once again I would utilize all of the hockey teaching resources we have locally to develop these practice plans and also incorporate anything the Squirt level coaches and coordinators feel is a weakness in the program. The goal is uniformity and consistency in player skill development.
• SELLING POINT ---- This is how we compete with the well-publicized alternatives. We sell a product showing a progression in skills and intensity by level with the emphasis on fully preparing these Mites for Squirts. That’s our primary objective. The practice plans will visually show that and also reduce the pressure and time commitment currently placed on coaches from having to “think up new drills.”

CLOSING COMMENTS:

I’m passionate about creating a positive and productive environment for youth hockey players IN THE LAKEVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT. Let’s keep our players progressing in the community and utilize the immense resources we have locally to establish a 1st rate youth hockey program in Minnesota. And finally, I’m very pro-democracy regarding improving on some of my stated goals. Again we have the resources; it’s all about packaging it right. More than anything I want my kids to be prepared for Squirts and to be competitive. “My kids” refers to every kid I’ve ever coached. That’s how I approach every season.