| François Allaire The Co-Jean Hockey School has become recognized throughout Canada and around the world for its goaltender training. This reputation can be attributed to François Allaire, a goaltender instructor whose expertise is solicited and recognized around the globe. For nearly 30 years, during the summer season, François Allaire has been an instructor in numerous hockey schools in Canada, Europe and Asia. More than 40 Canadian, American and European goaltenders who have signed or played with NHL teams have participated in one of these camps. François has also published four books on goaltending, pre-season physical preparation and sports psychology. He has been invited to speak on goaltending more than a hundred times by various sports federations in Canada and throughout the world. TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Bachelor of Physical Education degree from the Université de Sherbrooke
EXPERIENCE
- 2009-2010: consultant for the goaltenders of the Toronto Maple Leafs
- 1996-2008: consultant for the goaltenders of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks
- 1984-1996: first full-time goaltender coach for the Montreal Canadiens organization working with the organization's goaltenders at the National League (NHL) and the American League (AHL) levels.
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO FRANÇOIS IS… Coaching. François enjoys teaching goaltenders and seeing them progress from year to year. Some will move up to the junior levels, others to the minor pro hockey leagues but a few will make it to the National Hockey League. To see a goaltender with whom he has worked play in the NHL is extraordinary and a great reward for him. WORDS OF ADVICE FROM FRANÇOIS
- Young goaltenders need to improve their skating because it is the cornerstone of a good goaltender.
- Young goaltenders must learn to use all pieces of their equipment to block the puck the right way. Goalie pads, the trapper, the blocker, goalie pants, the chest protector and the goalie stick are all important and each serve a purpose.
- Don’t forget that a defeat should not affect you too much and that a victory should not make you arrogant.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME François loves hockey because it is a sport where speed, accuracy, physical conditioning and team spirit are very important. Plus, the importance of a goaltender in a hockey game has always impressed him.
Learn more from François ’ expertise in our Interview chat
Visit François’ website at: www.cojean.com 
Linda Boryski, B.Sc. PT, B.A. (Hons)
Linda is a physical therapist promoting the benefits of sports sciences in Western Canada. She is the founder and partner of Edge Conditioning High Performance Sports Training, a company that has given her the opportunity to combine the teachings of sport balance, resistance training, overspeed training, plyometrics, core strength, first-step quickness and agility in on and off-ice environments. Linda is also a part of the coaching staff for the women’s ice hockey team at the University of Saskatchewan and is a course conductor for Hockey Canada in Saskatchewan. She has been involved in coaching power skating and hockey for the past 20 years. TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Licensed Physical Therapist (BSc PT), University of Saskatchewan
- BA (Hons), University of Saskatchewan
- Certified power skating instructor
- Dryland training and sport conditioning instructor
- National Coaching Certification of Intermediate Coach, Hockey Canada
EXPERIENCE
- 1999-Present
- Licensed physical therapist, specializing in orthopedic and sports injuries and rehabilitation
- 2003-Present
- University of Sask. women’s team - Assistant coach and power skating instructor
- Safety Course Conductor for Saskatchewan Hockey Association
- Head Coach Sask First, female program
- 2000-2002
- Team Saskatchewan Sr. women’s team - Assistant Coach (Esso Women’s National Championship)
- 1999-2000
- Midget Comet’s female team - Assistant Coach, Western Shield Champions 2000
- 1994-2000
- Master Course Conductor for Skate Canada’s CANPOWERSKATE program
- 1996-1999
- University of Saskatchewan School of Physical Therapy - student
- University of Saskatchewan Women ’s Huskie Hockey Team - player
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO LINDA IS…
- To push yourself and allow yourself to “fail” in the short term – this leads to greater successes in the long term. Always be willing to push your limits.
- Coach-ability – regardless of the age and level of success an athlete has achieved, he can always learn something new. It is this willingness to listen, learn and embrace something new that is coach-ability. Coach-ability doesn’t only apply to hockey but also to school, work and life in general.
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM LINDA “Be sure to play a variety of sports. Take the summer off from hockey and learn to be a well-rounded athlete by playing other sports. Skills learned from soccer, ball, lacrosse or track and field actually improve overall athleticism. Improved athleticism means improved hockey players. By the time hockey season starts again in the fall, you will come back with a renewed enthusiasm for the game. Round out! Don’t burn out!” FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Linda is a hockey enthusiast who loves being part of a team. She enjoys getting together with team mates, traveling to weekend tournaments and the opportunity to practice. Playing helps her to be a better coach because she gets to see another coach's perspective on the game.
Working with a group of athletes gives Linda another avenue to spread the word about maintaining an active, healthy and balanced lifestyle. Being a part, however small it may be, of an athlete's development and accomplishments is very rewarding. For more information, contact Linda at: edgeconditioning@sasktel.net
Paul Capizzano Paul is a Player Agent and the Director of Recruiting and Player Development at MFive Sports. Known to everyone in hockey as Cappy and easily one of the most recognized people in arenas throughout eastern Canada and the north-eastern United States, Paul currently represents several of today's top young players in the OHL. His background has also allowed him to build strong relationships with many university and college hockey coaches and assistant coaches. Paul currently resides in Toronto, Ontario (Canada). TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing and management at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania - 1998
- Lettered for four years while playing on the university hockey team at Mercyhurst
EXPERIENCE
- responsible for the recruitment, player development and contract negotiation for all Ontario Hockey League (OHL) clients
- Assists Anton Thun, president and CEO of M5 SPORTS in all aspects of the business
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO PAUL AS AN AGENT IS…
- Trust: An agent needs to be trustworthy to his clients and he needs to be able to trust his clients. Once that trust is broken, there is not much of a relationship.
- Integrity: This is a key factor in the role of an agent. It is important to Paul to be a man of his word, dependable and resourceful.
- Honesty: This condition must exist on both sides of the agent-player relationship. Everything stems from it – negotiations, training and objectives.
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM PAUL
“If you want to get to this level of hockey, you need to have an understanding of the business side of the game. Whether you want to become an agent, coach or a player, the focus needs to be on more than just watching the game. In my case as an agent, becoming certified is mandatory but there is more to it than that. Taking courses like sports management or becoming a lawyer aids in understanding the complexity of contract negotiations and business management.” FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Paul grew up playing hockey. He loves the competitiveness and the action. It is a high speed game with a lot of things going on. He cannot explain it – hockey is in his blood. When he was coaching, he was on the winning and losing end of the game. Now that he is an agent, he watches the players with a different pair of eyes. It is more about how they are doing and what kind of potential they have to become a professional hockey player. Of all the roles that Paul has had in hockey - playing, coaching, recruiting and now as an agent – it all comes back to having fun. Paul loves the game! Find out more about Paul and his work by visiting www.mfivesports.com
Dr. M. Clarfield
Dr. Michael Clarfield specializes in sports medicine and is the director of The Sports Medicine specialists, a practice in midtown Toronto, Ontario (Canada). His biggest clients have included the Toronto Maple Leafs and the National Ballet of Canada. He is also the team physician for several Toronto Junior A hockey teams and other young sport enthusiasts.
In addition to holding executive and chair positions on various sports-related committees, he lectures to physicians across Canada in sports injuries. TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
| 1973-1975 |
|
B.Sc. |
University of Toronto, Honors Science |
| 1975-1980 |
|
M.D. |
University of Toronto, Medical School |
| 1980-1982 |
|
C.C.F.P. |
University of Toronto, Family Practice Residency |
EXPERIENCE
Dr. Clarfield’s vast experience includes affiliations with teams on both a local level and an international level.
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO Dr. CLARFIELD AS A SPORTS PHYSICIAN IS…
To be able to be available to treat injuries or problems that kids or adults sustain while playing hockey. While Dr. Clarfield treats the Leafs and many other professional athletes, most of the day he sees many kids that are working their way up the ranks or more importantly playing hockey to have fun. WORDS OF ADVICE FROM Dr. CLARFIELD
“Hockey is a physical game and unfortunately if you're going to play the game, injuries will occur. Fortunately most of these injuries are not serious and will not cause any long term problems. The important thing is to get a proper assessment from a qualified physician and get advice that is reliable. Then and only then will you know how to treat the injury properly and know when it is safe to play. Our goal is always to get the athlete back as soon and as SAFE as possible. All injuries must be fully healed and rehabilitated before the athlete can go back on the ice with full confidence to perform at the highest level possible.” FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
For Dr. Clarfield, hockey is the best game in the world. It is a game he played as a kid and still continues to play as an adult. He has “been lying with the same friends for the last forty-five years!” Now he is able to coach his son and watch him develop as a player, but most importantly as a person. The lessons learned while playing hockey on a team are life building qualities. Perhaps his son will be playing with the same friends forty-five years from now and realize that as life gets more complicated, it all becomes easy when you strap on those blades and fly down the wing. Read more on Dr. Clarfield’s considerable background and notable achievements.
Learn more from Dr. Clarfield’s expertise in our Interview chat.
Drs. Damji
Dr. Rahim Damji and Dr. Zahra Damji form a husband and wife team at their Markville Dental clinic in Markham, Ontario (Canada). Their goal is to provide comprehensive dental care in a comfortable and relaxed environment. They offer a variety of services and aim to make patients feel at ease during dental treatments.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Both Rahim and Zahra graduated from University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry in June 2000 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS)
- Both Rahim and Zahra hold Honors Bachelor of Science Degrees in Human Biology from the University of Toronto, (Hon. BSc) - June 1996
- Zahra did a minor degree in Economics and Islamic Studies
- Rahim did a minor degree in Computers and Economics
-
Both Rahim and Zahra are active members of:
- Canadian Dental Association (CDA)
- Ontario Dental Association (ODA)
- Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO)
- Abulcasis Dental Alliance (ADA)
EXPERIENCE
Zahra:
- 4 years of private practice experience, including working in a clinic specifically designed for the needs of children in poor rural regions
Rahim:
- Did a one year surgical residency at Sunnybrook/Women's College Hospital (2000-2001) and 3 years of private practice experience
- Did a residency in Sault Lookout - an aboriginal reserve in the Northwest Territories
Both Rahim and Zahra are going to East Africa in December 2004 for a month to serve as volunteer dentists in poor villages in Kenya and Tanzania.
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO Drs. DAMJI IN DENTAL CARE IS…
To find a dentist in your area with which you are comfortable. You should be able to discuss your concerns with your dentist comfortably. Tell your dentist that you are an active hockey player because he/she needs to know this in order to recommend a custom-made mouth guard for you. “I find it sad that dentists/doctors these days don't take the time to get to know their patients on a personal level,” says Dr. Zahra, “and often times if we did know more about our patients, it would certainly improve the quality of care being provided - so talk to us, we want to hear what you have to say!”
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM Dr. ZAHRA
- “The most important dental advice for hockey players is to wear a mouth guard, also known as a sports guard. I have seen all too often, children and adults coming in with broken front teeth from a hockey injury. Many times the necessary treatment would include having to do a root canal and crowns on the front teeth or if the teeth are severely damaged, then we would have to extract (remove) the affected teeth. This can be devastating for the patient both emotionally and financially - especially when injuries such as these could have been easily prevented with a simple mouth guard.”
- “My second recommendation would be regular dental checkups with your dental care provider. If your dentist recommends that you go for check-up/cleaning every 6 months, you should make it a priority and ensure that you go for these appointments. It is only at these regular visits that your dentist can detect small areas of cavity/gum infection and treat it preventively before it gets to the point where you are in constant pain from a dental infection. Many people come to me in serious pain from a toothache and when I ask when the last time they've seen their dentist, I often get an answer such as ‘over 3-4 years ago’. Dental infections can start and become serious in a matter of months. That's why it is extremely important to see your dentist regularly. In addition, there have been new and recent studies linking serious heart disease with ongoing gum disease. There is also a recent study linking low-birth weight in children born to women with active gum disease. It is extremely important to go for regular dental care not only for your dental health but also for your overall health.”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Both Rahim and Zahra are avid hockey fans. Rahim regularly plays hockey at his local community centre. What they like most about hockey is that it is a sport to which Canadians are especially attached. If you tell anyone that you're a Canadian, they automatically assume that you must know/play hockey. As diverse as our country is, almost everyone in
Canada
was glued to the TV when we had 3 teams in the playoffs this year. Hockey just has a special place in every Canadian's heart and it is a proud heritage of
Canada
.
To find out more about Zahra and Rahim, visit their website at www.markvilledental.com.
Peter Friesen
Pete is in his eleventh season with the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL as the team's Head Athletic Therapist / Strength and Conditioning Coach. In addition to his work with professional teams, Friesen has been associated with the Canadian Olympic and International programs for the last 23 seasons. His responsibility includes the institution of training and dietary standards, preparation of rehabilitation programs and treatment of acute injuries.
During his career, he has attended nine Ice Hockey World Championships and advised six different Canadian programs including: men's and women's ice hockey, field hockey, soccer, figure skating, softball, wrestling, gymnastics, and volleyball.
Pete is certified in both the United States and Canada as an Athletic Trainer and is a consultant to 2 sport improving companies: Amino Vital and Goalerone.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from University of Saskatchewan
- Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Bemidji State Univ. (MN)
- Bachelor of Education from Bemidji State Univ. (MN)
- Masters in Science from University of Saskatchewan
- C.S.C.S. / A.T.C./C.A.T.(c)/ P.T./ N.A,S.M-PES/N.S.C.A.-P.T.
EXPERIENCE
- 11 Seasons Head Trainer / Strength & Conditioning Coach – Carolina Hurricanes, NHL
- (1980-82) Head Trainer - Prince Albert Raiders, WHL
- (1886-92) Head Trainer - University of Saskatchewan, CIAU
- (1992-96) Head Trainer - University of Alberta, CIAU
- (1983-04) Head Trainer - for Hockey Canada at 10 World Championships
- (80’s & 90’s) Trainer/Strength Coach for 6 different Team Canada sport teams
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO PETE AS A TRAINER IS…
- Strength and Conditioning and the enhancement of skill development
- Injury Prevention, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
- Rehabilitation and getting someone back into the line up not only quickly but with the least risk of reoccurrence and to maintain ones playing fitness.
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM PETE
“If you are a player, official, parent or a coach understand, one of the most important aspects is the psychological one. You need to remain positive. It helps you improve and develop your skills.”
“If you are someone wanting to become a trainer:
- Make connections with people who are involved with winning programs. Network as much as possible. Eventually you will connect with someone that likes you and requires your services.
- Become certified. It is imperative that you have the appropriate training to be up to date with the latest teachings and findings of this industry to assist the athletes.”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Pete grew up in the middle of Canada (Saskatchewan). He likes the interaction with people and the competition that the game has to offer. Pete believes in diversification and being able to cross train not only athletes but people in all walks of life of sports.
Dr. Wayne Halliwell
During the past twenty five years, Dr. Halliwell has written three books, presented at a number of international conferences and attended many Olympic Games and World Championships as a consultant to Canada’s National Teams. He works as a sport psychology consultant with several New England colleges and universities including Boston College, Dartmouth, Yale, Brown, Union, and Middlebury.
Another dimension of Wayne is his in-depth knowledge of hockey. He is a former US and Canadian university player, European professional player and coach of university, college and minor hockey. All of this gives him an edge in understanding the mental training for hockey.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Ph.D. from Florida State University
- Masters of Science from McGill University
- Bachelors of Physical Education from McMaster University
- Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College
- Level 5 Coaching Certification from Hockey Canada
- Sport Psychology Mentor with Hockey Canada
EXPERIENCE
- 20 years
Sport Psychology Consultant
- Hockey Canada's Program of Excellence Teams
(National Junior Team, Under 18 Teams, Under 17 Teams)
- Several professional, junior, college and university teams in Canada and USA
- Several Olympic athletes, professional tennis players and golfers
- Over 300 presentations on mental training at provincial, national and international coaching clinics
- Past-president Canadian Society of Psycho-Motor Learning & Sport Psychology
- Member Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport psychology
- 10 seasons
Hockey Coach
- College and University hockey, Midget AAA, AA and Peewee hockey in Montrealv
- 8 seasons
Hockey Player
- Professionally in Switzerland, Middlebury College in the USA, McMaster University in Canada
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO WAYNE IS…
“To help players strive to reach their potential and be as good as they can be. Another important component of mental training is to help players grow as athletes and as people.”
“As a sport psychology consultant, I also enjoy helping coaches understand the dynamics of leadership and communication which improves their effectiveness in motivating their players and their teams. All of which, help the players and coaches enjoy the game and create some positive lifelong memories.”
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM WAYNE
To a young player
“I would have them ask themselves two questions 1) How good can I be? and 2) What will I do today to get better?
To a coach
“I would advise them to keep learning by reading as many books as they can on great coaches and to share their passion for the game with their players”
To a parent
“I would advise them to be supportive of their sons and daughters, but to not be intrusive and let the coaches do the coaching”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
“I love hockey because of the speed, intensity, skill and grit required to play the game. Hockey is the ultimate team sport where winning teams are those that display a TEAM FIRST attitude and play with courage and passion.”
Dr. David W. Harper, B.Sc., D.C., F.C.C.S.S., PhD (nutrition), NSCA-CPT, CSCS
Dr. Harper, better known as “Dr. Dave”, specializes in sports medicine (the chiropractic way) as Director of The Mosaic Wellness Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. For 18 years, he has helped many world class athletes in such sports such as hockey, running and wrestling. He has a unique hands-on approach that accelerates an athlete’s healing from injury and results in an immediate return to sport with performance enhancement.
Dr. Dave’s greatest passion is educating the amateur teenage athlete through his advanced treatment and interventions.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Graduate for the University of Toronto, Bachelor of Science specializing in Cell Biology and Genetics, 1985.
- Graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 1989.
- Fellow of the College of Chiropractic Sports Sciences, 1993.
- Certified Disability Evaluator – C.D.E. – 1, NADEP (National Association of Disability Evaluating Professionals), 1997.
- Member of the Canadian Society of Chiropractic Evaluators, 1997.
- Certified provider of Active Release TechniqueÒ for the Upper Extremity and Spine.
- Certified and Qualified in Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice.
- Certified Personal Trainer by The National Strength and Conditioning Association.
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with The National Strength and Conditioning Association.
- Graduate of The Canadian College of Natural Nutrition. Certified Holistic Nutritionist
- Certified Sports Nutritionist
- Ph.D. Candidate in Nutrition at Clayton College
EXPERIENCE
Author, and founder of MOSAIC Wellness (http://www.mosaicwellness.com), Dr Harper has two locations that serve as his home base of his cutting edge technologies in sports injury recovery. “Dr. Dave’s” vast experience includes treatments on athletes with teams of an international and local level, including downhill skiing, curling, baseball, volleyball, soccer and weightlifting. He was the catalyst for speedy recoveries of athletes from all levels of men and women hockey around the world. He has been featured on nationally acclaimed television networks such as TSN, ESPN and CHEX, as an expert on chiropractic, sports injuries and rehabilitation.
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO DR. HARPER AS A SPORTS CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN IS...
- Function, Function, and Function. What is terribly overlooked by coaches, parents and teams is that the greatest influence on a player’s ability to play the game of hockey is having physically prepared enough, to be able to perform optimally and more importantly, injury-free. This includes diet, strength, flexibility and spinal hygiene.”
- “Prevention of injuries by maximizing potential. Spend the time and energy to maximize your body. Understand it, listen to it, and take care of it!”
- “Getting the proper treatment for the type of injury and is effective and timely. Too often I see young athletes miss out on potential scholarships and future potential because of bad treatment. Applying the leading edge treatment and rehabilitation techniques is only possible when you know that they exist. It is important to me that parents be made aware of potential options that are not part of the mainstream, but are utilized by NFL teams and Tour de France athletes like Lance Armstrong.”
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM DR. HARPER
- “Tony Robbins said, ‘The quality of your Life is determined by the quality of your questions’. Ask questions! Educate yourself in the proper personalized techniques and applications to your body (or child’s), that are needed to deliver the greatest potential of success when playing.”
- “Sports Chiropractic is necessary for every athlete. Only the sports chiropractor is able to understand and apply techniques that can maximize performance, which turns into a winning career. A winning career can be on a country’s National team or an NHL team. For a young amateur it could be a scholarship to a university.”
- “Life is too short. Keep it fun."
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
“I remember watching the Canada-Russia ’72 series in public school on black and white TV’s with pride for Canada. Hockey solidifies our country and is a huge part of our global image. Around the world people must continue to grow the grass-roots and the young talent to be able to take national stage and win.
Dr. Mike Houston (1941-2008) Dr. Houston was a professor in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods & Exercise at Virginia Tech. This role represents a return to one of his joys of life, after such a reputable career, that of a teacher of students. Mike confesses to be “a bit of a workaholic,” but he is quick to pay tribute to his family at the same time. Mike continued to pursue his passion for exercise and training by working out in his home gymnasium, and he got in as much mountain biking as possible. Of course having a house nestled in the Appalachian Mountains certainly helped. With over thirty years of significant positions in the university educational field in both Canada and the United States, Dr. Houston also found the time to write a book entitled “Biochemistry Primer for Exercise Science” Human Kinetics. Mike jokingly said that this text is not “bed-side reading,” but he was proud of the fact that he finished his third edition. TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- B.Sc. degree from the University of Toronto
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Waterloo
EXPERIENCE
- 6 years as Head of the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise at Virginia Tech
- 2 years as Director of the School of Human Kinetics at the University of British Columbia (UBC)
- 27 years as a Professor in the Kinesiology Department at the University of Waterloo and very active in research specific to nutrition performance and hockey, as well as designing nutrition and training programs for the football program
- designed nutrition programs for and consulted to such NHL teams as the Toronto Maples Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers
- member of the sports sciences team for Swimming Canada and founding member of the Sport Nutrition Advisory Committee (SNAC) program
- has given talks on the importance of nutrition and training to elite divers, wrestlers and track & field athletes all over Canada as well as USA, Korea and Japan
- written valuable material related to Nutrition and Performance specific to hockey for Hockey Development Canada - this material is part of the curriculum provided in the Trainer Certification Program
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO MIKE AS A TEACHER OF NUTRITION & PERFORMANCE IS… To education athletes so that they reach their potential. Proper eating is one component in a complex set of interactions that, if done properly, leads to optimum performance for that athlete. Mike says proper nutrition will not make an athlete exceed his/her potential, but it will go a long way to ensuring a platform on which the individual can reach his/her potential. WORDS OF ADVICE FROM MIKE “There are two issues that dominate in terms of good nutrition and optimum hockey performance:
- One is to eat (and drink) properly in order to perform optimally for a specific game, practice or workout.
- The second is to follow each game, workout or practice with fluids and nutrients to allow the athlete to recover as well and as fast as possible.”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME Mike started playing hockey in Leaside, Canada and played all-star and high school hockey for a number of years. Mike confesses that his small stature was his biggest challenge in reaching higher levels. While at the University of Toronto, he played intramural hockey.
Learn more from Dr. Houston’s expertise in our Interview chat.
Peter Jones Peter is an Advanced Level II coach from Hockey Canada. He also scouted for 5 seasons in the OHL. His 28 years of coaching experience include the levels of Junior A, Junior B, Under 17, Midget, Bantam, Peewee, Atom and High School. He won 2 national championships (Centennial Cup in Junior A in 1987 to 1989) and 1 Provincial Championship (Midget 1983). For the past 8 years, Peter has been the western technical coordinator for the Minor Hockey Alliance. He is an instructor for the Coach Level, the Intermediate Level and the Initiation clinics. Peter has also instructed at the Speak Out! Clinic and established the Coach Mentoring Program in 2001. He has presented at the NCCP Master Course Conductor Seminars from 1997 to 2003. He was a group leader at the International Coaching conference held in Toronto, Ontario on July 9, 1996. Peter’s full time job is with the RCMP. He lives in London, Ontario (Canada) with his loving wife of 28 years and 3 sons. TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION EXPERIENCE
- 1996 - Present
- Currently the western technical coordinator for the Minor Hockey Alliance
- Instructed at Coach Level, Intermediate and Initiation clinics
- Instructed the Speak Out Clinic and established the Coach Mentoring Program for 2001
- 2001 - 2002
- Coordinator of Scouting OHL Plymouth Whalers
- 2000 - 2001
- Coordinator of Scouting OHL Kitchener Rangers
- 1997 - 2001
- Scout - London Region OHL Kitchener Rangers
- 1997 - 1998
- Assistant Coach London Nationals - Western Junior AB@ Hockey League
- 1996 - 1997
- Head Coach Saunders High School
- 1995 - 1996
- Assistant coach Lucas High School - East Division Finalists
- 1994 - 1995
- Head coach London Rebel AA Midgets
- 1990 - 1992
- Head coach Oshawa Little NHL Major Pee Wee Canadians
- 1990 - 1991
- Head coach Oshawa Little NHL Minor Pee Wee Canadians
- 1989 - 1990
- Assistant Coach Oshawa Legionnaires Metro Junior B League
- Bauer Division Semi-Finalists
- 1987 - 1989
- Assistant Coach Thunder Bay Flyers - United States Hockey League
- Junior A Tier 2 - Centennial Cup and USHL Champions
- 1988 - 1989
- Coordinator K.C. Minor Hockey Development Program - 5 to 7 yr-old
- 1987 - 1988
- Coach K.C. 9 year old house league
- Coach K.C. Development Program
- Head Coach Thunder Bay Under 17 Camp
- 1986 - 1987
- Head Coach Thunder Bay Pee Wee AAA Reps
- South End Junior Stars - All Ontario 5th place
- Assistant Coach Thunder Bay Under 17 Camp
- 1985 - 1986
- Head Coach Westfort Maroons Bantam AA - Finalists
- 1980 - 1984
- Head Coach Steinbach Midgets - 84 Provincial Bronze - 83 Provincial Champions
- Head Coach Steinbach Bantams- 82 Provincial Finalists
- - 81 Provincial Finalists
- 1976 - 1980
- Head Coach Steinbach Pee Wee House League - 79 - 80
- Head Coach Thompson Midget House League - 76 - 79
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO PETER AS A COACH IS…
- To make it fun, interesting and challenging.
- To balance the needs of the player, the parents and the team.
- To have excellent communication skills.
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM PETER
“Most problems with minor hockey teams can be attributed to a lack of communication. A coach and his staff must make their expectations clear at the beginning of the season. Regular meetings and written communication must go out with both the players and the parents so that the message is clear and consistent.” FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
I like hockey because I like the challenge of bringing a team together.
Gordon Kirke
Gord’s practice involves the representation of many components of the sports business. He represents a number of athletes as well as media sports personalities. His client list includes hockey leagues and sponsors of sporting events. He has also represented many recording artists in the entertainment world.
Gord is extremely active in programs to help children who are victims of abuse or who deal with disabilities.
Gord is often quoted or written about in popular newspapers and magazines. He is also a frequent guest on sports shows for both television and radio.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Q.C., LL.B., LL.M., D.JURIS (HON.)
- Attended Osgoode Hall Law School where he stood first in his class and received more prizes and awards (12) than any previous Osgoode student
- Was editor of the Osgoode Hall Law Journal and head of Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity
- Has authored several legal articles and has been publisher of several journals related to sports and entertainment law
EXPERIENCE
Gord’s practice focuses on the sports and entertainment industries and he is a Professor of Sports and Entertainment Law at both Osgoode Hall Law School, York University and the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto.
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GORD IN HOCKEY BUSINESS IS…
That hockey flourishes and always grows as a fast-paced, physical game of skill and excitement in which all involved (players, owners and others) are compensated appropriately.
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM GORD
“Nothing should be treated as merely standard or routine. On the business side of hockey, whenever one commits to any agreement, one must have full understanding of the substance of the agreement and the consequences.”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Gord enjoys the fact that hockey is a game in which there is a very high level of athleticism which must be executed at a higher rate of speed than in almost any other sport. Hockey players must play their game with intense physicality and finely-developed skills at high speeds making decisions and judgments with split second timing.
Read more on Gord’s remarkable background and impressive accomplishments.
Adam Lamarre
Adam has had the good fortune of playing hockey at all levels. He has seen the world of minor hockey, junior, university and pro hockey. He has consistently worked his way through the ranks and has experienced the role of player from many different angles. Adam’s passion for the game has kept him living the role of hockey player most of his life. He now coaches and runs Strides Hockey in Markham, Ontario, Canada.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Bachelor of Science in Education specializing in Kinesiology,
Bowling Green State University, Ohio, 1998
- Hockey Canada’s Level 1 Coach
- HD CO Level 1 Trainer
EXPERIENCE
- Up to 1993 Minor Hockey and Tier II Provincial Jr. A
- 1994-1998 NCAA DIV 1, BNL (semi pro/pro) - Bowling Green State University
- 1998-2000, 2001-2002 British National League - Slough Jets
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO ADAM AS A PLAYER IS…
The competition and the people involved. Competing with the best athletes pushed Adam to work as hard as he could, both mentally and physically. Throughout his hockey career, he made friends, learned from them and persisted in becoming better and better in his hockey career.
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM ADAM
“Work hard, but have FUN!”
Adam was successful in his hockey career mostly due to hard work. He set goals even though sometimes they may have seemed out of reach. Those goals gave him direction and inspired him to “work his talent.”
For Adam, it was also very important to understand balance in his life, that is to understand how his personal life, his hockey life and his education life all needed to work together.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
“There's one reason why I played hockey...I LOVED IT and if you really define love, it means to like, the good, the bad and the ugly of something. Hockey has its ups and downs like everything in life, but for the most part, the people you meet in this game will be your friends for life.”
Allie Macdonald
Allie lives in Nova Scotia (Canada), where he has been involved with hockey from childhood. Originally from Antigonish, he currently works as an educator in the local school board, in the summer runs his specialized hockey school and is the Chief Scout of Atlantic Canada for the Halifax Mooseheads in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
EXPERIENCE
- Started scouting in 1994
- QMJHL for the past 13 years - last 7 with the Halifax Mooseheads
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO ALLIE AS A SCOUT IS…
- Commitment
- Hockey knowledge
- Confidence in your ratings
Commitment is the key factor in scouting. You must put the time and effort into viewing players. Unfortunately we have too many "cell phone" scouts who rely on other opinions to evaluate players.
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM ALLIE
“My role in minor hockey is to ensure that all players get a chance to be evaluated. Also I spend a great deal of time talking to parents and players as to what I view as the skills and attributes that are required to advance to the next level.”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Allie has a basic passion for the type of game it is - one that involves both skill and grit.
Jamie McDonald
During his twelve years with Hockey Canada, Jamie McDonald was recognized with the Gordon Juckes Award for his contribution to hockey development in Canada. He is also no stranger to the game internationally. Jamie was part of the Mission Staff for the Canadian Olympic Association twice, coached and played professionally in Europe.
Jamie’s success in hockey has revolved around his ability to grasp the fundamental skills of quality management & administration. Some of the results included organizing annual coaching seminars, preparation of the National Junior and National Under-18 coaching staffs, as well as the staff for the National Women's team.
As the editor and contributing editor to the national coaching programs and NIKE Skill development manuals Jamie was able to integrate his theoretical and practical knowledge of the game into tools that would help teach hockey for years to come.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Bachelor degree Sport Administration from Lake Superior State University
- Level 4 certificate Coaching Association of Canada
- Advanced Level II Coaching certificate Hockey Canada
EXPERIENCE
- 2004 - 2005 Technical Director, FC Barcelona, Spain
- 2001 - 2004 Regional Scout, NY Rangers, NHL
- 1998 - 2001 GM/Director of Operations, Kitchener Rangers, OHL
- 1996 - 1998 Director of Player & Coaching Development, Hockey Canada
- 1988 - 1996 Manager of Coaching, Hockey Canada
- 1986 - 1988 Technical Director, Thunder Bay Minor Hockey Assoc.
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO JAMIE IS…
“As a manager you need to be an ally and liaison for the coach. You need to be able to communicate with many people in a variety of roles so understand the hierarchy of hockey and how it can help your team succeed of the ice.”
“As a parent you want to understand your role, the impact of your actions and how they can positively and negatively affect not only your son or daughter but also other players, coaches, managers and other parents.”
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM JAMIE
“To have success in the management and administration side of hockey people need to have exceptional ‘interpersonal skills’. They need to be able to communicate well with team players, parents, coaches and minor hockey association personnel.”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
I loved to play this game at the most competitive levels. I enjoyed being creative on the ice and making friends off the ice. Hockey is one place where I learned about me and my interests in life. It also taught me about what it takes to be a ‘team player’ in life.
Brendan Mullins
Mullins Sports was incorporated in 1985 after Brendan spent 6 months gathering vital information about the need for a community-based sporting retailer. The original store was a small, cramped set-up that was expanded to double that space after just a couple of years. The move to their current location in 1999 gave Mullins Sports considerable storage space as well as the opportunity to expand.
Starting his own business was a major leap for Brendan who worked in an office environment background as a Financial Analyst. It has proven to be a smart move since Mullins Sport is well known in the suburbs of Montreal, Quebec (Canada) and has been successful for almost two decades.
His straightforward philosophy of "Customer Satisfaction" means that Brendan makes sure his customer has received an excellent product, at a reasonable price and is well informed of his purchase.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
McGill – Finance classes
EXPERIENCE
- 10 years Financial Analyst
- 20 years business experience at Mullins Sports
- Played hockey as a toddler and still playing
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO BRENDAN ABOUT HOCKEY EQUIPMENT IS…
To make sure that people buying equipment buy what fits properly. While Brendan is an elite retailer in hockey equipment, his philosophy towards helping the consumer is to make sure that they are sized correctly to ensure protection and comfort. Skates are the first the most important piece of hockey equipment.
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM BRENDAN
- “With regards to buying used equipment, I restrict my comments to: be very careful for fitting, hygiene and equipment fatigue. The key to buying equipment is the 'FIT'. You are better off purchasing a $75.00 pair of skates if they are properly fitted and comfortable versus a $500.00 pair which is neither. Getting the right size, both in length and width is crucial. That same practice is applied to all pieces of equipment from skates to helmets to sticks.”
- “With regards to buying the most expensive, meaning the best - usually there is a direct correlation to best quality and price. However many recreational players would be better off with a toned-down version of what is considered pro equipment. These pieces generally offer more protection but can often be bulky and restrictive. It is important to maintain flexibility and mobility.”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Brendan has had a passion for hockey since he was a toddler.
Learn more from Brendan’s expertise in our Interview chat.
Visit Mullins Sports on-line.
Rick O’Connor
For nearly 30 years Rick O’Connor has been in the trenches of the fundraising battles molding and shaping the meaning of fund raising. It began in 1978 when he was providing fundraising products and services to schools and non-profit organizations in Quebec and Ontario. By 1987, Rick and his Management Team built a nationally recognized business into Canada’s Largest Fundraising Company with 80 sales representatives covering every city.
In 1990, Rick initiated a National Accounts Department to develop business with community sporting organizations like hockey, at the Provincial and National levels. He was instrumental in shaping the fundraising industry by creating a “scratch & donate” program.
After more than 20 years in the industry Rick knew it was time for another transformation. He joined the team at Savers Plus as their fundraising specialist and helped develop the Custom Coupon Card, “A Registration Fundraising Program”, and the online/offline Yes!CardPlus program.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Over 25 Years of Successful Fundraising Experience in Canada & the US
- Various Professional Sales & Sales Management Training Courses
- Marketing & Business Administration Degree from Dawson College, Montreal, Quebec
EXPERIENCE
- Fundraising Specialist, Savers Plus GTA Inc 2001 to present
- Fundraising Specialist, GaZoom.com 1999 thru 2001
- National Sales Manager 1986 thru 1999
- Sales Manager 1981 thru 1986
- Sales Representative 1978 thru 1981
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO RICK IN A FUNDRAISING CAPACITY
Fundraising is an excellent way to raise awareness of your cause, while raising money
. When you are fundraising, you are sharing with your community, friends and family what you believe to be good for those involved. Be sure what you use as a fundraising tool is something you want your team's reputation to be associated with, today and always!
Whatever you sell should offer great value for the money, and should be something that your supporters can really use. That way, you leave the ones that are supporting you, feeling they not only helped but got something of value. Also the next time you ask for support, it will be there for you.
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM RICK:
Fundraising is not usually at the top of a Team or League’s priority list, so many times it is done at the last minute, and without the planning and/or group commitment it deserves. If you think you will need to fundraise, then make it an official part of your off-ice plan, not a last minute addition. Put someone in charge and have them look at all the alternatives, then choose the fundraiser that best fits your situation.
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
I love hockey for the speed of the game and for its unpredictability. The best players and/or the best Teams have off days which can make the worst Team a winner and an underdog, over the top. Every game is different and every outcome unique. These days I enjoy watching my daughter and son play hockey, and their #1 goal is always to “play hard & have fun”.
Sean Reid
When the tyke and novice house league teams desperately needed someone to officiate their games, Sean Reid stepped in to do the job at 12 years old. He has never looked back since. From Oshawa to London to Ottawa, Sean continued to officiate and train until he was promoted to the OHL. He continues to officiate in the OHL and now teaches and supervises the young ones to contribute to the development of officials in minor hockey.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Hockey Canada Officiating Program Level VI certification – November 2003 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Attends a referee seminar every year to pass a written exam to qualify to officiate games for the new upcoming season
- Is supervised for approximately one-third of his games during a season
EXPERIENCE
- 13 years experience from linesman to referee, instructor and supervisor
- Ontario Hockey League Championship Series
- Ontario Hockey League All-Star Game
- Canadian Interuniversity National Championship
- Eastern Canadian Junior A Championship (Fred Page Cup)
- Ontario Bantam Championships
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO SEAN AS AN OFFICIAL IS…
- To gain experience. Sean works as many games as possible so that he can improve his skills as an official and gain the necessary experience to advance to higher levels of hockey.
- To support one another. Officiating at the best of times is a thankless job and Sean believes that if officials don’t support each other, the winters become very long and going to the rink does not become an enjoyable experience.
- To uphold and maintain the integrity of this great game. This is the most important part of Sean’s job. He must ensure that the game is played FAIR and SAFE. Officials are usually the only people in the arena who are impartial and unbiased.
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM SEAN
- “Remember that officiating is a hands-on job. The only way an official can actually improve and gain the necessary experience to advance is to officiate. So do the games! Don’t worry about officials who might move up to higher levels of hockey faster. Enjoy the games you do, work hard at all of them and improve in each game you work. By doing that, you will not only improve your skills as an official but it will also give you the necessary experience to advance to higher levels of hockey.”
- “As an official, work hard to improve your own skills in order advance to higher levels of competition. Too many times I see officials at tournaments or playoff games hoping that other officials will make improper calls or have a “bad” game, in hopes of bettering themselves. You should not want to see other officials fail in order to improve your own standing at a tournament or during the playoffs. Go to the games to support other officials because in the long-run, we only have each other to look to for support.”
- “As an official, we must try and refrain from being strayed from our job. Remember, the game of hockey is an emotional game and fans, players and coaches will become emotional. And this is expected because they are biased towards their team. An official however, must refrain from being taken over by their emotions and maintain a rational thinking pattern. If officials allow their emotions to take over, then there is no one who is upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring that the players are playing the game FAIR and SAFE. Regardless of the pressure or the situation, the most successful officials are the ones who can maintain their emotions and uphold the integrity of the game.”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Sean loves hockey because, as in the words of the late sports reporter Howard Cossell from ABC’s Wide World of Sports, “it’s the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” The most fascinating part about the game of hockey from an official’s point-of-view is the fact that every game is different from the last. Every game is a new and challenging experience from the last game. Regardless of how well a game went the night before, there now stands a new challenge tonight with an opportunity to gain more experience in an effort to uphold the integrity of this great game.
Read more about Sean in our Interview chat.Learn more from Sean’s expertise in our Interview chat.
Phil Zullo
A knee injury suffered at the age of 16 made Phil unable to pursue sports at a competitive level. After surgery and months of extensive knee rehabilitation, Phil became very interested in the biomechanics of the body and rehabilitation of sports injuries. He is now the owner of Pro-Fit Health and Fitness which provides services such as injury rehabilitation, weight loss, weight gain, muscle toning, diet and nutrition counseling, massage therapy, boxercise, self-defense, children’s programs and seniors’ programs. Phil has assembled a group of highly qualified professionals to cater to clients’ individual needs.
Phil is an authority in the areas of fitness and nutrition. He has often been interviewed on popular sports radio shows as well as for a number of well-known publications. He volunteers much of his time to several charities and was appointed director of fitness and nutrition for the Players for Kids Foundation, a non-profit organization involving NHL players helping disadvantaged children.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
- Physical fitness, nutrition and injury rehabilitation - York University
- Physical fitness, nutrition and injury rehabilitation - Seneca College
EXPERIENCE
- Has been training NHL athletes for over 10 years
- Trained players at Montreal Canadiens and St-Louis training camps for 4 years
- Trained hundreds of professional hockey players from various teams
- Trained thousands of girls and boys age 8 and up in the Greater Toronto Area
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO PHIL AS A TRAINER IS…
- Dealing with each athlete as an individual and designing his program specifically for him to ensure that he will improve his on-ice performance.
- Taking a player’s age, style of play and minutes played per game into consideration before designing his personal program.
- Having fun. That is the most important.
WORDS OF ADVICE FROM PHIL
“I want to make kids’ dreams become reality. I tell every one of them to believe that they can make it to the N.H.L. The most fun is pretending to be Mats Sundin or Ed Belfour. My role is to encourage, motivate and teach kids to have fun. Training off-ice will definitely translate to better on-ice performance, but more importantly, it should be a way of life. It’s not whether or not you make it to the NHL - it’s about having a blast trying! That’s reality. If it wasn’t fun, I’d quit too.”
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
For Phil, hockey is about the memories, the out-of-town tournaments, the bus rides, the first goal or shut-out. It’s about looking back at trophies and remembering all the great friendships made along the way. There was no X-BOX when Phil was growing up. It was street hockey every night from spring to fall and then Pond Hockey in the winter. And he wouldn’t give up those memories for anything.
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