Hello,
My name is Dan
Desjardins and I'm extremely excited to have been granted the opportunity to
coach the North London Nationals Minor Atom MD team for the 2017-2018 season.
I’m originally from a small town in northern Ontario and moved to London in 2004 when I accepted a teaching position with the LDCSB. I’ve been a member of the Ontario College of teachers since 2001. Last season I was an assistant coach with the Novice Tier 2 team and 2 seasons ago I coached in the initiation program. I’ve also been the head coach of both varsity and junior high school hockey teams for 5 seasons as well as an assistant coach for 4 seasons.
When applying for this position I was asked to communicate my coaching philosophy for the season and I thought it would be a good idea to share this with you:
Coaching Philosophy
My coaching philosophy at the minor atom level will be to provide an environment which will enable the kids to have fun, learn about being part of a team, and learn the fundamental skills needed to compete, succeed and enjoy hockey at a high level. I want these kids to not only become better hockey players but also become better young men/women. In order to achieve this I have some strategies that will help us celebrate successes the kids have off the ice (e.g. academically) as well as at the arena. My ultimate goal is that every time we are on the ice we come off better in some capacity. This will be achieved by a great deal of positive reinforcement and a series of teachable moments.
My teaching background has allowed me to understand the importance of engaging the mental and emotional side of youth/player development. This will include getting the players to set individual goals and a plan to achieve those goals, as well as following established team rules for conduct on the ice and in the dressing room. I will encourage all the parents to be positive and encouraging when talking to their son/daughter.
To accomplish our skill development goals I plan on following Hockey Canada’s player development pyramid to balance out technical skills, individual tactics, team tactics, team play and strategy. Hockey Canada’s track record speaks for itself so I believe in it. I will emphasize the need for players to give their best, in effort and attention at all practices and games.
My attraction to the minor development level at this age is the fair ice time mandate. I want every one of these kids to develop and that requires as much ice time as possible for each one of them. The furthest thing from my mind is worrying about wins and losses and my proudest moment will be seeing these same kids later in life excelling at whatever path they have chosen and feeling I may have played some small part in that.
Planning for the season is well underway so check back later in the summer to see tryout dates and details. Enjoy the summer…..hockey time is coming!
See you at the rink,
Coach Dan