The Lakers would like to welcome Chad Smalley back to our bench with the Major Bantams for the upcoming season.
Chad played hockey in Stratford
his entire life. He has coached for Stratford Minor Hockey, as well as the
Lakers. Chad has worked with the St Marys Lincolns and the Aylmer Aces and has
helped graduate many players to the OHL and D1 NCAA schools.
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Chad explains that team pride is another cornerstone of competitive athletic program. Winning builds pride, but so does hard work and commitment to individual and team goals. While winning is a goal for everyone, at the same time each player should focus on his / her effort-not the outcome. His coaching philosophy starts with ice time is earned, not given. Most teams have starters and role players; however starters should not receive any special treatment. Everyone on the team is expected to put the best interest of the team first, before any thought is given to individual accomplishment. No individual, coach or player is more important than the team. The amount of playing time each player receives will depend on his / her attitude, skill level, and commitment to the team, absences, injuries and game / tournament situations. Teaching and repetition are two tools that he will use to prepare each player to be the best hockey player he / she can be also my job as head coach is to make sure you become a better person in the real world. Let’s start with fundamentals work on techniques and individual skill and teach defense in depth first. He will be taking every opportunity to teach and demonstrate teamwork, sportsmanship and respect for the game and everyone that plays the game, starting with the coaches. Believing that perfect practice makes perfect players, Players should properly practice the skills being taught on repetitive basics so that these skills become as natural as walking and talking. Finally players should set goals for themselves and the team. These goals should be challenging enough to require each player to extend beyond their present skill level.
Chad enjoys golfing and has worked as a professional caddy. He and his wife Sue live in Stratford
Welcome back Chad!