Essex youth hockey is blessed with the finest cadre of youth coaches imaginable.

Follow the link below to complete the 2009-10 coaching application.  An application and a completed background check are mandatory for all prospective coaches.

As coaches prepare to work with kids around the experiential learning process (playing hockey), they must consider the age group involved and tailor the steps of the experiential learning process accordingly.

They must utilize teaching and learning strategies consistent with the developmental characteristics of their learners.

Since our levels (mites, squirts, etc) are by age group characteristics of the age groups involved should dictate appropriate and effective coaching and teaching strategies to use.

Developmental research (from the University of California) suggests that certain types of learning activities are best suited for certain children's capabilities.

At the coaches meeting each coach was given developmental infomation about the players on their team.  The work is  educational and intended for teachers -- but is it echoed by USA Hockey's ACE Program.  Introducing players to concepts and skills when they are ready for them is important.  There are links below to helpful resources and suggestions for each age group.  [Source: Univ. of California] 

Linked file below:  EYHA Parent to Coach Feedback form

Executive Summary

What: EYHA asked every parent to complete a coaching feedback form regarding their impressions of their child’s coach.  The organization received 80 responses.

Results:  The total of the organization’s coaches data show that the coaches did well to meet the USA Hockey’s, the EYHA parents, and the EYH organization’s expectations.  Rated coaches received positive results over 85% of the time in all areas rated and over 90% of the time in all areas except the ones mentioned below.

Coaches rating in organization skills:

Commendations:

• No parents disagreed that our coaches “had the ability to treat minor injuries and (all coaches) exhibited reasonable conduct in handling accidents.”
• Only one parent disagreed with the statement that “the coach shows concern about the health and safety of the athletes…”

Areas for consideration of coaching development:

• 12.3 % of parents (a total of 10 parents) felt that coaches could have done better to challenge all athletes
• 7.6% of the parents (a total of 6) felt that coaches need to improve their use of assistant coaches.

Coaches ratings in instructional skills:

Commendations

• A significant number of parents felt that coaches had the ability to “demonstrate skills properly” and “ensure the activities were suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness of the athletes”

Areas for consideration of coaching development:

• 11.6% of the parents (a total of 9 parents) felt that coaches needed help in developing “short and long term goals for the individual athletes on the team.”

Coaches’ ratings in communication and interpersonal skills:

Commendations

• 100% of the parents believed that the coaches were dedicated to the sport and team they coached.
• 92.5% of parents reported that their coach was patient and tolerant.

Areas for consideration of coaching development:

• 15% of parents (a total of 12 parents) thought that coaches could better find ways to make all athletes feel good about themselves.
• 11.4% of the parents (a total of 9 parents) felt that coaches didn’t know when to use discipline and when not to.

Limitations:  Some of the parents’ specific comments (which are not part of this report, but were part of the individual coach’s reports) were helpful to coaches in seeking to understand their strengths and possible areas for improvement.  Some comments reflected situations that may have been better been addressed directly and at the time of occurrence.

 Use:  The forms will not be used AS THE SOLE PIECE OF EVALUATION of coaches.  The head coach observed practices and games of all coaches and the data collected, while shared directly with coaches, is placed in the proper context.  The “total data” will help the organization seek ways to improve our coaching education efforts. 

Former high school varsity and current EYHA ACE Director/Head Coach Pat Burke is offering off-ice shooting clinics at his house in Jericho.

The goal of the clinic is to provide instruction and to help jump start a player's independent off-ice shooting program.

The clinics include video instruction, demonstration, and practice in the Burke's backyard shooting range.

Clinics are limited in size and will be filled on a first come first served basis. The cost of the clinics is a 3 puck "donation" to the shooting range's puck supply

Clinics run from 6:30-8:00 pm on:
July 1st: FULL
July 15: FULL
July 22: FULL
More late Summer/Fall dates to be added soon/

Email Pat at pburkevt@yahoo.com to secure a space in a clinic.

Essex Youth Hockey Association is happy to introduce our off ice-shooting program for all players in our association.

Our goal is to get players out on their own shooting pucks. The only way to improve your shot is with practice and repetition. Boys and girls can improve their stickhandling and shooting abilities without being on the ice. Shooting and stickhandling in the driveway or garage daily will improve player’s puck control, accuracy, and strength.

We have set up a goal for players in our association to strive for this off-season.

Each player that achieves this goal will have their name posted on the posted on the 10,000 Shot Club Section of the EYHA Web Site.

[Players are asked to turn in their 10,000 shot club tracker at registration or email it to Head Coach Pat Burke: pburkevt@yahoo.com as soon as they meet the goal]

All levels of the EYHA are encouraged to take apart in the shooting club. Have fun, find a friend (or Mom or Dad) to shoot with, and make a game out of it.

Target 500 shots per week so it will take two weeks to get to 1000 shots. Before you know it you’ll be at 10,000 and we’ll have to start a 15,000 shot club!