Dear Editor:
We would like to formally acknowledge our son's hockey coach, Dave Laroche, for the 2012/2013 hockey season.
Our son has been playing hockey for six years and this was by far his most successful year when it came to building his confidence and developing his skills. The reason? Coach Dave Laroche.
At the beginning of the season, during our initial team meeting, Dave informed the parents of the general guidelines that he and the assistant coaches would follow; what was expected of the players; and what was expected of the parents.
Three of the comments we had heard for the first time - they were so simple, so fair, made so much sense and were so refreshing to hear.
"Even pay - even play"; "It is my goal to have every child develop their skills and confidence this season"; and "The last two minutes of every game are my two minutes, and I will play those players who worked the hardest that game."
I understand and appreciate the time, effort and sacrifices that come with volunteering to coach, manage or assist in a sports team.
We believe Dave and the assistant coaches had all the children's best interests at heart.
Each child was given fair playing time, and because of that, each child developed their skills and felt like they were part of the team.
There was no power play line or shorthanded line - it was simple, five players on, five players off, the lines were rolled. On the bench, the coach and assistant coaches were positive, praised the kids and gave helpful pointers.
It is my opinion that Dave Laroche should be used as an example of how a team should be coached. In a society where playing organized sports has become, what I believe to be, an unhealthy competitive environment and having fun and developing as a team is no longer important (especially for elementary school children), Dave brought back the basics - having fun, getting exercise, being part of a team, developing both individually and as a team, and healthy competition.
This was a great hockey season for my son, as a player, and for us (his parents) as spectators, we are so thankful.
Shane and Lina Johannson, Burnaby
