Throughout the spring and summer,
GMHA conducted a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to select partners for the
different elements of our hockey developmental programs. The process included a
Request for Proposals, proposal submission, review and interviews at the
committee level, scorecard evaluations, and then final board discussions and
voting.
We look forward to beginning the 2021-22 hockey season with a hockey development program and staff that includes vast experience of professionals in each of their fields, that will continue to advance GMHA as a leading hockey organization. We would like to thank our long-time partners, The University of Guelph Gryphons for their continued support and look forward to being back in their facilities this fall.
With the process now complete, GMHA is pleased to announce the core of our contracted professional development staff.
Technical Director
GMHA is pleased to announce that Chad Wiseman was selected to serve as Technical Director, a position that he has held for the past 3 years.
Chad has been a Guelph resident for the past 12 years and brings a 14-year professional playing career along with Head Coaching experience from the National Women’s Hockey League and Skills Development Coach experience from the National Hockey League to the role. Chad is currently the Associate Head Coach of the Guelph Storm and an Assistant Coach with the Hockey Canada Under-17 National Program of Excellence.
Chad has assembled a strong team of community-based Development Coaches to deliver a program designed to build on-ice skills aligned to Hockey Canada’s Long Term Player Development program and off-ice skills that can benefit GMHA players inside and outside of the arena.
Features of the GMHA Development Plan include:
ADP (Advanced Development Program) – Development of fundamental skills in a fast-paced and fun environment using station-based drills and small area games.
Core Development – Consistent skills instruction from highly qualified Development Coaches providing all players a strong framework within which to develop, regardless of age and/or level.
High Performance – Season Planning, Video Tutorials, Developmental Webinars and additional tools and support for players and parents looking to navigate competitive hockey beyond the GMHA. Critically important with the advent of “Open Borders” and catering specifically to elite players striving to reach the next level beyond minor hockey.
Parent & Player Webinars – A series of live, remote meetings to engage players and families in the areas of off-ice development, nutrition, mental performance, diversity and inclusion, resilience, and more.
Mental Performance Webinars – For older age groups, a series of webinars from Mental Performance Coach Ashwin Patel, focusing on Self-Awareness, Confidence, Mental Planning, and Attention & Focus.
Coach Development & Support – Mentorship, development and support of GMHA coaching staff, including a season-long series of webinars open to all coaches within GMHA.
Advanced Development Program (ADP)
GMHA is pleased to announce, The University of Guelph, Men’s Varsity Hockey Program will lead the operation of the ADP program. University of Guelph, Associate head coach Justin Stevens will join the Development Team and lead the planning and on-ice instruction for ADP ages, adding their considerable skill and experience to the GMHA’s team of development coaches. This commitment of staff and resources by the University is another example of our strong partnership and continues GMHA’s focus on providing our young ages with the highest level of skill instruction.
ADP is an accelerated program for U8 and U9 players who are interested in transitioning from early recreational hockey to rep hockey at the U10 age group. Practices focus on development of fundamental skills in a fast-paced, fun environment using station drills and small area games.
For more information please visit https://guelphminorhockey.com/Pages/33853/Advanced_Development_Program/
Skating School
GMHA is pleased to announce that Janet Gibson will be leading our Skating School program.
Janet has been a skating coach for over 20 years, including 15 years as a power skating instructor for many of GMHA’s players at a variety of ages. She is an NCCP Certified Coach, a CanPowerSkate Instructor, and a 4-time Ontario University Coach of the Year. Janet, along with her staff of coaches, has built a program focused on challenging young skaters in a fun and encouraging environment, and GMHA is looking forward to the continued evolution of the Skating School program.
The GMHA Skating School offers introductory skating instruction for kids ages 3 through 10, and is the ideal program for beginner skating instruction.
For more details, and to register, please visit: https://guelphminorhockey.com/Pages/27814/Skating_School/
Dryland Training
Pursuit Training has been a GMHA partner for many seasons, and their training expertise has helped hundreds of players in their off-ice pursuit to become stronger, faster and quicker. Wayne Burke and his team at Pursuit have been working hard over the past year to upgrade their entire facility to help provide athletes with the best sports performance programming in the area.
While dryland training will no longer be included in rep fees as part of core hockey programming, GMHA teams will have direct access to Pursuit and preferred pricing for off-ice training to develop agility, coordination and strength.
GMHA continues to be proud of this partnership and the value that Pursuit Training offers our young, developing athletes.
For more information about the Pursuit Athletic Centre, visit https://www.jointhepursuit.com/.