Emma Guzdek November 4, 2024
Just as individuals can be characterized in various ways, so can a good coach. A good coach is not just defined by the number of wins they had throughout their career, or whether or not they choose to bag skate their players every practice. Each and every player defines a good coach in a different way. No two players have the same demands in coaching qualities. It can be concluded that a good coach is someone who can tailor themselves to each individual player, but what they do beyond that is what makes an impact on each player. This article is a tribute to all coaches, past and current. This article is not just written by myself, but features statements from players of all ages, levels of play, gender, and backgrounds.
Jersey Phillips, Current NCAA Division I Player at Robert Morris University
The best coach I ever had prioritized me as a human over me and how I perform. He was able to separate life and hockey by analyzing players as an individual first, then as an athlete which is an indispensable attribute of a coach. The standards he held every athlete to as a hockey player were first-class, yet found a way to deliver those expectations effectively. Having a genuine connection with a coach allowed for effective communication and established utmost respect when receiving feedback as an athlete.
Layla Klapak, Current 14u AAA Player with the NJ Colonials
The best coach I’ve ever had isn’t just a coach to me, she's a friend. She’s been a big part of my hockey career by teaching me many valuable lessons, not just about hockey but life in general. She’s taught me to play for myself, and to not worry about anyone else. She truly is the best coach I’ve ever had.
Marissa Oakley, Former ACHA Division I Player at the University of Pittsburgh
The best coach I ever had was my dad. Growing up, girls hockey wasn’t as big as it is now, and he literally built a women’s hockey program so I was able to play u14’s. A lot of girls hate having their dad on the bench, but mine was nothing but kind and supportive and showed me how to be not only a better hockey player, but a better person, and now a coach. As soon as my brother and I graduated, he started to coach my high school’s middle school team because he truly could not live without coaching. He was the best coach I ever had and I’m glad that now a bunch of 5th and 6th graders get to learn from him too.
Jess Trocchio, Current NCAA Division III Goaltender at Albertus Magnus College
The best coach I ever had knew me and my playing habits like clockwork. She always knew when I would get stuck in my head and she knew how to get me out to play the best I could. She always reassured me when I was doing well but also gave criticism when I needed it. She always pushed me to be a better player and person, and she did it with genuine love for the game and her players. I honestly wish I was still playing for her because the two years I had wasn’t enough, and if I’m being honest I don’t think I would’ve been playing college hockey if it wasn’t for her. I was in a terrible mental state and started to hate the game before she came around, but she helped me remember why I loved hockey so much and helped me build my confidence back to play the best I ever had in a long time. I honestly can’t thank her enough for what she’s helped me with but what she taught sticks with me even playing now.
Alex Musielak, Current NCAA Division I Goaltender at Boston College
The best coach I ever had was someone who coached the perfect balance between hard and easy. He’s tough on his teams when they need to hear it but also emphasizes that it is all part of the process. He also coaches a perfect balance between systems and skills. He was a never Coach that made the team get on the line for playing badly, but would routinely do conditioning skates to make sure that no matter what we wouldn’t lose games because we were out of shape. He also helped a ton with the moving on and development of players to the next level both on and off the ice. He is a huge part of where I am today.
Sofia Makukova, Current 14u AAA Player with the New Jersey Colonials
I would have to say that one of the best coaches I’ve ever had was Coach Emma. She became my coach before the 22-23 season and the last season I had her was the 23-24 season. From the beginning and the first time I met her, she was the most supportive coach I had ever seen. If I messed up, she would correct me and help me. Besides from being on the ice, off the ice, she would still be the same way. She would give me advice or talk to me when we saw each other. Over the two seasons I had with her, she helped me develop and grow not just as a player but as a person too. Even when I was down and in a slump, she would pick up and get me going again. If I had any problems or questions dealing with hockey I would always just give her a text and she would text or call back. She was a role model to me and still is. I am proud to say I had her as a coach.
Danny Stamper, Current High School Player with the Cherry Creek Bruins
The best coach I have ever had is a coach I deeply respect, his name is Justin Waldron. He was my coach for Peewee A. I have never had a better coach in my life. But believe it or not, he was probably the toughest coach I have ever had. However, I felt him being tough helped me a lot, it forced me to take almost everything more seriously. Whether it was getting to practice on time, working 120% each game, it was all very important to him. Even though we were younger he still treated us like 18 year olds, which I liked a lot. He gave us homework, powerful speeches, etc. Unfortunately, he passed away at the end of the season to cancer, it was really hard for me and so many people, but his legacy will never be forgotten. Even though he gave me a really hard time and almost made me cry at times, he still made me a better hockey player than any coach has ever. Since then I have been wearing a sticker I received from a funeral for him, I never take it off and every time I look at it, it reminds me how amazing he really was to me. The lessons he taught me are ones I still carry with me today and they continue to make me improve overall as a player. I wish I could thank him right now. He truly was the best coach I have ever had.
Elizabeth Spoon, Former NCAA Division III Player at Wilkes University
The best coach I ever had taught me more about life than hockey. He pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off the ice. To this day I still look up to him and want to be an inspiration to others just like he was to me. It’s because of him that I know what a great coach should be like, what a coach should expect from players, how they should treat them, and overall how to be positive no matter what.
Erik Hegyi, Current NCAA Division III Player at King’s College
The best coach I’ve ever had was coach Jason Kilcoyne at the New Jersey Rockets for my age out year of juniors. Coach Kilcoyne knew how to keep his teams structured and disciplined. He held players accountable for their mistakes, but used their mistakes as teaching points rather than a reason to punish. Every player was given a fair opportunity to earn a spot in the line up, no one was guaranteed a spot. During games he would give feedback to players after each shift and stayed focused on his own team rather than the refs and opposing team. Coach Kilcoyne knew how to run a winning team.
Tade Carman, Current NCAA Division III Player at Tufts University
The best coach I've ever had was my first year of juniors head coach. The way that he understood how to treat each person differently as an individual and knew how to get the most out of his players each day is something I'll only experience once. He truly embodied what it meant to be a coach and a friend as well as a role model. He is definitely someone I look up to in life and in hockey.
Hanna Rose, Former NCAA Division III Player at SUNY Plattsburgh
The best coach I ever had went above and beyond for everyone around them. They were the first ones in the rink and always the last to leave. They devoted so much of their time to making us as players become better people on and off the ice. I am now coaching because of this person and I’m proud to be their daughter. My father is my inspiration and one of my biggest supporters.
Emma Guzdek, Former NCAA Division III Player at Wilkes University
The best coach I ever had took a chance on me when others wouldn’t. He pushed me past my limits, ultimately teaching me to believe in myself and what I am capable of. Despite moments when I felt lost, I knew deep down that this coach believed in me. Although I was not the most talented player on my team, he managed to make me feel important and showed me that being a good player goes beyond on-ice abilities. I wrote this coach a letter following our time together, but no words will ever be able to describe how much he means to me.
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