Secret Hockey Coach: Create an environment where your athletes can flourish

As we come through the clouds on a beautiful morning, I see the skyline of another major city coming into view. I won’t tell you which one but safe to say it isn’t cold and the sun is shining. Travel is a necessity in my world — scouting teams, playing matches, playing tournaments and meeting with players — both prospective and current. At the time of writing, my current group is not centralised so seeing people becomes a must.

Whenever we bring someone into our group I sit and make a commitment to them. It’s a list really of what we will provide. It’s a well thought out list and something that has taken me 20 or so years to get right.

It evolves from time to time, but the core of the list remains the same.