Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, I’m coach Brian! I’m finishing my last year at Mount Royal University and I’m so glad to be finished. Before I came to Tucker Hockey, I spent four years of my life at the Distress Center. There I volunteered my time as a crisis intervention worker and taught empathy skills through the Distress Center training program. The time spent at the Distress Center and MRU has had such a positive effect on my life. Now, I get to coach hockey. Basically, I get to do what I love on the ice. How cool is that?
When I’m not coaching I enjoy fly fishing, mountain biking, and skiing. I almost forgot to mention that I’m a voracious reader.
When did you first start skating?
My earliest memory of skating is on the ODR (outdoor rink), it’s a brief flash of my dad upending a trash can for me to push around the rink. He got his hands on one of the first set of kids Bauer skates right off the production line, they’ve been in the family for at least thirty years now. My sister’s kids wore them as well, and when it’s time for my kids to skate—they will wear them too.
How has hockey influenced your life?
As a kid, hockey was life and then at some point I forgot about it completely as other sports (speed skating and golf) became my primary sports. Now, as an adult, coaching is like a second chance at being a kid again. I love the game and the opportunity to pass on my knowledge.
What’s the best part about hockey for you?
Hockey is the greatest game on earth. It requires patience, hard-work, skill, and character.
Any favorite skating drills that come to mind?
I love speed. I want to go as fast as I can on one edge and hanging on by a thread.
What is your favorite age group and skill level?
I really like Bantams, because this is where all of the foundational skills come together and they begin to form into really good hockey players. Although, my favourite groups are the ones that want to learn. With a good attitude, learning becomes much easier and way more fun.
How has your experience with Tucker Hockey changed your life?
My skating skills have improved 5-fold because of all the practice I get. I like how I get to combine my knowledge from different sports to develop new methodologies for teaching skating. At Tucker I have to freedom to bring new ideas to the development table.
What areas of instructing would you like to branch off into in the foreseeable future?
I would like to start attracting more elite clientele of young players who have their sights on junior hockey or college scholarships.
Do you have a quote that you like/live by?
“Keep your head up and your stick on the ice.” ~ Don Cherry
What, if anything, has instructing for Tucker Hockey taught you?
I have a lot of experience coaching speed skating, skiing, and yoga. Teaching at Tucker Hockey has allowed me to hone my hockey skills and grow as a teacher and individual. It has been a great honor to be given the opportunity to work with Coach Rex and Tucker Hockey.
What is the most enjoyable part of instructing for you?
Watching a player develop in front of my eyes is the most rewarding part about the job. Adults show an immense amount of courage and focus, while some kids are incredibly talented. If a player can turn instruction into action, there is nothing that they can’t do.
What does the future hold for Brian?
I’m in a transition phase right now, school is ending and the future is a blank slate. From the end of April on wards, every day will be the first day of the rest of my life. I look forward to our spring and summer hockey programs and getting out to the mountains.
Editor’s Note:
Coach Brian is one of Tucker Hockey’s best on ice instructors. He brings an enthusiastic and energetic demeanor to the rink. Coach Brian has a dynamic skill set which includes: excellent skating and hockey skills demos, strong communications and connects very well with his players. He’s often a big kid himself; Brian just loves being on the ice! It has truly been a pleasure over the years to work with Coach Brian and to see him evolve as a major contributor within the Tucker Hockey Team. I believe Coach Brian as “tremendous potential” to grow and develop in the years ahead. Brian, my friend I have valued your contributions to Tucker Hockey. I look forward to many fun times on the ice!
~Coach Rex