TUCKER HOCKEY ON ICE INSTRUCTOR PROFILE – MICHAEL O’SULLIVAN

TUCKER HOCKEY ON ICE INSTRUCTOR PROFILE – MICHAEL O’SULLIVAN

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Michael O’Sullivan; I was born in June 1998. I am a proud member of the Calgary Highlanders primary reserves and the official RAUSI bagpiper. I have been bag piping since the age of 9 years old and under the instructor Billy Hawes. I am from a loving family of 4. My mother’s side of the family includes Dave Ritchie of the Montreal Wanderers – who scored the 1st goal in the NHL, December 19, 1917. My fathers side, every generation has served their country dating back to the early 1600’s. I started skating at a very young age, growing up to the stories of the ‘oldies’ like Gordie Howe. I am currently a student at Mount Royal University studying sport and recreational management.

Tell us a little about your interest in the sport of hockey.

My interest in hockey mostly started from looking up to one of my idols Maurice Richard. The story of finding success in some of the most dire situations at home or abroad can always be found if you work hard enough for it. The team play, communication and overall esprit de corp of hockey and the community surrounding interests me the most.

What’s the best part about hockey for you?

The best part of hockey for me is stepping foot on the ice and pushing your mental and physical limits. Having adversity in your life is one of the best ways to form resilient character.

How has hockey influenced your life?

After a painstaking 7 years of consecutive knee surgeries, hockey and power skating was a major driving force to my final recovery, and gaining confidence, but also my competitive drive, and overall fitness. Hockey prepared me for my military career, and the difficult courses that it had to offer mentally and physically.

When and how did you initially get involved with Tucker Hockey?

I was put into Tucker Hockey about 15 years ago when we heard that power skating was top of its class, and was highly recommended by our family friends the Pitters. Due to some bad experiences with other programs, we gave Tucker Hockey a go, and probably learnt more from one lesson then in all the other programs I have attended combined.

What is the most enjoyable part of coaching/teaching players?

The most enjoyable part of coaching is seeing progression from the people you are teaching. Seeing first hand that the methodology works, and being able to mentor people to become well rounded citizens/ formable skaters is all an instructor could ask for.

What is your favourite age group and skill level?

I enjoy working with all levels/ age groups for hockey. I find it rewarding to show new skaters proper techniques so they don’t go into the game with bad habits- giving an edge over other players. I also enjoy working with adult programs due to their keenness for being on the ice and wanting to learn. Any level, and any age group I am happy to provide the knowledge that Tucker Hockey, and my hockey experience has to offer.

Any favourite skating drills that come to mind?

I particularly enjoy edge control as I believe that it is the foundation to a solid skater, secondly as a defenseman I love shooting drills that hone in game scenario, and the importance of accuracy.

Being a Tucker Hockey Instructor – what has the “Tucker Hockey Way” / being a part of the on ice instructional team taught you?

What stands out above all other hockey programs I have worked for is distinctly how Tucker Hockey instructs. What I have been taught through Tucker Hockey is: Self discipline, patience, hard work ethic, resilience, and how to become a better leader on and off the ice.

What advice would you like to offer hockey coaches, parents and players about the importance of skating, and why they should invest the time and money towards quality skating instruction?

The importance of skating is quite broad in nature but when looking at the health aspects of skating, no other sport can compare to the core strength and leg strength required to skate. Keeping ourselves fit through an enjoyable sport is a win – win. It’s not just investing money into an activity, rather it is investing time, effort, and economy into a community that ultimately gives the people who are partaking something to belong to/ grow from.

What other things interest you, outside hockey?

I am a competitive solo bagpiper, and a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

What are your future goals or aspirations?

I hope to complete my degree at MRU, and commission in the CAF so that later on I can become a Legal Officer (JAG) and pursue my military career. I also hope that with the education I am receiving at MRU that I can give business advice and help on the management side to help project Tucker Hockey’s ambitions into the future on and off the ice.

Editor’s Note:

Thank you, Michael for taking the time from your busy schedule to complete a Tucker Hockey instructor profile. I have seen first hand and up close Michael’s personal growth and development; from a 7 year old aspiring hockey player to now, a very mature and responsible 22 year old hockey instructor. Michael has been a very dedicated member of the Tucker Hockey On Ice Team for the past 3 – 4 years. He has diligently worked to hone his hockey technical skills teaching, interpersonal / communication skills and group leadership skills. Michael has progressed from an Apprentice Instructor to a very capable Assistant Instructor. Michael, it’s great to have you on the Tucker Hockey Team! I look forward to many enjoyable times together on the ice in the future. Keep your “zany” sense of humour young man! Based on your work ethic, dedication and strong mind set you will have many successes in life! All the best!

~Coach Rex.