Coach In Chief
Newsletter!

From the desk of the Program Director

Thanksgiving has come and gone. We are now getting ready for Christmas. Our teams are in full swing and jumping into league play. I always enjoy watching our players come into the rink excited to compete, practice and work hard on the ice.

10 Rules For Hockey Parents

Parents, Coaches, referees and administrators all contribute to the hockey experience your young player will go through this season. Coaches and referees have many resources to help become better equipped to provide a more positive for our young players. However, many parents of young hockey players are left to fend for themselves in terms of dealing with a variety of new experiences and situations that arise when their youngster starts playing hockey.

Make sure that win or lose, your son or daughter know you love them. Let them know you appreciated their effort and that you wont' be disappointed in them if they fail.

Try to be honest with yourself about your son or daughter's athletic capability, their competitive attitude, their sportsmanship and their level of skill.

Be helpful, but don't coach your son or daughter on the way to the game or at the breakfast table. Think how tough it must be to be continually inundated with advice.

Teach your son or daughter to enjoy the thrill of competing. Don't tell them winning doesn't count, because it does and they know it. Instead, help them develop a healthy competitive, a feel for competing and trying your best.
Try not to live your life through you young player. In your day you won or lost. Don't expect any different of them. Don't assume they feel the same way you did, want the same things or have the same attitudes. Don't push them in the direction that will give you the most satisfaction.

Don't compete with your athletes coach. Don't side with them against the coach. Try to help them understand the necessity for discipline, rules and regulations.

Don't compare your son or daughter with any other players' on the team. Be honest with their abilities.

Get to know your child's coaches. A coach can be influential, and you should know what values are being passed on to your player.

Remember that children tend to exaggerate when they are praised and when they are criticized. Temper your reaction to the stories your child brings home from the rink.

Teach you son or daughter the meaning of courage. All players should learn to compete and develop a work ethic. They should not have fear to go out and play this game that we should all enjoy.

Hockey around Anchorage!!

There is a lot of hockey being played around Anchorage this winter.

Alaska Aces – Our professional team is of to a great start. They play down at Sullivan arena. Check out the schedule at alaskaaces.com

Alaska Anchorage Seawolves – Our collegiate team is in the tough Western collegiate hockey association. Check out the schedule at goseawolves.com

Alaska Avalanche – Our junior a hockey team plays out at the Menard rink in Wasilla. A good number of local hockey talent plays for the Av's. Check out the schedule at the league website nahl.com.

High School Hockey – The high school season is in full swing. Go check outlocal high school hockey at Ben Boeke.

Between the Blue lines!

The Anchorage referee association is always looking for more participation. Young players who want more involvement, a possible part time job call the moose office to get more information.

Anyone interested in Coaching please call the Moose office to get more information. Youth hockey is always looking for more volunteers..

The Moose fest will be held in January 2009. Volunteers are needed for our association's tournament. Please call the Moose office to volunteer.

The Learn to skate program
is starting up again on January 6th. We are looking for volunteers' to help teach skating. Also any equipment donations to the learn to skate program are always appreciated. Contact the Moose office to volunteer or donate.

See you at the rink.

Keith Morris
Program Director

"Character is a combination of integrity, unselfishness, understanding, conviction, courage, loyalty and respect."
SHIV KHERA