Introducing Matt Hopkins, our U13 "A" Head Coach.
- Can you tell us about your background in hockey, both as a player and a coach?
I grew up in Sackville, New Brunswick and began my hockey playing days as a U14. I was very lucky to have incredible coaches in my early years who really focused on my basic skill development and encouraged me to stick with it, despite being far behind the majority of other players my age. I still enjoy the game and play weekly in various leagues to maintain the camaraderie that is such an important part of team sports, as well as remaining active in order to keep up with the kids I am coaching.
I began coaching in high school to help my father with my younger brother’s hockey teams and I knew back then that I wanted to be a coach in the future, mostly because of the impact that many coaches I had in various sports (hockey, baseball, football, boxing) had on me as an athlete and a young man. My first year of coaching was my oldest son’s first year of organized hockey (2015-2016) with Red Circle Minor Hockey in London, Ontario. I have been coaching both of my sons since the 2017-2018 season here in Midland, and my first year with the Georgian Bay Islanders “A” organization will be my eleventh year as a minor hockey coach.
- What is your overall coaching philosophy, and what values are most important to you as a coach?
My overall coaching philosophy is to foster an environment that promotes growth for every member of the team. Each players development and growth is as important as the next, and to ensure that, will allow the team to progress and grow together. It is extremely important to have open communication, provide feedback consistently and to expect the absolute best from each member of the team without exception. I also believe in accountability at all levels, I expect to be prepared and create an environment that provides the kids with the best opportunities to succeed as hockey players and as young men, it is my responsibility along with my bench staff, to provide the basis for this success.
The two most important values that I expect from youth trying out for my team is to be a great teammate and to bring 100% effort to every practice, training session and game, without exception. We will all rely on each other to provide a positive environment to learn, and grow, by supporting each other and giving maximum effort every day.
- What style of hockey do you coach, and what can players expect in terms of systems and game strategy?
My coaching philosophy/style is based on puck pressure and puck possession. Being aggressive on the forecheck is key as cutting off time and space for opposition players leads to turnovers and ultimately, offensive opportunities. Hockey is a 200 foot game and players will be responsible to learn how to play the game with and without the puck, in all three zones. Our practices will be high tempo, teaching the kids the importance of developing the basic skills needed to eventually perform at a high level as a team. We will work hard to develop skills individually and progress to team concepts and strategies including situationally specific forecheck, backchecking strategies, regroups, penalty kill and power play systems.
- What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?
There is so much to look forward to in our inaugural season as the Georgian Bay Islanders. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing all the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes come to fruition on the ice. There is so much to be excited about with many development opportunities both on and off the ice, starting with Coaches and Trainers right down to all players and goalies throughout the organization. The executive are working tirelessly to ensure that the Georgian Bay Islanders hockey clubs are provided with every opportunity to succeed. It is up to us as coaches to put it all together and to ensure the players are prepared to showcase it on the ice.
- Why should players want to be part of the Islanders next season? What makes this team and program special?
One of the main reasons to amalgamate is to provide a superior hockey experience for young hockey players who may feel the need to leave the area to attain those goals otherwise. The GBMHA provides players from the area with an exciting opportunity to remain in the area, and play a higher level of hockey at home, with friends, and to further develop their skills locally. The board of directors and recently named coaches, are working very hard to ensure that this opportunity will be something well worth staying in the area to experience. I have been involved in coaching for ten years and I can ensure those playing for GBMHA, that this will be their best experience in hockey to date.
- Is there anything else you’d like players and families to know about you or the upcoming season?
My goal is to ensure that the players are put in the best position to succeed through preparation and hard work. I will ensure that they support each other, are committed to work hard and represent the Georgian Bay Islanders with pride.