Check out our sit down with new U12 "A" Head Coach, Ryan Dalziel.
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Can you tell us about your background in hockey, both as a player and a coach?
With over 30 years of combined playing and coaching experience, I bring a lifelong passion and deep love for the game of hockey to the rink every day. My journey in hockey has taken me from competitive youth leagues as a player to the bench as a coach, where I’ve had the privilege of working with athletes at all levels—from U7 developmental programs to high school varsity teams.
My coaching philosophy centers on creating a fun, inclusive, and challenging environment where players can develop their skills, grow their love for the game, and learn valuable life lessons through teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. I take pride in tailoring my approach to meet the needs of each age group and skill level, with a strong emphasis on fundamentals, work ethic, and positive attitude.
Being involved in hockey at every stage has given me a well-rounded perspective and a genuine appreciation for the unique journey of every young athlete. Whether it’s tying the first pair of skates or preparing players for the next level, I’m committed to helping each player reach their potential—on and off the ice.
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What is your overall coaching philosophy, and what values are most important to you as a coach?
Coaching Philosophy & Core Values
My overall coaching philosophy is rooted in developing well-rounded athletes who not only grow their skills on the ice but also build character, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game. I believe hockey should be challenging, fun, and rewarding, and that every player—regardless of ability—deserves the opportunity to learn, improve, and feel like a valuable part of the team.
The values most important to me as a coach are:
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Respect: For teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and the game itself. Teaching players to carry themselves with integrity is just as important as teaching them to stickhandle or shoot.
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Work Ethic: Effort and attitude are always within our control. I emphasize giving 100%, both in games and in practice, and rewarding hustle and determination.
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Teamwork: Hockey is the ultimate team sport. I strive to foster a positive, supportive team culture where players lift each other up and understand the importance of working together.
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Development over winning: Especially at the U12 level, success isn’t defined solely by the scoreboard. It’s about individual and team growth, learning from mistakes, and building a strong foundation for future success.
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Fun & Passion: If kids love coming to the rink, they’ll keep playing, learning, and improving. I try to keep things energetic, positive, and enjoyable, while still holding players to high standards.
At the end of the day, my goal is to help players become better athletes and better people—on and off the ice.
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What style of hockey do you coach, and what can players expect in terms of systems and game strategy?
As a coach, I take a democratic coaching approach, which means creating an environment where players feel heard, respected, and involved in their development. While I provide structure, guidance, and leadership, I also encourage players to share ideas, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning. This helps build confidence, accountability, and a deeper understanding of the game.
At the U12 level, players are starting to develop a stronger sense of teamwork, positional play, and game awareness. My coaching style reflects this by promoting open communication, positive reinforcement, and a team-first mentality. I believe in setting clear expectations while also being approachable and flexible, allowing players to grow both as athletes and individuals.
What Players Can Expect in Terms of Systems & Strategy:
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Structured, age-appropriate systems: Players will begin learning basic team systems such as forechecking (e.g., 1-2-2), defensive zone positioning, and simple breakout patterns. These systems are introduced in a way that’s easy to understand and reinforced through repetition and game-like drills.
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Puck support and spacing: We focus on teaching players where to be on the ice in different situations—supporting the puck, spreading out, and making smart, simple plays that lead to team success.
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Transition play: Players will start to understand the importance of quick transitions from offense to defense and vice versa, with emphasis on hustle, awareness, and communication.
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Special teams basics: Depending on skill level and interest, we may introduce basic concepts of power play and penalty kill, focusing on positioning and effort over complexity.
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Player development over rigid systems: While structure is important, the main goal at U12 is to continue building individual skills—skating, passing, shooting, puck handling—within a team framework. Systems are taught to support development, not to limit creativity or over-coach.
Players can expect practices that are upbeat, challenging, and engaging—with plenty of opportunity for feedback, questions, and personal growth. Above all, they’ll be part of a team culture where effort is celebrated, mistakes are treated as learning moments, and the love of the game is always front and center.
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What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?
I’m incredibly excited to be coaching the new Georgian Bay Islanders U12 A team this season! It’s a great honor to be part of building something special from the ground up, and I’m looking forward to helping our players grow both as individuals and as a team. This is a fantastic age for development, and I’m passionate about creating an environment where kids can sharpen their skills, compete with pride, and most importantly—have fun and build a lifelong love for the game. I can’t wait to hit the ice with this group and represent the Islanders with energy, sportsmanship, and team spirit all season long!
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Why should players want to be part of the Islanders next season? What makes this team and program special?
Being part of the Georgian Bay Islanders means more than just playing hockey—it means being part of a team culture built on passion, pride, and player development. We’re building something special here, and players who join the Islanders will be part of a supportive, hardworking, and fun environment where they can truly grow.
What makes this program stand out is our commitment to doing things the right way—developing strong hockey fundamentals, teaching teamwork and accountability, and helping players become leaders both on and off the ice. Every player will be challenged, encouraged, and given the tools to succeed, no matter their current skill level.
We focus on creating a positive team culture, where effort, respect, and sportsmanship come first. Players can expect great coaching, competitive opportunities, and a team-first atmosphere where every member feels valued and inspired to give their best.
If you’re looking for a place to improve your game, make lasting friendships, and be part of something exciting and new—the Islanders are the team to be on. We’re ready to work hard, play smart, and represent Georgian Bay with pride
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Is there anything else you’d like players and families to know about you or the upcoming season?
As we head into this exciting season with the Georgian Bay Islanders U12 A team, I want players and families to know that my door is always open. I’m here not just to coach hockey, but to help your child grow, feel confident, and love coming to the rink each and every day.
I bring over 30 years of playing and coaching experience to the team, but what drives me most is my passion for the game and the opportunity to make a positive impact. My focus is on player development, building character, and creating a team culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and motivated to improve.
You can expect high-energy practices, a team-first mindset, and a season full of growth, fun, and memories. I believe in strong communication, transparency, and working closely with families to ensure the best possible experience for each player.
I can’t wait to get started, and I’m truly honored to lead this group as we build the Islanders legacy together!
