HKAIH Coaches

The one word that encompasses the emotions and experiences I’ve had over the past ten years is “Respect”.

It is the one word that explains the game of ice hockey from top to bottom. I want students to never forget this word.

Yes. We firmly believe in building character, self-esteem and confidence but you must respect yourself and your teammates to accomplish goals.

Everybody loves to win. We don’t teach losing although you may get a medal for it at some point.

Trying your best goes way beyond the on ice product. It defines who you are. This is something you will take with you the rest of your life.

Great athletes and people who are successful have role models and mentors that give guidance but the competitive spirit comes from within, “Nobody out competes you. That’s trying your best”.

“Good luck”.

With the Hockey Development Cooperation between Swedish Ice Hockey Association and Hong Kong Academy of Ice Hockey, our players had the opportunity to travel to Sweden for summer camps in 2018 and 2019. Throughout the camps not only did our players learn new skills and a new approach to the game but we also learned a tremendous amount from their coaches.

The Swedes coach with immense detail and care where clubs and coaches from their youth programs all the way up to the national team work together to ensure quality development of their players. This Swedish model of all the regions and those clubs within those areas working with a common goal is a big reason why a small country, such as Sweden, has been one of the world’s powerhouse hockey countries.

Aside from their structure, the depth in which they coach was an important aspect of coaching that we were able to learn from. The coaching method keeps the coaches focused and involved and simultaneously allows the players that you are coaching to understand why and how to do a specific skill or drill.

Hong Kong is still a developing region when it comes to ice hockey so the teaching priority must be skill based before moving onto more complex parts of the game. Therefore, it is imperative that we take the parts from models of profound hockey countries which suits our players and the culture of Hong Kong. The grit, the attention to skill and technique are all important aspects of the game that Hong Kong players must embrace.

In Hong Kong, the high cost of ice time and equipment are the barriers to entry in ice hockey. I didn’t start playing ice hockey until I graduated from college due to the lack of financial support; thus, I agree with the philosophy of the Hong Kong Academy of Ice Hockey very much. HKAIH takes the lead to drive the localization movement of ice hockey in Hong Kong. Not only does the Academy provide equipment to players in need, the youth generation can also learn the sport at lower cost. In addition, HKAIH and HKAHC established Hong Kong School Ice Hockey League since 2012 so that more players who love ice hockey can represent their schools to showcase their talents, build team spirit and unique ice hockey culture. It certainly creates lasting memories during their school lives!

Ice hockey becomes an indispensable part of my life. I hope to continuously promote ice hockey, cultivate better players, and teach respect, confidence and perseverance to the adolescents through ice hockey.

“I adore this adventure, I adore working with youth. For me it’s a daily challenge, working to help these youths realize their dreams.” – Patrick Roy. 

A quote from one of the greatest goaltender in hockey history, and it’s one of the reasons I came back to Hong Kong. To be a role model, to be a mentor, and to teach what I’ve learnt over the years from hockey in Canada, I had many good coaches throughout the years who taught me many great things, and I would like to pass on to kids here in Hong Kong.