Dear Members:

I hope everyone is enjoying the long awaited spring. I know that I am looking forward to finally getting out in the kayak to do some fishing now that the ice has melted!

The Board is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance.  PCA is a national non- profit developing “Better Athletes, Better People” by working to provide youth and high school athletes a positive, character building youth sports experience. PCA encourages all   to “Honor the Game” through respect for opponents, officials, team, and self.

Our current core MYHA values are well –aligned with the PCA program, which is a one of the reasons the board decided to enter in to this partnership. The additional focus that PCA brings on how to articulate and live those values will become a part of “the way we do things here” at MYHA.  As a result, I encourage you to investigate the PCA website (www.positivecoach.org) and become familiar with its message and tools. Over the last three years I have personally worked to integrate the “Double-Goal Coach” approach into my coaching and have found the PCA message to be powerful. The MYHA board is committed to this program and it is our expectation that you will be too.

Coach Keegan does a great job in putting together a quality coaching staff each year to serve our membership.   These coaches are the heart and soul of our organization. Without their volunteer efforts, it would be impossible to provide the youth sports experience value that is MYHA. The Board thought that acknowledging the contributions of our coaches by providing them with this well-developed resource would help both our program and our coaches continue to improve from an already strong foundation.  

PCA also provides resources for parents, boards and players. In addition to the first coaching seminar which was well attended and received with great enthusiasm, the board has participated in a PCA leadership workshop. Prior to next season we will be presenting “The Second –Goal Parent: Developing Winners in Life through Sports” Workshop for all our parents. Please plan on attending.

Have an enjoyable off-season and see you soon at the rink!


Brian Kennnedy
President
Montgomery Youth Hockey Association