Dan Replies:
Dear S.F. and BY: For a young player who wants to learn more about offensive and defensive strategy, USA Hockey publishes a number of good pamphlets. Call PROMAC at 888-832-6878 for a complete list of these. A very brief publication that gives an overview of team play is entitled "Checking and Team Play" for $5.95 that can be obtained from 800-446-8423 (a USA Hockey publication being sold by Hot Off the Ice). For a very generic overview, "Hockey for Dummies" by John Davidson is recommended because it covers many answers to a young players questions in one resource (any bookstore or 800-762-2974).
For a new coach, USA Hockey conducts coaching clinics throughout the U.S. In California, try contacting the California Coach-In-Chief, Ronald White at his Email address pacdistcic@aol.com. Failing that, the president of the California Amateur Hockey Association for USA Hockey is Lynn Beehler at 714-557-1496. These individuals will be able to assist someone finding themselves in a position of needing to coach ice hockey as well as any specific requirements for the California. USA Hockey also publicizes many videos and books for coaching. Call PROMAC at 888-832-6878 for a complete list of these, including coaching specific manuals.
Also a personal note: my father was my coach for most of my youth hockey career. He had no prior experience in hockey and, well, he's not the best skater in his Men's League. But he knew the rules, he was a great motivator, he taught us the value of hard work and teamwork, he was a great example, and he taught us what sportsmanship was about. Those are the things that youth sports are all about and the things I think coaching youth hockey is all about.
Finally to B.Y., I'm proof that you can have your father as your coach and still make it to the NHL in spite of that handicap (just kidding, Dad!).
Note: We are indebted to Terry Vayda - Coach-In-Chief - Florida for much of this resource information.
