Garth Lauer
grlauer8@gmail.com
(289) 242-3429
I have many years of experience playing and coaching at the AA level, at all age groups. I’ve had several successful years as Head Coach including two Tri-County Championships over the years at the A level. I’ve also been part of another Tri-County Championship AA team as an Assistant Coach. I have been Head Coach for many tournament wins including our hometown tournaments, Richard Bell (2019) and Winter Classic (2022).
This past year as Head Coach of the U15 AA Blue team we were tournament Champions twice. One in Nashville, TN and at an end of season tournament in Brampton.
My passion with coaching hockey is teaching the game to create incredibly skilled and smart hockey players that bring a positive outlook and hard work attitude to ever single game and practice.
There are several factors that go into the evaluation and selection of players for this team. It’s not just skill or point production alone. Beyond the need to be at a high level with all the basic skills, it’s a mix of several qualitative factors like coachability, attitude, compete level, hockey IQ, along with what’s specifically needed at certain positions, to create a great team and environment to achieve growth, development, and success.
My development plan for the year revolves around 4 key pillars that we work on: Teamwork, Effort, Attitude and Hockey IQ
I teach skills and a system of play in all 3 zones: Defensive Zone, Neutral Zone, Offensive Zone and then break that down into 2 scenarios: with the puck and without the puck. I believe in emphasizing creativity with players while helping them with options and ideas. My development plan is strategically laid out over the season on what is being taught when, and the consistency of reps needed to build habits that show in games.
I will once again utilize external coaches to supplement areas we want to focus on. This will include skill development, goalie development, high performance mental skills, off ice strength and conditioning and nutrition.
The team will have on average at least 3 practices a week, including private ice. We will do video review throughout the year. We will attend 2 away tournaments and our home tournament, the Oakville Winter Classic.