The GCGH would like to congratulate Grayson Lafoley for being selected to coach the GCGH Stars U11AA team for the 2022/23 season. Grayson will be holding a brief parent meeting on September 10th, 2022 prior to the first tryout session at 8:00 am to discuss his season plan.
Head coach: Grayson Lafoley
Hockey Background:
My hockey background consisted of playing junior hockey for the Ottawa 67's (OHL), Cumberland Grads Jr. A (CJHL), and Ottawa West Golden Nights Jr. B. (EOJHL). My minor career consisted of playing for the Gloucester Rangers 'AA' minor hockey association.
Recent Coaching and Executive Board Experience:
· Gloucester Rangers U9 Tier 1 (Novice) Head Coach 2019-20
· Gloucester Rangers U10A Head Coach 202-21
· Gloucester Rangers U11AA Assistance Coach 2021-22
· Gloucester Rangers U9 Tier 1 Assistant Coach 2021-22
· BMHA Novice A Head coach 2018-2019
· BMHA IP Head Ice Instructor 2015-2018
Coaching Philosophy:
To be successful at the AA/AAA levels, all young players need continued development of their fundamental skills and the introduction of a 'competitive mindset'. All competitive athletes, regardless of age, need to develop a competitive mindset to maximize their own unique potential and skill development.
My players will be taught it is a privilege and not a right to be a U11 AA player. This messaging begins on Day 1 of tryouts and continues throughout the season. Players are coached to understand it takes continued hard work, commitment, and dedication to be a competitive hockey player, especially at the AA levels.
I strive to teach all my young players, whether in life or hockey, the importance of being present in the moment, being focused, and the need to give a 100% effort in everything they do. I coach my players to understand the only things they can control when they come to the rink are their effort, complete level, and attitude.
I will establish clear team goals and encourage all my players to become the best version of themselves, both as a hockey player and a person. But most importantly, I try to ensure each player is having fun every time they come to the rink. I hope to foster within each player a genuine love for the game of hockey and what it means to be part of a team.
Planned Tournaments:
Etobicoke: October 14-16, 2022
Jay Peak: November 17-20, 2022
GCGH: December 9-11, 2022
Belleville: January 6-8, 2023
Nepean: January 27-29, 2023
*Provincials: April 2023 (dates TBD)