Bryan Rodney

U10 AA/A 

St. Thomas Jr. Stars

I was born and raised in London, Ontario, where my hockey journey began with the London Junior Knights. Early on, I earned a spot with the Minor Atom AA team, playing a year above my age group. Throughout my minor hockey career, I had the honor of serving as captain of the Jr. Knights AAA team, leading us to several league championships. These years were foundational in shaping my path to the highest level of the sport—the NHL. After overcoming numerous challenges and setbacks, along with many memorable experiences along the way, I’m now focused on giving back to the game that has given me so much. Paying forward the invaluable life lessons and opportunities I gained as a professional athlete to hockey’s youth is something to which I am deeply committed.

Coaching Experience 

• 2024-2025 U9MD Head Coach St. Thomas Stars

• 2024-2025 U12 AAA Associate Coach London Jr. Knights

• 2023-2024 U11 AAA Associate Coach London Jr. Knights

• 2022-2023 U10 AAA Associate Coach London Jr. Knights

• 2019-2020 U14 AA Assistant Coach London Jr. Knights

• 2016 - Present   Owner and Lead Instructor of D2D Hockey 

Player Experience

• 2005 - 2016     ECHL, AHL, NHL, Austria EBEL, Czech Extraliga  

• 1999 - 2005     WJBHL and OHL

MOTIVATION

My motivation to coach hockey stems from a strong desire to give back to the sport that has opened so many incredible doors for me throughout my life. I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best coaches in top leagues, and now I’m eager to pass on those invaluable lessons and the game’s core fundamentals to younger players. I also find great fulfillment in designing age-appropriate programs and drills that are not only fun and engaging but also push skaters to grow in new ways. Watching them develop and achieve success beyond their expectations is deeply rewarding, and being part of their journey—both as athletes and individuals—is what truly inspires me.

PHILOSOPHY

My coaching philosophy is built on four key principles:

1.  Being a Good Teammate: Teamwork is the foundation of my coaching philosophy. I strive to model the importance of supporting and respecting one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity that leads to collective success.

2.  Listening: Open communication is essential. I encourage players to actively listen and engage with both their coaches and teammates, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and valued.

3.  Best Effort: Hard work is fundamental to success. Players will be encouraged to give their best effort in every practice, game, and drill. Emphasis will be placed on perseverance, learning from successes and setbacks, and developing individual skills that ultimately contribute to team success.

4.  Respect for Sport: I aim to cultivate a deep respect for hockey by emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rules, respecting officials and opponents, and maintaining the integrity of the game.

2025-2026 SEASON GOALS

Developing a mindset of playing unselfishly and prioritizing team play—such as passing to open teammates and creating scoring opportunities as a group—will be a focal point in our development. In addition to positional play, we will continue to build on our skill development, ensuring that players are confident in handling the puck, skating, and making decisions under pressure. As players become more confident, we will focus on teaching more advanced concepts, such as line rushes and situational gameplay. Understanding how to transition from defense to offense smoothly, timing line changes, and working within team systems will be critical to improving overall game awareness. These areas of development will serve as the cornerstones of our team’s understanding of the game, allowing us to become more cohesive, effective, and competitive. By prioritizing long-term development, I aim to cultivate not only skilled hockey players but also well-rounded individuals who embody sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance. These values will guide their growth on and off the ice, preparing them for success in all aspects of life.

What to Expect This Season
The upcoming season will run from September through April, providing a competitive and exciting opportunity for all players. Practices will be held 1-2 times a week, with games scheduled similarly at 1-2 times a week. To participate, a registration fee is required upfront, and there will also be team fees that must be paid throughout the season (on top of the registration fee). These team fees will cover various expenses, including jerseys, extra ice time, and tournament costs. Players can expect to compete in approximately four tournaments throughout the season, with travel required for some, which will involve overnight hotel stays.

Tryouts are open to all players,
with the understanding that St. Thomas' borders are not restrictive—
Players from outside the city limits are welcome to join. 

During tryouts, each player will have a fair opportunity to make the team. Evaluations will be based on various criteria, including individual skill assessment, gameplay performance, competitive level, and coachability. Evaluators will also assess players' ability to listen and take direction. To ensure an unbiased selection process, non-coach evaluators will be present at each session to help with team decisions, ensuring a fair and transparent process.