Jamie MacQueen
U11AA/A Alliance Seeded League
St. Thomas Jr. Stars
Welcome to another season of St. Thomas Minor Hockey. My name is Jamie MacQueen, and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue coaching the U11AA/A team this upcoming season.
I have played hockey my entire life, moving from minor hockey to junior hockey to NCAA D1, followed by a professional hockey career that allowed me to play all over the world. I have continued my love for hockey into coaching, where I have coached for the past 3 seasons within STMHA. I am a certified Hockey Canada Development 1 coach, but I also have a great deal of experience working with different ages/skill levels as a development coach as I own and operate a hockey development company, LVLUP Hockey. I have a hockey family, as my wife and I manage the commitments of our 3 children playing hockey, so I do understand the demands and commitment it takes from a parent's perspective to be a part of a team at this level.
Coaching Experience
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2024-2025 U10A St. Thomas Stars
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2023-2024 U8/U9 MD St. Thomas Stars
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2022-2023 U8/U9 MD St. Thomas Stars
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2022-Present Owner and Instructor of LVLUP Hockey
Playing Experience
My philosophy of coaching at this level is centered around the acquisition and refinement of the fundamental aspects of the game for each player while simultaneously teaching what it means to be a part of and work as a team towards a common goal. My practice time will have the main goals of skill development while also working to refine team play and systems. I run a structured approach to the game where we cross our T’s and dot our I’s, but focus on hard work and puck pressure while having fun. I want to maintain the notion that the game of hockey is supposed to be fun and build my athletes' love of the game. I coach to build good character in athletes on and off the ice, which creates a positive and inclusive team culture within the dressing room and helps foster a team-first mentality. Creating this culture gives players a positive experience while learning and developing their game and creating memories and bonds that will last a lifetime. I intend to fully invest in each player, figure out how they learn best and how I can help them reach their potential and personal goals.
Respect for the game, the opponent, the referees, the coaches, the parents and most importantly, your teammates will be frequently communicated. I live by the quote “control what you can control,” and this is a message I stress to my players as I believe there are only two things as players you can control: your attitude and your work ethic. These will be our core values. Players must appreciate the opportunity they have been provided to play the sport they love with a close group of friends. Although we will certainly celebrate individual accomplishments, the emphasis will be on taking steps toward team growth and chemistry.
I value and will develop effective and efficient skating as a focal point of individual skill sets and want all my players to play a “200 foot” game with pace. We want to be seen as a team that is difficult to play against, and I believe it is very difficult to defend against a ferocious forecheck and a relentless back-check, as well as a puck pressure defensive zone. Emphasis will be placed on playing as a 5-man unit, good puck movement, and effective play away from the puck. An emphasis will also be placed on effective shooting and responsible positional play, which are all critical elements to success. Players are asked to listen intently to the regular positive and constructive feedback they receive and attempt to apply that to better their play.
As a coach, I expect my players and parents to be fully committed. Regular attendance is required at all team events, including games, practices, dry land, video, meetings, and team-building events. These are not optional at this level.
I will continue to invest my time to ensure that this team and each player on it are connected to their coaches, are well prepared, and continue to develop and enjoy coming to the rink each and every day.
I look forward to building relationships with this group as we travel through a successful year together. I wish all the players the best of luck at tryouts!
Tryouts are open to all players,
with the understanding that St. Thomas's borders are not restrictive
Players from outside city limits are welcome to join