Scott Talbot
U9 MD Tier 1 – Head Coach
St. Thomas Jr. Stars
Personal Background
I was born in Woodstock, Ontario, but moved to St. Thomas at a young age and came up through the St. Thomas minor hockey system. My goaltending journey took me from local rinks to major junior and semi-pro hockey, giving me the opportunity to play across North America at a high level. I suited up for the St. Thomas Stars and Sarnia Blast in Junior B, winning a Sutherland Cup championship with the Blast in 2002. From there, I played for the Toronto St. Michael’s Majors in the OHL and then for the Texas Tornado in the NAHL, where we captured the Robertson Cup.
At the University of Calgary, I earned Rookie Male Athlete of the Year while playing for the Dinos (CIS), and I wrapped up my playing career with the Arizona Sundogs in the CHL. I also had the privilege of trying out for the Washington Capitals of the NHL. Today, I’m a Civil Engineer and proud to call St. Thomas home. Coaching allows me to share the lessons and experiences I’ve gained through the sport I love while helping young players grow into confident, hard-working athletes and people.
Coaching Experience
My coaching experience includes serving as the IP1, IP2, and U9 local-league coach with St. Thomas Minor Hockey and instructing at various hockey schools across North America. In these roles, I’ve developed age-appropriate practices that emphasize skill development, competitive level, and a positive learning environment. I’m excited to step into the U9 MD Tier 1 Head Coach role for the 2025–2026 season and build on that foundation with a focus on development and growth.
What Hockey Means to Me
Hockey has shaped nearly every part of my life—from discipline and work ethic to leadership and goal-setting. It has given me life-long friendships, unforgettable experiences, and the tools to succeed on and off the ice. Coaching is my way of giving that back. I love helping kids discover their path through the game and watching them grow not just as hockey players but as young people who carry those values into every part of their lives.
Coaching Philosophy
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Maximum Effort: Players are expected to bring full energy and focus every time they hit the ice. Hard work builds confidence, and confidence leads to long-term success.
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Listening and Coachability: Young athletes will learn to absorb feedback, follow direction, and respond positively to coaching—skills that benefit them far beyond the rink.
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Fun and Positivity: A fun, encouraging environment helps players stay engaged and excited to learn. Joy in the game is essential for development.
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Being a Good Teammate: We promote respect, support, and accountability. Players are taught to encourage each other, communicate, and contribute to a strong team culture.
Season Goals
This season’s goals for our U9 MD Tier 1 players focus on development through hard work, compete level, and puck battles. We will teach players to battle for 50/50 pucks along the boards, corners, and in front of the net. Practices and scrimmages emphasize effort in every situation, helping players understand the value of persistence and hustle.
We will teach players how to think and react with purpose, focusing on smart positioning, supporting the puck carrier, and understanding when to put pressure on and when to contain. Players will begin to develop a hockey IQ through guided situations, learning how their individual decisions impact team play and success.
Positive encouragement will be central to our approach—highlighting small wins such as good passes, strong positioning, or second efforts in battles. We aim to instill a “never-quit” mindset and show players that every shift is an opportunity to learn and grow. This will lay the foundation for long-term development, resilience, and teamwork.