Daryl Schenck
U12 B
St Thomas Jr. Stars
Born and raised in Stratford, Ontario. I played all my minor hockey in the Stratford Warrior organization at various competitive levels. I started coaching the Stratford Warriors AA Boys Hockey, as an assistant coach. I moved to St. Thomas in 2007, where my wife and I started a family. We now have 3 children, who are all involved in minor hockey here in St Thomas.
I have been coaching various levels of hockey, and started coaching in 2016 with the STMHA. From there on, I have been a part of both the St Thomas Panthers and St. Thomas Stars organizations. I am very passionate about the game, and even more passionate and excited to teach what I have learned over the years. I am looking forward to creating a strong work ethic amongst the boys and teaching them to be leaders on and off the ice. I believe it is important for the boys to learn the skills they need to play hockey, and at the same time develop life skills and friendships to come together as a team. I believe in
developing good people first, and good hockey players second. I am looking forward to putting my knowledge and experience into the role of head coach with the U12 BB/B team for the 2025/2026 season.
Coaching Experience:
Stratford Jr Warriors AA - 2004/05 - Assistant Coach
St Thomas Stars U8 LL - 2019/20 - Assistant Coach
St Thomas Stars U7 IP1 - 2019/20 - Assistant Coach
St Thomas Stars U7 IP2 - 2020/21 - Assistant Coach
St Thomas Stars U9 MD - 2022/23 - Assistant Coach
St Thomas Stars U11/U10 - B1/B2 - 2024/25 - Assistant Coach
St Thomas Panthers U11 B - 2021/22 - Assistant Coach
St Thomas Panthers U13 B - 2022/23 - Assistant Coach
*St Thomas Panthers U13 BB - 2023/24 - *Head Coach*
St Thomas Panthers U15 C - 2024/25 - Assistant Coach
Motivation:
My coaching motivation is to make sure the players remember something that will carry them through not just hockey, but all of life success doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from the little things you do every single day. Every time you step on that ice, you're taking one more step toward becoming the best version of yourself.
It’s not always about scoring goals or making the perfect play. Sometimes, it’s about how hard you work when things aren’t going your way. It’s about pushing yourself to get better, faster, and stronger.
Every practice is an opportunity to grow, every game is a chance to show what you’ve worked for. Whether you win or lose, you get better if you never stop trying. Trust me when you keep pushing through, the wins will follow. Remember, you’re not just playing for the scoreboard, you’re playing for each other. Be there for your teammates. Lift them up, push them to be better, and never stop believing in one another. That’s what makes a team, that's my coaching motivation.
You Have to Respect the Process to see the Result
Philosophy:
As a coach for U12 boys hockey, my philosophy revolves around creating a positive, supportive, and development-focused environment where young athletes can not only grow their skills but also develop a love for the game. At this age, the focus should be on fostering personal growth, teamwork, and fun while laying the foundation for success in both hockey and life.
Hockey is a game, and at the U12 level, the most important thing is that the players are enjoying themselves. We will focus on making practices engaging and fun, with drills that help build confidence and excitement about the game. If players are having fun, they will be more motivated, work harder, and love the game long-term. At this age, we will emphasize the importance of building strong fundamental skills. Whether it’s skating, stickhandling, passing, or shooting, I will ensure that every player gets the chance to develop a solid technical foundation. We will focus on the basics because a strong foundation leads to success on the ice. Players will be encouraged to push their limits and continuously improve, knowing that mistakes are part of learning. Hockey is a team sport, and it offers an incredible opportunity to teach life lessons. I will strive to instill qualities such as respect, responsibility, resilience, and teamwork. Players will learn that their actions, both on and off the ice, contribute to the success of the team. We will celebrate effort, sportsmanship, and personal growth as much as individual or team success. Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where players feel safe to grow, learn, and enjoy the game. Through skill development, teamwork, respect, and hard work, I aim to inspire players to be the best versions of themselves on and off the ice. Ensuring they continue their love for the game long after the season ends.
2025/2026 Goals:
Help players improve their stickhandling and ability to control the puck in tight spaces. Incorporate drills focused on puck protection, deking, and stickhandling while under pressure. Focus on strengthening skating skills such as acceleration, agility, edge work, and speed. Use drills that encourage proper form and effective movement on both forwards and backwards skating. Develop shooting techniques, work on passing with both forehand and backhand, emphasizing proper technique, timing, and communication. Improve passing in tight situations under pressure. Teach players how to read the game better, understanding
where to be during offensive and defensive plays. Focus on both offensive and defensive zone positioning.
Emphasize the importance of playing as a team, supporting teammates with good positioning, and always being ready to pass or help on defense. Encourage verbal communication between players on the ice. This includes calling for passes, letting
teammates know where they are, and signaling when they are open.
Foster a positive environment where players trust one another and respect their coaches, teammates, and opponents. Incorporate team-building exercises both on and off the ice. Encourage players to play with integrity, respect referees, and uphold the spirit of fair play. Stress the importance of playing hard but clean, and accepting mistakes gracefully. Ensure that every player enjoys coming to practice and games. Keep a fun, positive, and motivating environment that fosters a love for hockey.
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 a range of 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, with evaluations based on various criteria, including individual skill assessment, game play performance, compete 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.
Thank you for taking the time to register with STMHA!
Coach Daryl