Jeff Shaw

U16AA/A Alliance Seeded League 

St. Thomas Jr. Stars

Coaching Experience: Over 10 years of experience in coaching youth hockey, specializing in developing competitive teams and nurturing players' individual . Most recently, Head Coach of STMHA 2024/25- U15A Team.

Playing Experience: 

1999 – 2001 – St. Thomas Stars Jr. B

2001-2003 – Sudbury Wolves – OHL

2003 – 2005 – Brock University – OUA

2005-2007 – Brantford – OHA Sr. A

Coaching Philosophy:
My philosophy revolves around three core principles: “team-first” play, accountability, and personal development. I believe that fostering a strong sense of unity and responsibility, combined with a focus on individual growth, is essential for building a successful, resilient team as well as building character in the players both on and off the ice.

Team Play:

• Collaboration and Communication: Emphasizing the importance of effective communication and collaboration among players to achieve common goals.

• Unselfish Play: Encouraging players to prioritize the success of the team over individual accolades, fostering a culture of selflessness and teamwork.

• Strategic Understanding: Teaching players to understand and execute game strategies that leverage the strengths of the team, promoting a cohesive and well-coordinated approach to competition.

Accountability:

• Personal Responsibility: Instilling a sense of personal responsibility in each player for their actions, both on and off the ice, to create a culture of accountability.

• Goal Setting: Guiding players in setting achievable goals and holding them accountable for their progress, ensuring continuous improvement and development.

• Feedback and Reflection: Providing constructive feedback and encouraging players to reflect on their performance, fostering a growth mindset and a commitment to learning.

Personal Development:

• Character Building: This involves focusing on developing key character traits such as resilience, discipline, and sportsmanship, which are crucial for long-term success in sports and life.

• Individual Skills: Offering personalized training and support to enhance each player's technical skills, ensuring they reach their full potential.

• Mentorship: Serving as a mentor and role model for players, providing guidance and support to help them navigate the challenges of adolescence and competitive sports.

Vision:
My vision is to create an environment where players can thrive, both as individuals and as part of a team. By prioritizing team play, accountability, and personal development, I aim to build a high-performing team on the ice and character individuals both on and off the ice.

Tryout Process:
During tryouts, every player will have an equal chance to earn a spot on the team. Evaluations will be based on multiple factors, such as individual skills, performance during games, competitiveness, and coachability. Additionally, evaluators will observe each player's ability to follow instructions and take direction. To maintain fairness and transparency, independent evaluators who are not part of the coaching staff will be present at each session to assist in the selection process.