INTRODUCING OUR U15AAA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON
🎉🎉DEREK SCHOENMAKERS🎉🎉
Contact Coach Schoenmakers via email at: dtschoenmakers@gmail.com
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Warm Up: 🎤🏒 Behind the Bench – Get the "411"!📞
What is your current team/position?
Waterloo Wolves U15AAA Head Coach
How many years have you been coaching hockey?
6
What Coaching Certifications/Qualifications do you have?
High Performance 1
What is your playing experience?
OHL, University, Professional
1st Period: 🏒📣 Reasons for Coaching – The "Why" Behind the Whistle? 🔥
Why did you become a hockey coach?
To share my experiences and help kids get to the next level. Each coach I had impacted me in different ways - both in hockey and as a person. I was fortunate enough to learn from terrific coaches and wonderful people, and being able to pass that along is a great experience and hopefully can be an impactful step for players development and path in/out of hockey.
What's your Coaching Philosophy/Approach?
In hockey, the philosophy is centred around what we see in the modern game: speed, skill, and puck possession. It enables players to be themselves, play freely and create opportunities which also translates to their ongoing development.
Working with players has changed so much, and rather than coaching one way for the entire team, we very much need to coach 17/18 individuals, each with their own distinct personalities and learning techniques, and applying that to a team environment for the betterment of the group. Modern players are better when they can be themselves, and play freely, while still understanding those pillars of teamwork, and working together productively towards a common goal.
2nd Period: Chalk Talk Choices🏒📝
Favourite NHL Team/Player?
Toronto Maple Leafs/Ilya Kovalchuk
Favourite Drill or Skill to Teach?
Shooting - Changing angles/release points
What your Players would say that you always say/yell during practices or games?
"Sort!" or "Speed, Speed, Speed!"
3rd Period: Fun Facts & Personal Picks!🎉📢
What do you enjoy doing away from the rink?
Golfing, spending time at the cottage and with friends and family, walks with the pup.
Favourite Movie, Book or TV Show?
Lion King
Favourite Pre-Game Meal or Snack?
Chicken & Rice
Favourite Music Artist or Song?
The Weeknd
Overtime: Final Buzzer🏒🔔
What's one piece of advice you'd give your players?
Own your own development! Be self aware, ask questions, understand the "why".
Anything else you would like to share about yourself?
GO WOLVES!!!
🏒 Game Over, Coach’s Call!
That’s the final buzzer on our Q&A with Coach Schoenmakers! Stick taps to you for sharing your story!
Looking forward to seeing Coach Schoenmakers and the U14AAA Waterloo Wolves in action in 2025-26!
For 2025-26 Programming Information, including Prep Skates, Evaluation Registration and Seasonal Information, please contact the WMHA Office at: [email protected]