A new challenge!

I am thrilled to announce that I have accepted the North West Pioneers (U15 AAA minor) head coaching position for the 2023/24 season. Although my preference is to give back to the hockey players in my local community, I am excited to broaden my horizons. I look forward to working with an organization led by passionate and determined people. In September 2021, when I had to take a break because of the various provincial health restrictions, the Polyvalente Thomas-Albert took the opportunity to go in a different direction and let me know that we did not share the same vision.

I have taken advantage of the last two years to work individually with my son, who will be leaving for Stanstead College next year, as well as to focus on my education in the field of high performance coaching. I will be completing my “Graduate Certificate in High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership” from the University of British Columbia at the end of May. In addition, next winter I will be undertaking two more university courses in order to obtain my Advanced Diploma in Coaching from the National Coaching Certification Program. Although studying and giving development camps are things that I enjoy, for me, nothing replaces being behind a bench and developing a group of 20 athletes on and off the ice.

I am also pleased to announce that I will not be taking on this new position alone. Patrick Daigle, who was by my side during my years behind the Elites’ bench and Alexandre Desjardins, one of my former players (2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21), will accompany me behind the Pioneer bench. Having been involved with me in the past will be a definite advantage and allow them to help younger players better understand my approach. In addition, Claude Beaulieu will hold the position of performance psychologist to help our young hockey players develop tools to overcome the challenges encountered during the season but also throughout their lives. André Turcotte will act as equipment manager and will aim to ensure that each player can maximize their performance by having functional equipment at all times. Carole Gagnon-Leclerc, physiotherapist, will intervene in the event of a medical emergency or injury and act as a counselor for rehabilitation. Jamie Bard-Dubé will manage the team’s social media as she did for three years for the PTA Boy’s Hockey Club (2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21). It is clear that the program will be of very high quality and that the players will be extremely well supported in order to allow them to maximize their development.

Our mission will once again be to create an environment where commitment, discipline, achievement, work ethic, and respect are expected. Also, it will be made clear from the start that above-normal effort is required to achieve above-average results. I end by saying that I am excited and ready to take on this challenge. I believe that the experience acquired during my years behind the bench of the Cataracts and the Elites as well as my high-level studies will be able to serve me in this new adventure. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.