Capitals Host Coaches Day to Continue Growing Game Locally

Arlington, Va. - The Washington Capitals recently hosted Coaches Day at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, with more than 120 youth hockey coaches from across the Washington, D.C. region in attendance.

The free event was intended to elevate the level of hockey and coaching in the market by providing a fun and educational opportunity for local coaches of all levels.
The Capitals' commitment to growing the game locally comes on the heels of the team having experienced firsthand the benefits of a strong youth hockey presence in their backyard. Current Capitals center Joe Snively grew up in the area and played for the Reston Raiders.
"Everyone knows the history of Joe Snively coming through, and you hope local hockey keeps getting stronger and stronger, so more people from this area end up playing professional hockey," said Capitals assistant coach Kevin McCarthy.
Coaches Day kicked off with a panel discussion on coaching best practices from 8U to the Olympics hosted by Capitals alumnus and NBC Sports Washington analyst Craig Laughlin.

A diverse group of panelists set the tone for the day by establishing the integral role youth coaches play in shaping the sport's next generation and highlighting themes that would be driven home throughout the event.
With the panel consisting of coaches from all levels of hockey, their guidance was applicable for every attendee's team, regardless of age or gender.
Following this discussion, breakout sessions were held on girls' hockey, off-ice leadership, and practice planning and skill development. These sessions featured additional panelists, who shared their own stories, answered questions, and facilitated impactful discussions about their specific topics.
One of these speakers was Arizona Coyotes radio color analyst and Arizona Kachinas president and co-founder Lyndsey Fry.
"It was awesome being a panelist," said Fry. "Any time I have a chance to talk about girls' and women's hockey and spread the love of that side of the game, I try to do it."
Fry was in town as the Coyotes took on the Capitals the night before at Capital One Arena and also guest coached the ALL CAPS ALL HER Girls Learn to Play program on Saturday morning.
She said, "Obviously, this is the opposite side of the country, but I think that as an ambassador to the women's side of the game, none of us can be isolated to one city or one state. We have to share what we can contribute across the entire country and North America. To be able to do that while I was here was a joy."

Upon the conclusion of these breakout sessions, attendees had the opportunity to watch the Capitals practice following Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette's practice plan.
Laviolette then spoke to the group, sharing his playing and coaching backstory. While answering questions from attendees, he emphasized the significance of what they say to kids and the weight of their words. Laviolette thanked attendees for taking the time to be at the event and for bettering themselves and the game as a whole.
Following his address, three presentations were given by senior director of team and organizational development Dr. Aimee Kimball, goalie coach Scott Murray, and assistant/video coach Brett Leonhardt and assistant coach Kevin McCarthy.
Picking up where Laviolette left off, Dr. Kimball talked about the influence coaches have on players' thoughts. She focused on the psychological side of the sport and explained how to help kids develop a successful mindset.

During the next two presentations, Murray, Leonhardt, and McCarthy used a combination of practice and game film to cement points about their respective areas of expertise. The purpose was to give attendees drills to take home and systems to implement, while also explaining and showing real game implications.
"I like to think that we gave them some ideas or a blueprint of how to plan practices and maybe look at things a little differently," said McCarthy.
He added, "I think the biggest thing as a coach is the preparation for whatever you're going to do for that day of practice. You have to have a plan going in with your team with how you're going to play. You should be utilizing your time to the best of your abilities, so that you're teaching your team to play the right way."
The event wrapped up with a moderated Q&A session led by Laughlin, featuring McCarthy, assistant coach Blaine Forsythe, assistant coach Scott Allen, and strength & conditioning coach Mark Nemish. They discussed the emphasis the Capitals place on building team cohesion and establishing a sense of family.
At the end of the Q&A session, Allen noted how impressed he was that everyone took the time out of their Sunday in order to make themselves better coaches and in turn, create better players and teams in the area.
It was not lost on him and the rest of the coaching staff that most of the attendees coach on a volunteer basis and do not get paid. This is part of why the Capitals coaches took time out of their busy schedules to participate in the event, along with understanding how important these youth hockey coaches are in developing the next wave of players.
"I look back on the coaches I had while growing up in Canada, and if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be where I am today," said McCarthy. "If it wasn't for people like them and the coaches in attendance, there wouldn't be hockey going on at this level."
The attendees appreciated and made the most of the opportunity to listen to McCarthy and other members of the staff.
Michael Pahl, a 14U coach with the Montgomery Youth Hockey Association, said, "It's an incredible opportunity for coaches in the region, and you almost have to pinch yourself to say, 'I'm getting a free day of training from the top of the line in the world.' I'm just flabbergasted that the team would put this on and so grateful."
On his takeaways from the day, Pahl said, "I have filled the notes section in my iPhone with numerous things that I am immediately taking back and going to implement with my team."
That is the type of reaction that USA Hockey director of player development Scott Paluch, who attended Coaches Day, expected.
He said, "I think the coaches were able to get a little different mindset as to what's important when coaching young athletes, where youth hockey is in terms of development, and then see it at the highest level with what coach Laviolette and his staff do to maintain a great product in the professional world."

Coaches Day not only provided an educational opportunity for coaches of all levels, but also was certified by USA Hockey to fulfill three hours of Continuing Education Requirements for Level 4 and Level 5 certified coaches.
"I think it really shows the Capitals care about what's happening in the community and in this case, the youth hockey community," said Paluch. "When you put yourself forward and allow youth coaches into your house, it shows you're concerned about the future of youth hockey and the people who are in control of it."