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"This is a pretty impressive group of more than 500 coaches here this week to learn and improve and make things better," said the general manager of the Washington Capitals, who was one of the keynote speakers during the opening session of the 2012 National Hockey Coaches Symposium. "Wouldn't it be nice if the 500 people on Capitol Hill came here to learn and improve and try to make things better." What would a Beltway hockey brainstorming session be without a little political humor to break the ice? McPhee, who is entering his 15th season as the architect of the high-flying Capitals, is also a hockey dad who issued high praise to the grassroots coaches who make the game go. "Don't ever underestimate the influence you have," said McPhee, who played college hockey at Bowling Green State University and won the Hobey Baker Award in 1982. eorge McPhee approached the stage and paused to survey the packed ballroom in a downtown Washington, D.C., hotel. "I've been around the NHL for 30 years. My son [Graham] doesn't want to listen to me, but he will listen to Coach Mike and Coach Rob." It was a theme echoed over the four days by some CAPITALGAINS G The 2012 National Hockey Coaches Symposium Provides A Bold Platform For Sharing Ideas By HARRY THOMPSON manager and president of the Toronto Maple Leafs. "The lynchpin of the hockey system is the volunteer coach," said Burke, who was making his third appearance at a USA Hockey coaching symposium. "We are all in your debt, and we appreciate everything that you do. That's why I'm always willing to be here if it's humanly possible." The National Hockey Coaches Symposium is held every two years for coaches looking to attain their Level 5 coaching card, the highest level of USA Hockey certification. This marked the first time since the program's inception in 1985 that the symposium has been held in a Southern hockey market, something that organizers were proud to point out. "We worked hard for two years to bring this event here," of the most experienced coaches and administrators in the game, including Brian Burke, general manager of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Team and general 30 Above, Dan Bylsma, head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, talks about developing defensive skills. At left, USA Hockey President Ron DeGregorio offers a few welcoming remarks. said Ty Newberry, the Southeastern District coach in chief who spearheaded the effort to bring the even to the Nation's Capital. "We believe that the growth of hockey in the District warrants it. We've been fortunate to have players drafted from the area. A lot of that is attributed to coaches." One of the offshoots of hosting a OCTOBER.2012 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM PHOTOS BY Jack Witt