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Tweets from the INFLUENCE YOU HAVE" —GEORGE MCPHEE, KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT THE 2012 NATIONAL HOCKEY COACHES SYMPOSIUM UNDERESTIMATE THE "DON'T EVER symposium of this scale was the opportunity that it afforded to local coaches to gain knowledge and experience that they can in turn pass on to others in their association and Affiliates. "We have 106 coaches from Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., who registered for this symposium," said John Coleman, president of the Potomac Valley Amateur Hockey Association. "This is a great experience for them to learn from professional coaches and go back to their programs and talk about what is happening. There's a real ripple effect through the Affiliate and the District. That's what we want." In addition to general sessions, coaches learned innovative approaches to coaching through intensive breakout sessions dedicated to the specific age level of the players they're coaching. "For me it's like taking a sip of water out of a fire hose," said Micah Stipech, a high school hockey coach from Houghton, Mich. "It's been fantastic to be a part of this. Not only were there so many great speakers who have put out a lot of great information, but it's an opportunity to network with other coaches and find out how they do things." Even those who played and coached at the highest level found the symposium to be worth their while as they listened to NHL coaches such as Dan Bylsma, Kevin Dineen and Joe Sacco, as well as former NTDP coaches Ron Rolston and John Hynes, who now coach in the American Hockey League. "Whether you're an elite coach or have played in the NHL or even if you have never played a day, being here is about sharing ideas," said Matt Herr, a former NHL player who recently coached the U.S. Under-18 Select Team at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament in Piestany, Slovakia. "There aren't many times when people are willing to share what they know. They're all worried about winning, and this is my secret and that is your secret. Here you have NHL coaches standing up there giving away their secrets. "I think it makes a good statement about USA Hockey that we're all in it together and we're all here to help each other and progress to become a better coach." The first year of Level 5 certification was 1985 as the brainchild of Ken Johannson, the creator of USA Hockey's Coaching Education Program, and typically features a number of professional, college and international coaches discussing various aspects of coaching. Over the years the symposium has grown into a celebration of grassroots coaches in addition to those who have achieved the highest levels of the game. "Some people may walk away from here with 100 things and others may take away one," Herr said. "But I guarantee you that everyone here walks away with something." N USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER.2012 31