U13 Coach Corness Looking Forward to Player Development

As part of the lead-up to Try-outs (starting May 31, 2024), we are featuring our Head Coaches for the upcoming season.

The first interview is with U13AAA Head Coach Charlie Corness.

Tell us about your hockey playing career.

As a player, I was fortunate to play U13, U15, and U16 AAA Kings before moving on to play three years with the Thunder Bay Northstars Junior A team.

Tell us about your coaching experience.

As a coach, I have been very fortunate to help with Core Hockey and Superior Stride. Most recently I have been able to learn from Rick and Jeff Adduono while working together with Selects Development, allowing players to work on individual skills they can incorporate into gameplay.

I have been very fortunate to coach for two years in U11 AA as well as numerous spring and summer AAA teams. These experiences have helped me to grow as a coach and develop into the coach I am today.

Describe your coaching style.

My coaching style is very team-oriented and development-based. I believe every player deserves an equal opportunity to develop and grow throughout the season. I also believe that hockey is for players to have fun and grow as people, not just hockey players. With my style of coaching, I am very big on respect, discipline, accountability and work ethic.

What are the most important qualities for a hockey player, both on and off ice?

I strongly believe that the most important qualities for a hockey player are leadership, respect, compete, discipline, accountability and a strong work ethic.

How do you approach player development?

My approach to player development starts with ensuring every player feels welcomed, and respected. Player development on the ice is about developing and teaching basic hockey skills, and hockey systems, pushing each player to compete and helping each player to be the best player and the best person they can be.

Why did you apply to be a Kings coach for this season?

I applied to be a Kings coach for this season because I want to grow as a coach, and I want to push every player to be the best they can be. I was also very fortunate in my playing career to have many non-parent coaches. As a non-parent I believe I bring a different aspect to the team and a different voice for players to learn from.

What are you looking forward to the most about the upcoming season?

This season, I am looking forward to watching my whole team develop into respectable young men and coming together as a team to compete in the GTHL and provincials. I look forward to working with all players and parents to ice the best team and compete with the best teams in the province and country.

To register for Try-Outs, click HERE.