Submitted Story /
It was the year that Coldplay rocked. Not the British alternative-rock band known for its hits, “Yellow” and “Trouble. But rather, it was the spectacular season of the North Vancouver Minor Hockey Atom C5 team, also known as “Coldplay,” the only House team in any age group to go undefeated in league play this season.
“Coldplay” ended up with a record of 10-0-3 this year, and was among the top teams in terms of fewest goals against.
Although that seems like a remarkable accomplishment, this was never the team’s goal.
Throughout the season, the team simply concentrated on some very simple basics.
“I know that all the coaches on the team share the thought that skating is of the utmost of importance,” said head coach Trevor Williams, adding that beyond that, the team tries to, “just have some fun,” especially during practices, to keep their 9- and 10-year old kids engaged.
Practices are structured, to a degree. Although Williams, as well as assistants Mike Walker and Dan Wicks, have benefited from a new North Vancouver Minor Hockey program that has emphasized strict skating training at practices once a week.
“Our skill development coach was very good at coming up with skating drills throughout the season, and I thought that he was excellent in his teaching and demonstrations as well,” said Williams.
“I think being very consistent with our practice structure was good for the boys, as they knew what to expect, and it therefore made us more efficient.”
But of course, it’s not that simple, especially for a team that has had so much success so far this year.
“We’re really lucky to be so talented,” said assistant coach Walker. “We had a solid gang of kids that wanted to excel and learn. They quickly picked up on what we could teach them, [and the boys] felt they had a duty to their teammates.”
The amazing thing about C5 Coldplay isn’t their record of success, but rather the way success has been spread around the team. Coach Williams credits several of the second-year, 10-year-olds as being the backbone of the team: a centreman, a defenceman, and the goalie.
But he also notes importantly that the team is essentially built from the defence out.
“We’ve always started with a strong D, and then filled in at forward to round the team out.”
Coldplay never really had a “superstar” this season, something that is unusual at the House level in Atom. The team has had a core of regular goal-scorers, but points have been spread across the entire roster.
“I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t have a point this year,” said assistant coach Walker. “We’ve had a lot of different goal scorers, and that has helped the development and confidence of all our kids.”
“I think [the coaches] believe that we are teaching life lessons,” says Walker. “And I think we are instilling the key thing—enjoyment of the game.”
Coldplay is presently in Atom playoffs. And that means that their record of success so far this season is only as good as their next game. |