Coach's Corner

Welcome to Coach’s Corner. This part of the website is my corner; more precisely your corner. It is where I share my coaching philosophy and where players (future, current & past), family, administrators and fans can find what to expect of me and my staff.

There are just over a hundred legitimate women’s college hockey programs in the country. The Ohio State University Women’s Club Hockey team is the first and only ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) program in the state.

The OSU Women’s Club Hockey program has seen an immense amount of positive changes in the last few years under Coach Cunningham. The team now plays many of the best women’s college hockey teams in the country.

Through it all, the basic goals of the club have remained the same; Players, coaches and staff of the team are ambassadors not only for the Ohio State University but for the city of Columbus and women’s hockey in the state of Ohio.

I am very humbled to be named the head coach of The Ohio State University Women’s Club Hockey team. I realize the immense responsibility and trust that comes with this position. I only hope I can match Coach Cunningham's dedication to the players and to the program. I am looking forward to continuing on the program’s excellence both on and of the ice.

It is my goal for The Ohio State University Women’s Club Hockey team to be considered nationally, as the premier hockey program in the ACHA.

My staff consists of highly qualified professionals. We are all dedicated to work with the players as coaches, teachers and mentors to foster academic excellence and develop hockey talents. We will always conduct ourselves so as to maintain the highest principles, integrity, and dignity of the sport of hockey.

The team’s Buckeye Credo will be the basis of mine and my staff’s coaching law.

OSU Women’s Club Hockey Buckeye Credo:

“We preach and practice the same fundamental lifestyle and hockey rules every day. Repetition begets routine, from routine comes consistency, and consistency begets a winning lifestyle and hockey team.”

Program Goals

My staff and I enjoy stating that the program goals are more than hockey goals. Rather, our main aspiration is be an important and valuable member of the community which helps prepares each student-athlete of The OSU Women’s Club Hockey program to live a positive, productive life through the life lessons found in athletic competition.

  1. TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON;
    1. Become the best team we can be.
    2. Help graduate all seniors.
    3. Have all eligible players return to the program the following year.
    4. Help those players that have the necessary skill and desire to advance to the next level of hockey.
  2. TO LEARN LIFE LESSONS;
    1. Development of interpersonal skills.
    2. Development of increased personal responsibility.
    3. Development of leadership skills.
    4. Development of self esteem.
    5. Development of problem solving skills.
    6. Learn teamwork.
    7. Make punctuality a habit.
    8. Overcome physical challenges.
  3. TO BUILD LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS THRU THE HOCKEY FAMILY.
  4. TO DEVELOP A STRONG PROGRAM FOUNDATION FOR THOSE TO FOLLOW.
  5. HAVE FUN!

There are no team rules, just expectations. A player can do no wrong as long as they follow the priorities and code developed by the players that serve as the foundation of The Ohio State University Club Hockey program. Everyone including myself and my staff is held accountable to the Code, without prejudice, emotion, or excuse.

The five character principals of the code are; LOVE the game, yourself and your teammates; let PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY be the driving force for what you do and when you do it; maintain INTEGRITY and CHARACTER to yourself and to the program and always strive for KNOWLEDGE.

Priorities

  1. Faith
  2. Family
  3. Academics
  4. Hockey
  5. Rest of the stuff

Participation

Being part of the OSU Women's Club Hockey program is open to all students of the university of all skill level. Practice is considered participation. Game time is a privilege that no individual player is guaranteed.

Training Camp

The team conducts a week long training camp to evaluate all players. The camp includes team meetings, on & off ice work outs, a hockey fitness test and volunteering at the Buckeye Ice Breaker Girl’s Hockey Tournament. All potential players are required to be in Columbus September 11, 2008 for the first meeting.

Organized Team Activities (OTA)

An OTA is a non-required event organized by the coaching staff. All events listed as an OTA are not mandatory and will not affect ice-time during the season.

OTAs are available to players as a tool to get better, faster and stronger. Those that can be there should be there.

In Season

Our season runs from September to the National Tournament in March. It includes up to 4 1/2 hours of on-ice practice a week, two 20 minute off-ice work out sessions as OTAs and an approximate 30 game schedule.

How We Coach

My staff and I understand our function goes beyond the ice rink. We understand it is to also educate students through participation in interscholastic competition. The rink serves as a classroom, practices provide skills, and competition allows for the pursuit of excellence. All of the coaches and team staff will always follow and adhere to the team’s coaches' guidelines:

  • The coaches will be aware that he or she has a tremendous influence, for either good or ill, on the student-athlete and, thus, will never place the value of a win above the objective of instilling the highest ideals and character traits in their players. The safety and welfare of the players will always be uppermost in their mind and these values must never be sacrificed for personal prestige or personal gain.
  • The coaches shall uphold the honor and dignity of the OSU Women's Club Hockey Program. The coaches will strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.
  • It is the right of a student who is participating in athletics to be safe and free from humiliation and intimidation at any team event. Any mental or physical humiliation and intimidation expressed by any player, coach or staff member towards any players, coach or staff member will not be tolerated. Circumstances will be dealt with severely.
  • Coaches will reflect critically on their own performance and take advantage of opportunities for professional growth.
  • The coaches and staff will constantly be alert to see that the OSU Women's Club Hockey Program is being conducted and promoted properly. While there are definable duties in which coaches hold primary responsibility, coaches are also responsible for having an awareness of all institutional activities that may affect their program's performance and reputation.
  • Coaches will not make any demands on a student-athlete that are inconsistent with The Ohio State Recreational Sports Office guidelines and regulations or in any way compromise the player’s academic pursuits.
  • Coach in accordance to season goals and objectives.
  • Show respect for the players and their families:
    • Players of the OSU Women's Club Hockey Program are to be treated as adults with equal or superior hockey skills.
    • No screaming and yelling on or from the bench during games, but tell it like it is.
    • Be judicious and consistent with discipline.
    • Be aware that their time is as valuable as yours. Be on time and be prepared. Have an agenda (or practice plan) for all events and stick to it.
    • Be patient and show restraint.
    • Be available in coaches’ office both before and after practice.

How We Coach

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

  • I will prepare my athletes to participate in the highest level of hockey possible while still maintaining the club team atmosphere that emphasizes academics, allows for a life outside of hockey, and prioritizes faith, family, and school before athletics.
  • I will teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
  • I will ensure that all athletes get equal instruction, support and opportunities.
  • I will not ridicule my athletes for making mistakes or performing poorly. I will remember that they play to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
  • I will obtain proper training and continue to upgrade my coaching skills.

Potential Players

If you would like to potentially be one of the select few that are part of this program, you are encouraged to mail/UPS any highlight videos or DVDs for evaluation.

A highlight tape can provide a realistic assessment of a prospective player's abilities in comparison to that of the team's. Send tapes/DVDs to the following: 31 Victorian Gate Way, Columbus, OH 43215, Attn: Coach Maxwell. You can also call me directly at 614-329-7658 or email me at CoachMaxwell@OSUWomensClubHockey.org





 
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