Page 16 - Sports Energey News - Issue No 99, Cornwall, Mike Piquette

16 Issue #99 March 2021
Continued from page 15
sports.
“I’m fortunate to work in the
sports field and through the CCAA
and Sport Canada, I’ve had so many
incredible personal development
opportunities over the years that
have helped me improve as an
employee, a coach, and a person,”
said Wilson. “With my job, much
like with coaching, the focus is on
giving athletes the best possible
experience.”
Currently, Wilson is the Assistant
Coach with the Seaway Valley U12
Rapids. He has worked with the
Rapids and 2009-born players for
several seasons - his 11-year-old
son, Zachary is enjoying his fourth
season with Seaway.
“I love the dedication and passion
these young players have at the AA
level and it’s been a pleasure to be
a part of their development over the
years,” said Wilson. “Our players
have displayed terrific attitudes and
remained focused and engaged on
the ice and during dryland training.
They would obviously love to play
real games but at the end of the day,
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they’re just happy to be on the ice whether they know it or not, their the time. It’s important to build
with their buddies. No matter what mentorship has been critical in my up trust and I believe in positive
is going on at home, at school, or in own development. In addition to reinforcement.”
the world, when your skates hit the working with my cousin Al, Brad Since Wilson has been involved
ice, nothing else matters.” Robertson, as well as Joe Harty in coaching for quite some time, he
When it comes to his coaching have been great mentors,” said has some terrific memories.
success, Wilson says he owes it to Wilson. “I am passionate about
the coaches he was surrounded by sports and hockey and I love sharing “With the Seaway Valley Rapids,
from a young age. that passion with young players. we have had some great success
Being part of a hockey team and over the years. Capturing the Taylor
“All coaches I have been creating life-long memories is Hall Cup Classic in Kingston
around have different styles and, special. The friendships you make in January 2019 is a personal
and bonds you create are priceless. favourite. We were also the first
There’s no better feeling than to Seaway team to earn a regular-
Cornwall’s Oldest Paint, see a young player work hard at season Hockey Eastern Ontario
Blind & Shutter Store. title that season,” said Wilson.
Family owned Business Since 1988 something, slowly gain confidence,
and eventually find success. At the “But my favourite memories
end of the day, I just try to do my come from 2013 to 16, when I
part to ensure these young athletes
had the pleasure of working with
enjoy coming to the rink every exceptional young boys and girls
in the Initiation Program with the
Babe Ruth sports hopefully for life. Ideally, South Stormont Minor Hockey
they will still love and play the
Association (SSMHA). Teaching
game when they’re my age. Being
a good teammate, having a great the game’s fundamentals to 4, 5,
work ethic, and being coachable and 6-year-olds also gave me a
– these are characteristics that are new appreciation for the game of
transferable to the real world.” hockey. I honestly had the time
of my life at those 7 and 8AM
Wilson is always aiming to build
up the young athletes and watch practices every Saturday and
them to develop while having fun. Sunday morning for three years in
Long Sault. For these kids, that’s
SAVE 50 % important to me, whether they are where they fell in love with the
UP UP
“The success of each player is
TO TO
game of hockey. Seeing the smiles
the leading scorer on the team or
a rookie defenceman who is just on their faces and the tremendous
SOL-R learning the ropes of competitive improvement they all made over
hockey,” said Wilson. “In my those three seasons, I’ll always
supportive role as an assistant cherish those wonderful memories.
Celebrating 33 years coach, I try to follow an 80/20 Whether those kids would move on
rule and give positive feedback to play AAA/AA or house league,
Quality & Service At The Right Price!
to players 80% of the time and it was a pleasure working with
constructive feedback 20% of each and every one of them.”