AP RAIDERS U16AA (25/26) - COACH PROFILE & TEAM INFORMATION
HEAD COACH - DARRYL FELGEMACHER
I grew up in Ajax playing minor hockey for the Ajax Knights, as well as the Ajax Pickering Raiders (AAA); I also played Junior C during my hockey career. I was a part of some very competitive and Championship winning teams growing up and won a number of championships at all levels. I began coaching in 2018 for Ajax Minor Hockey and since the merge of Ajax and Pickering MHA's, this year will be my 4th season coaching with the Ajax Pickering Raiders. Outside of coaching, I am an instructor with 'For Pride or Passion Hockey School' with my Assistant Coach Chad Glode.
COACHING TEAM & DEVELOPMENT
Coach Chade Glode is a non-parent coach for the U16AA team. I have known Chad since I was twelve years old and played many years with him at the AAA level.
Chad comes with a wealth of knowledge about the game. Playing at the junior level, as well as over in Europe, he comes with an abundance of hockey knowledge and experience. It has been amazing to coach together and it really hammers home what the hockey world has to offer, lifelong friendships.
For on ice development, Chad and I really emphasize a team game - a lot of puck movement and trust in your line mates. Our biggest demand from players is a strong work ethic; nothing bad ever comes from working hard.
PAST ACHIEVEMENTS
Since the merge I have coached teams to the following achievements:
3rd straight winning season
Finishing in 4th, 2nd and 3rd place
3 tournament wins
ICE TIMES
The past few seasons, I have averaged about 95 hours of ice time. I always finish above the number of hours given by the association, meaning we do pick extra ice up from time to time. This past season I finished with 120 hours of ice time. All of our ice times were prime slots and usually fixed days, with some ice being picked up on other days that we did not already have scheduled.
THE APR ASSOCIATION
The AP Raiders Association has been a very great experience for me the past 3 years. Merging Ajax and Pickering gave us the opportunity to build strong and competitive teams to compete in the LOR. The office staff are very diligent in getting things done and very supportive of us; they are great at communicating with coaches and most times go above and beyond to help get things accomplished.