AP RAIDERS U15A (26/27) - COACH PROFILE & TEAM INFORMATION
HEAD COACH - BRIAN CRAWFORD
Welcome to the Ajax Pickering Raiders, My name is Brian Crawford and I am excited to have the opportunity to coach the U15A team this upcoming season.
With 11 years of experience coaching minor hockey with the Ajax Pickering Hockey Association as well as Durham West Lightning I have a passion for developing young athletes, I believe my skill set and leadership experience make me ideal to help elevate the performance of your player both on and off the ice.
I am excited to start my 5th season as the Head Hockey Coach for the U15A Ajax Pickering Raiders, I have held the head coaching role for the past four years as well with the U11A, U12A, U13A and U14A teams. During this time, I have successfully led my teams to develop their technical skills, enhance their teamwork, and build their confidence. My Development 1 certification has further strengthened my ability to create structured, high-impact training sessions that are tailored to the needs of young players.
In addition to my coaching experience, I have played competitive hockey at a high level in the GTHL and continue to play today. My experience on the ice gives me a unique perspective on player development, and my ability to relate to and motivate athletes is something I take great pride in.
Beyond hockey, I currently lead a team of 18 sales professionals at Johnson Controls, where I have honed my leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Leading a successful team in a corporate environment has strengthened my ability to motivate individuals toward a shared goal, something I find equally rewarding when coaching young athletes. Whether in a business or athletic context, I am driven by the opportunity to help others succeed and achieve their full potential.
Hockey is my passion, and I find immense fulfillment in seeing young players grow both on and off the ice. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my knowledge, experience, and leadership to the U14A Team.
My program
My coaching philosophy revolves around the belief that player development is paramount at this age level. I adhere to the Hockey Canada development model, focusing on a balanced approach: 45% on technical skills and individual tactics, 40% on team tactics and team play, and 15% on strategy. I design practice plans that incorporate these elements, ensuring players receive a well-rounded and comprehensive development experience. I will also be engaging in outside development groups to focus specifically on Skating, individual skill tactics , dedicated Goalie development as well as off ice strength training. Furthermore, I strongly believe in the value of off-ice team-building, and will regularly organize events to foster camaraderie and teamwork such as video review sessions, training camp activities, team parties and community volunteer work. Through all of this the goal is to help players develop not just as athletes, but as individuals.
Tournaments play a large part in not only player development but building team cohesiveness and an opportunity for all players to have fun. I will be looking to enter our team in 4-5 Tournaments for the upcoming season with 1-2 being out of town. Over the past few seasons we have competed in the Gene Harrington Classic Tournament in Buffalo and The CANAM Lake Placid Tournament, both have been incredibly successful on and off the ice and have become the teams favorite memories of the hockey season.
Past Achievements
One of the greatest rewards of coaching for me is seeing players improve throughout the season. I pride myself on creating an environment where players feel challenged and supported, enabling them to reach their full potential. Notable achievements from my past seasons include advancing in the Lakeshore playoffs, medaling in multiple tournaments, including the Gene Harrington Classic in Buffalo and most recently in the CANAM Lake Placid tournament. These successes are a direct reflection of the hard work, dedication, and teamwork instilled in our players throughout the season.
Association
Ajax Pickering Raiders is the place to play.
The Ajax Pickering Minor Hockey Association has a dedicated Board of Directors and Executive that are all non-parent members, eliminating any perceived conflict of interest or favoritism; their dedication to our Minor Hockey Association is limitless, with no personal gain other than the success of our Association and its players/teams. We have a full administrative staff to support parents and players through all aspects of the season. The Ajax Pickering Minor Hockey Association has a solid foundation of continuous and unwavering support for our Coaches, Players and AP Raiders families.