AP RAIDERS U8MD (25/26) - COACH PROFILE & TEAM INFORMATION
HEAD COACH - BRENT CHANDLER
I am excited to introduce myself as the new U8MD Head Coach of the Ajax Pickering Raiders. Myself and my family have been involved with the association for as long as I can remember and it’s a great honour to now be able to give back to the organization where it all began.
PLAYER HISTORY AND COACHING BACKGROUND
I have a long history of competitive hockey. In my younger years I played AAA and Jr. A hockey locally in Pickering. Eventually I went on to play NCAA Division 3 at Marian college in Wisconsin. Upon my return home from college my desire and drive to play competitive hockey continued as I played for the Whitby Dunlops. I continue to play recreationally today and my love for the game remains.
My coaching experience is well rounded and varied. As a young adult I worked for many years at Ontario Hockey School, our family run hockey program. There I worked with athletes of differing ages and ability levels. Then, once I stopped playing competitive hockey, the next most natural move was to get into coaching. I have coached at many levels from House League to Jr. A all within Durham. I am currently coaching house league U7 and assisting as a development instructor with the DHD program. My coaching experience is not exclusive to hockey. I have also coached youth soccer, baseball and lacrosse.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
The goal is to provide a safe and rewarding hockey experience for the players and their families. I look to provide a culture of respect, hard work and accountability. My role is to not only help make your child a better hockey player but also to assist in instilling in them great values, respect and a love for the game. Every player will have their chance to make a difference on our team. I want every player to be excited to come to the rink, not only to learn but more importantly at this age, to HAVE FUN. Bad coaching at this age can have a negative effect on a child. I take that fact seriously and to heart and I will make it my mission to create a positive, supportive and engaging atmosphere. Lessons can be learned in every shift, every game and every practice.
ARENAS/ICE TIME
Our players can expect to be on the ice for approximately 130 hours during the season, which averages 4x per week (including away games and three tournaments). The previous U8MD team had fixed evenings during the week, and weekend afternoons, split between the three arenas in Ajax-Pickering.
ASSOCIATION
The APMHA 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 MHA 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 APMHA has a solid foundation of continuous and unwavering support for our Coaches, Players and AP Raiders families.