The summer hockey season is an exciting time. Indoor comes to the fore in this period, as do fun summer skill programs.  The coaching and support that is provided in the off season cannot be under estimated, but is often under valued as it is not “hockey season”.

A big thanks to all who have stepped up to help at this time of year. With over 100 juniors playing indoor hockey and 50 or so children playing under 12s on a Thursday night there is a lot to do.

We have many parents who have taken coaching roles: Theresa Braunsch with the under 14 Girls at skateworld,  Michael Gow together with Andrew and Lindsay Layzell at Thursday night under 12s at Farm rd. For the indoor club championships Andrew McLoughney, Jason Jansz, and Oliver Lawton, coached while Alison Thomas and Ken Sandars are coaching the under 13 pennant team at Dandenong. Stephen Blatherwick and Peter Paice are sharing the coaching of the under 13 shield.

We have also incredibly fortunate to have many from the senior section that have put the hand up to help over summer. Chris Silvers, yet again, is helping coaching, this time with the under 16 boys at Skateworld. Chris is always one of the first to put up his hand to help, Chris thanks so much. We have two new coaches – Stephen Georgeallis and Hugh Stimson working with the under 12s at Skateworld. Great to see some new faces. Lachie Eddington has stepped back to coaching with the under 14s at Skateworld.  The Thursday night under 12s at Farm  are lucky to have Julian and Jess Pratt guiding them along each week.

For other indoor Aiden McLoughney co-coached the under 18 boys in the club championships, Michael Pearce coached the under 13 boys with Josh Ephraums, while Pearcey is also coaching the under 15 team at Dandenong. Josh also coached the under 15 boys club championships with Jesse Workman, while Jesse also helped with the 15 girls.

For every team we have playing there is a team manager making sure the team is present while for each area there is administration that makes sure it happens. Thanks Vicki Gartly for helping with the under 12s.

Competitions do not go ahead without umpires, and officials. Thanks.

Without these people giving up their own time our young players would not have the great environment to have fun, learn and gain confidence. A big thanks to these people.