From NHL Defenseman to Youth Mentor: Introducing the CEO and Founder of CoachThem, Mike Weaver

In the world of hockey, some players leave a memorable mark on the sport. They excel on the ice and dedicate themselves to shaping the next generation of athletes.

Meet Mike Weaver, a retired NHL defenseman who played for the Montreal Canadiens, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Atlanta before retiring in 2015. Each of these experiences has shaped his passion for the game. Once hanging up his skates in the professional hockey world, Mike continued to grow the game with his hockey school of 23 years, called Defence First. While teaching the next generation of young players, he then created CoachThem; with a mission to provide his vast knowledge to both coaches and players who are eager to reach the NHL level.

 

 

Mike's journey from a young aspiring hockey player to a seasoned NHL defenseman was filled with dedication, hard work, and perseverance; all of which he teaches his students now. Mike attributes his unusually long career based on his 5’9” stature due to creating Defence First. The school's primary focus is teaching influence in all on-ice situations. Don’t just play the Game; Think the Game. Defining what Mike did in all in-game situations while creating the school allowed him to evolve his game. Mike's journey was a true hockey odyssey, from understanding the importance of positioning on the ice, to mastering the art of influencing, all led to taking back control of his game.

When Mike decided to retire, he was still young and strongly desired to give back to the hockey community that had given him so much. He understood that his experience as a defenseman could be invaluable to young players aiming to make it to the NHL. Becoming a coach was not just a post-retirement option but a calling to shape the future of the sport he loves.

 

 

As the CEO and Founder of CoachThem, Mike’s primary focus is on nurturing the potential of young players. He believes every aspiring hockey star deserves the best guidance and training to unleash their full potential. Mike’s coaching philosophy revolves around building a solid foundation, instilling discipline, implementing holistic practices, and fostering a growth mindset in his players.

Being a defenseman is a unique role that requires a combination of skill, intelligence, and leadership. In Mike’s hockey school program, he stresses several critical points about excelling as a defenseman:

1. Influencing: Stop chasing the puck. Instead of Reading and Reacting, let's Initiate and Dictate all citations.

2. Think the Game: Be one step ahead of your opponent. Know what he is thinking and direct where you want them.

3. Offensive Defenseman: Be a threat on the offensive side. Offensive situations occur both in the Defensive and Offensive zones.

4. Leadership and Communication: Defensive play is a big part of a team's backbone. Communicating with their teammates on the ice is so vital.

 

 

Throughout Mike’s career, he encountered numerous challenges that moulded him into a resilient player and coach. He shares his personal experiences with his students, teaching them how to bounce back from setbacks and turn them into stepping stones toward success.

Mike Weaver’s journey from a prominent NHL defenseman to a passionate coach, mentor, and business owner exemplifies the true spirit of hockey. Through CoachThem and his hockey school, Mike nurtures the potential of countless young players, inspiring them to dream big and strive for greatness. As these aspiring athletes absorb the wisdom of a seasoned defenseman, they’re equipped with the skills, knowledge, and determination to step confidently onto the path leading to the NHL and beyond. Mike’s dedication to shaping the future of hockey serves as a testament to the profound impact a single individual can have on the sport they love.

Incorporating drills for hockey defencemen, CoachThem provides an online coaching tool that assists in creating an effective ice hockey practice plan. This platform empowers coaches with a comprehensive suite of resources designed to enhance training sessions and optimize player development.

 

Blog written by Kelsey Dold in collaboration with CoachThem CEO, Mike Weaver

July 20, 2023

 

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