It’s an opportunity for her to grow as a coach but also help some more of Sault Ste. Marie’s young hockey players along the way.
That’s the goal for the Soo Thunderbirds minor midget team in adding local product Brianne Veale to their staff in a player development role.
Veale, who played five years at Brock University before returning home and beginning her own female hockey development program (Northern Elite Hockey Academy) and playing a role in developing female hockey players around Sault Ste. Marie, will work along with current Thunderbirds coaches Jamie Henderson, Laine Berton and Micky Sartoretto.
“I’ve worked with Jamie on a few initiatives within the community and have always admired his passion for hockey. After finishing my playing career at Brock, my goal was to strengthen female hockey development in the Sault. Over the last five years I have worked with females of all ages to build their skill and confidence for the game,” Veale said. “I’m at the point where I want to grow as a coach and this was a perfect opportunity. I’m interested in the male hockey dynamic and different areas of coaching that will be beneficial for me to use with girls I train. For this team, I believe we are at a point in society where females can and should be respected in this sport as a coach, whether it is with male or female athletes. Jamie understands this and wants to showcase to his young players the value of having a variety of coaching styles working together.”
Henderson, who serves as the Thunderbirds head coach, called it a good opportunity to have Veale join the staff.
“She’s got a really strong passion for the game,” Henderson said. “I got to know her pretty well over the last couple of years and I’ve got a lot of respect for what she’s doing with the girls and her skills development with the girls.
“Our staff is full of people who are really passionate and keen on player development,” Henderson added. “She suited that in a nutshell.”
The major role for Veale with the team is assisting in player development both on and off the ice.
“I will be assisting with player development, focusing on skill development, putting them through various skating, agility and puck control drills to enhance their skill but also take them out of their comfort zone,” Veale said.
“Most boys grow up with male coaching and maybe somebody on the team will mesh better with female coaching,” Henderson said. “She may have a better way of getting the message across than I would.
“We’re trying to develop every player,” Henderson added. “It’s not just about the top players. Having her on board brings more diversity to the staff and she has experience.”
Henderson went on to speak of Veale’s ability to give the players advice on playing at the college level and use her experience at Brock University.
“She’s been in pressure situations playing university hockey,” Henderson said. “She had the demands of school (as well). I never played university hockey, so I can’t tell you what it’s like to have a mid-term the day after practice. Now we have somebody that can share those types of experiences.”
Veale, who joins the staff along with former Soo Greyhounds defenceman Mark Matier, will join the team for practice this week ahead of the Great North Midget League season, which is scheduled to begin for the Thunderbirds on Sept. 15 at home against the Kapuskasing Flyers at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
Matier is joining the program in a similar role to Veale with a focus on player development.