Mike Shaw analyzes the action with Coach Stirling Wright in the background. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar) Tri City Icehawks Assistant Hockey Coaches Make a Difference
October 9, 2011
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As part of Tri City's focus on developing strong young men and talented hockey players, the Tri City Icehawks have enhanced their program with the addition of two quality assistant coaches in Jose Ledesma and Mike Shaw. These two coaches complement each other by coming from different perspectives but have the same love and desire to develop young hockey players.
Jose Ledesma brings with him a wealth of experience and success spanning over 15 years of coaching youth hockey. Originally Jose got started like many fathers coaching his son's teams. Starting with mini-mites, atoms as they used to be known as, he continued coaching though the ranks to the top youth level of midgets, 15-18 year olds.
Jose's love for teaching and developing young hockey players has gone deeper than coaching youth teams. He has stepped in as assistant coach for the Icehawks in 2008 before stepping over to help coach at the high school level with the Bay City Wolves. Along the way, Jose has either lead or assisted his teams to championships or runner-ups at all levels including an undefeated PeeWee State Championship for the 2007-2008 season.
In addition to coaching youth teams, Jose has been part of the coaching staff for the Michigan High School Hockey Excellence Program. This is a program sanctioned by the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches Association that showcases the best sophomore, junior and senior players in a 4-day summer training camp. Jose has also been part of the USA Hockey Development Program since 2009. This program provides local associations in the Midwest with a blueprint for optimal athlete development focusing on age-appropriate training utilizing long-term athlete development principles.
Jose's experience, training and dedication will be a tremendous asset to Coach Wright's staff and the Icehawk family.
Mike Shaw just recently joined the Icehawks staff and brings with him a unique perspective to the bench that will great help these young players. Mike has that "been there done that" perspective having played through the junior league ranks while focusing on coaching.
Coach Shaw is a local player having graduated from Central High School. He played in the junior circuit starting with the then, Bay City Blizzard Junior Hockey team as well as with the Jackson Prowlers and the Youngstown, OH team all of the Continental Elite Hockey League. He also played with the Junior Flint Generals for 1½ years.
Coach Shaw's interest in coaching started while he was playing. He began coaching youth hockey when he was 16 years old and just really getting into the Junior league circuit. Ultimately he became an assistant coach for Mt. Pleasant High School which enhanced his skill beyond teaching the fundamentals of stick handling and shooting but also the skills of managing a game from behind the bench at a different competitive level.
More recently, Mike Shaw landed the head coaching job for the rival Kalkaska Roughnecks of the GLJHC starting the season. After recruiting his roster and starting the season, professional differences in player development of this young franchise lead to the parting of ways making Coach Shaw available to help the Icehawks.
Coach Wright, who was instrumental of assisting the Roughnecks gain entry into the GLJHC before Coach Wright was hired by the Icehawks, didn't let this opportunity slip away and quickly added Shaw to his staff. "Coach Shaw and I ran a recruiting training camp together in Holland this past summer," reflected Coach Wright. "We really hit it off and worked well together. I liked his dedication and approach to skill development of the young players and feel he will fit in well to my philosophy for the Icehawks".
This combination of experience and training Jose Ledesma possess coupled with the youthful enthusiasm and determination of Mike Shaw will prove to be a great asset to Coach Wright and the Icehawks organization.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)
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TRICITYICEHAWKS Says:
On October 11, 2011
at 10:27 AM
What a wonderful story honoring these professional coaches, with such strong dedication to the game of hockey. Well deserved, thank you.
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John Keuvelaar |
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