Images taken courtesy of Coach Lee, 12/12/2019
“…as always, it is great seeing the spirit of grit and determination shine in the boys as they play out on the ice.”-Coach Di Donato
Passion, determination, teamwork, and dedication all come together on the ice as St. Augustine’s Varsity Boys Hockey Team skates their way to new heights. From facing off against the toughest of opponents (some even coming from Nova Scotia!) to overcoming new challenges on the ice, these athletes continue to demonstrate true Titan spirit time and time again. Behind the scenes, however, several hours of practice and coaching are required to accomplish the smooth sailing we see on the ice. Yet, with the support and guidance of team coaches—Mr. Di Donato, Mr. Nahr, Mr. Sinisi, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Darnley (the community coach)– leading the way, the hockey season is sure to be filled with many more amazing moments to come.
To gain an inside perspective on the coaching experience, Titan Times was lucky enough to interview two of the team’s amazing coaches: Mr. Di Donato and Mr. Darnley.
What would you say is one of your favourite moments from the hockey season so far?
Coach Darnley & Coach Di Donato: The mini-matches tournament at York University’s Canlan Ice Sports complex was a big moment for us. Our team has been continuing on a winning streak for three years in a row, and was even able to verse and win twice against a team hailing all the way from Nova Scotia!
Coach Di Donato: We were resigned when this team arrived in a full coach bus, wearing coordinated track suits and accompanied by six coaches! As they came flying out the door we saw that they also had their names on their jerseys, coordinated helmets, and matching uniform right down to the socks. But our team resolved to show the opponent what Titan spirit really looks like, and started off the tournament by welcoming them to Toronto. In the end, we had a fantastic win against the Nova Scotia Team in the finals to score a well-earned victory!
Coach Di Donato: And, as always, it is great seeing the spirit of grit and determination shine in the boys as they play out on the ice.
In your opinion, what do you think the greatest attribute that a hockey team should possess as a whole? How does this contribute to the success of the team?
Coach Di Donato: Spirit, and a will to push through during tough times. We often refer to it as “fire in the eyes!” It models a good example for the other kids that they, too, can reach their goals and achieve big things, and I think this often translates to success in other areas, such as school.
Coach Darnley: We should also keep in mind that the will to grow, play and have some fun, is essential. Winning will come with that naturally.
What do you think sets the hockey team here at St. Augustine apart from the rest?
Coach Darnley: Our team seems to be a lot more level headed. On the ice, when the other teams are really heated, our guys don’t retaliate…and they just go out and have fun. The dressing room is a riot, the benches are a riot. The boys really enjoy every moment! It’s different because our team includes players from grades 9 through 12. So, you have 13-14-year old’s playing with 16-17-year old’s, and everyone is accepting. And, of course, they have masterful coaching 🙂
Coach Di Donato: Coaches do put a lot of time into the sport, right down into the budgeting. They also play important roles in ensuring the mental and physical wellness of players. There are a lot of factors that go into the hockey season. Time, loyalty and commitment to the sport are essential, especially considering the length of the season, which spreads for a good 6 months or so. (because of exams, winter break and other scheduling matters.)
You have been coaching at St. Augustine for quite some time. How do you think the attitude towards hockey at St. Augustine has changed over the years?
Coach Darnley: The boys enjoy the sport and when they get together. There’s no fighting, no arguing, and the bench is a lot of fun. It is a great experience for the team.
Coach Di Donato: Just to add on, the boys have said in their later days that playing for their competitive teams can sometimes be a chore, but playing for the school is always a joy. They know the faces who they are representing during their hockey games. As a Titan, you are skating for your teachers, your friends, your loved ones and your peers. Really, that makes all the difference.
The hockey team consists of a diverse group of players, each with their own specialties and skill sets. How do you work towards creating a balanced team that allows these strengths to shine?
Coach Darnley: What I like to do is group the boys who have played together, as well as the boys who used to play together. I also take into consideration the boys who have special power plays and skills as well! We work to see who fits best for each role, and then just play with that to see how the team gets going. This group is pretty easy to work with because they are both talented and experienced.
What are the hockey team’s next upcoming goals for the future?
Coach Darnley: The team doesn’t really set any goals, they just play and have fun. With the talent and energy that the boys have, we know that goals will be reached, so we just enjoy ourselves and have a good time.
Coach Di Donato: We have had a lot of success with tournaments in the last 6 years or so, and we do feel like a strong contender to win the league championship.
What is next in store for the hockey team?
The team has 3 games to play in the month of January to wrap up the regular season. Playoffs will be occurring in the month of February and will extend over to the March break. Of course, St. Augustine’s hockey team is also the two-time defending champion of the Cabernet Cup and hopes to continue the winning streak this year!
Let’s continue to support the Varsity Boys Hockey Team in their next game as they play against Thornlea S.S. at the Angus Glen arena! Don’t forget to drop by to see some amazing action on the ice after school!
Also stay tuned for the next segment of “On the Ice,” featuring an inside scoop on the hockey team experience–from the perspectives of the athletes and timekeepers involved!
A special thanks to the coaches, timekeepers, and athletes of the Varsity Boy’s Hockey Team for participating in this interview segment. Let’s go Titans!
Titan Times 