Nonis Gives Hockey Hopefuls a Few Pointers

In his working life, recently-appointed Anaheim Ducks’ senior hockey consultant Dave Nonis spends a great deal of his time watching hockey.

It’s not much different in his leisure time. But in the latter his focus is on fun.

“I like going out, it’s one of the best parts of the game seeing kids play,” says Nonis, who has spent part of this week helping out as a guest instructor at the Vancouver Hockey School at the Richmond Ice Centre.

“They still really enjoy (the game at this age) and it’s important to try to keep it that way. It’s not supposed to be work. They can work hard when they’re out here, but the process has to be enjoyable.”

Nonis has always found time to give back to minor hockey—even during the period from May 2004 to April 2008 when his workload was extra heavy as vice president and general manager of the Vancouver Canucks. This is his third summer helping out at the Vancouver Hockey School under the guidance of Derek Popke, for whom he has a great deal of respect.

“The biggest thing in a good hockey school is the quality of instruction,” Nonis says. “It’s got to be beneficial for the kids, and what they’re learning and the quality of instruction is as important as anything. Derek and his (colleagues) have done this for a long time and they’re very good at it. If you look at the kids from Monday to Friday generally you won’t find any kid that hasn’t improved.”

Popke reguarly works with players of all ages, including a dozen NHLers this summer. He is particularly respected for his skating instruction.

“Skating itself is maybe more important than it’s ever been,” says Nonis. “If you can’t skate you can’t play at a high level. And the pace of the game is continuing to increase.”

But, adds Nonis, you also have to be able to control the puck while skating at a high speed.

“There’s a lot of technique and skill that goes into it and it’s something people generally don’t learn on their own. They need some instruction. It’s also important for players to be able to improve in all areas of their game and this group is very comprehensive (in its instruction).”

A defenceman with the University of Maine Black Bears during his playing career, before getting into management at the NHL level, Nonis says he’s lucky to be working in hockey.

“I love coming to the rink, whether it’s the NHL rink or watching 10- and 11-year-olds play,” he says. “If (as a player) you’re not enjoying coming to the rink either to play or practice then you shouldn’t be involved.”

Richmond minor hockey player Brayden Low, a member of last season’s B.C. Bantam B champions, was among the campers. He said what he’s learned this week was nothing short of awesome.

“Derek’s a great instructor,” he said.

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Hockey’s no holiday for Beach

By Don Fennell
Sports Editor

Rich Harden has given a few tips to his cousin about life in pro sports.

And Kyle Beach, a projected ten pick in the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft, has appreciated each word of advice from the Oakland Athletics’ pitcher.

But be assured that Beach is his own man, as he demonstrated last season as a member of the Everett Silvertips. He showed he can score with 29 goals and 61 points, and proved just as tough with 196 penalty minutes. The combination earned him rookie-of-the-year honours in the Western HockeyLeague and the admiration and respect of teammates, foes, coaches, scouts and fans alike. And at 17-years-old, he’s already 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds with a commitment to get even better.

“He’s really strong and mature already, and has mental toughness too,” marvels his skating coach Derek Popke, who was challenging Beach with some demanding high-level drills during a session Thursday at the Richmond Ice Centre.

“A lot of players have skill but what they lack is that battle and compete level,” adds Popke. “He’s definitely got that. He’s the future of the NHL; not only can he back himself up, but put the puck in the net so the team can use him on the powerplay or when games get rough.”  

                                                                                                Derek Popke with Kyle Beach (middle) and Zach Hamill

While Beach is aware of his stock, he’s keeping a level head. In fact, he’s remarkably humble.

“I’ve just got to continue to go out and do what I can,” he says. “If you’re worried about the draft that’s not going to help you. You can’t have that on the ice because when you’re nervous and worried about making mistakes that’s when you’re going to make them.”

Beach is also quick to compliment those around him. Considered a natural centre, he played the wing last season on a line centered by Zach Hamill who was selected eighth overall in the first round by the Boston Bruins in this year’s NHL Entry Draft.

“He’s an unbelievable player who complements my game well,” Beach says of Hamill, with whom he often trains during the off-season.

And of Popke, Beach says: “He’s a great guy who knows exactly what he’s doing. Skating is one of my weaknesses and him being a tall guy like me, he’s helped me a lot. I’m hoping to go back to Everett stronger and faster so I’m not wasting energy while I’m skating.”

Beach also works frequently with local strength and conditioning coach Scott Hebert in Richmond. Having previously worked with the Vancouver Canucks, Hebert knows what it takes to be a regular in the NHL and says Beach has all the tools.

“We’re treating him like a number-one one draft pick now and I know he appreciates it,” Hebert says. “To play in the NHL is not easy and he’s working out (with other NHLers) and seeing what the guys already in the pros do. I can’t see anything but good coming out of it.”

Hebert encourages young players like Beach and Hamill to work on gaining as much strength as they can right now.

“Kyle just turned 17 and being that age certainly hasn’t realized his maximum strength,” Hebert explains. “But the next five years are critical. And good training now can carry you well into your 30s. If I have any advice for kids it’s to do your training properly when you’re young.”

Both Popke and Hebert are impressed by the level of dedication Beach is showing toward his off-season training. They also credit former Everett coach Kevin Constantine for his progress.

“Both Beach and Hamill were offensive stars when they went to Everett and they will tell you right off the bat it was a huge advantage for them playing under Constantine (who demanded attention to detail and the ability to play without the puck),” Popke says. “He molded them into being full-package players.”

Beach’s favourite NHL player is Jarome Iginla, the captain of the Calgary Flames.

“He’s a leader and a good guy, willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Beach says. “He’s kind of what I want to be like; someone who can contribute in all aspects of the game.”

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Managing The Game

Once the long-awaited signing of Trevor Linden was complete, Dave Nonis happily exchanged his business attire for a warm-up suit, a pair of skates, and a hockey stick Tuesday at Vancouver Hockey School.

A pretty fair defenceman in his playing days, captaining the University of Maine Black Bears to back-to-back National Collegiate Athletic Association championship tournaments in 1987 and 1988, the Vancouver Canucks’ general manager spent part of the day helping out at Vancouver Hockey School in Richmond. During one drill, he stopped the  minor hockey d-men and gathered them together to explain how to adjust their gap control.

“Having Dave attend the camp each year as an instructor is excellent for the kids,” said Derek Popke (pictured right with Canucks GM Dave Nonis), who conducts both the Vancouver Hockey School and the island's Victoria Hockey School. “Not only does he help all the kids, but he is able to lend some great tips.”                                                                                               

Nonis, 41, doesn’t get on the ice as much as he’d like to, so whenever he gets a chance he tries to take advantage of it.

“Obviously I have a job that I can be around the game a lot, but being around minor hockey kids and your own children (his son Nick, a Peewee-aged player, was one of the camp participants) when they’re playing is probably the most fun you’re ever going to have.”

Nonis stressed that hockey—or any sport for that matter—can’t be work for children.

“It’s something where if they’re dreading coming out, that’s not what you want to have,” he said. “Fortunately Nick likes to be around the game.”

Nonis fears as a society we’ve lost focus on what youth sport should be about.

“A lot of parents are looking for something more from their children than they’re going to get,”’ he said. “What they should be looking for is (that their children are getting a positive experience.

“Athletics is a big part of children’s lives and they should enjoy what they’re doing,” he continued. “It doesn’t mean they can’t be competitive, or learn about striving to be the best they can be. If some of these children end up being professional players that’s great, but at the very least they should learn to love the game, or love the sport they’re playing.”

Graduating with a masters of business administration degree from the University of Maine, Nonis said sports helped to prepare him for his future career in hockey management.

“You learn a lot about yourself through athletics, not necessarily just how good a player you can become” he explained. “There are a lot of life lessons you can learn.”

Other than his parents, he considers among his biggest influences his college coach Shawn Walsh, whom he followed to the University of Maine after initially expecting to go Michigan State following his B.C. Hockey League career with his hometown Burnaby Bluehawks.

Another major influence has been Anaheim Ducks’ general manager Brian Burke, who was Nonis’ agent as a player. The two became good friends and worked together in the NHL offices and later for the Canucks. Nonis replaced Burke as the Canucks’ general manager in 2004 after six years as director of hockey operations.

It was while playing at the higher levels, including a season in Denmark and a year as an assistant coach for Walsh, that Nonis learned the importance of self-discipline, training and competing. And not easily accepting defeat.

“A lot of those lessons you learn when you’re a little bit older, in a competitive environment, you can bring to everyday life,” he said. “It’s why I think a lot of things we’re teaching kids should be based on those principles, not necessarily becoming an NHL player.”

But for those who aspire to become NHLers, the level of instruction has never been better, he said.

GM Nonis went on to say “I’ve known Derek (Popke) a couple of years now and he’s done a good job with all levels of players from young guys all the way to professionals”. “And he relates well to children and mature players". While it’s hard to project where 18 year olds are going to be, it’s come a long way. The ability to train with specialized people like Derek (Popke) (whose forte is skating) and strength trainers have given those guys a leg up on guys from 15 to 20 years ago.”

That said, skating remains the most important skill in hockey, he stressed.

“It still comes down if you can’t skate, you can’t play,” Nonis said.

“It takes a real special player in other areas to be able to play the game without being a naturally quality skater. It’s the biggest component of our game. And there are different areas you have to be strong at, not just speed, but also power, quickness, agility, and the ability to change direction.

“To me, skating is something you have to concentrate on if a player wants to become good at whatever level, whether it’s just a good minor hockey player or a pro.“

Pulling back on his manager’s hat, Nonis said he enjoys working in an environment where hockey matters and expectations are great.

“I think it helps you do your job to your utmost abilities,” he said.

Ensuring the Canucks, or any team for that matter, is competitive in the salary cap era isn’t easy. And a team can’t simply use money to attract players.

“You have to create an environment where players want to play because they’re a lot freer. You want players to thrive in the environment and want to win and raise their families here. I think we’re moving in that direction, we’re in a pretty good spot compared to a lot of teams.”

Nonis also believes in building from the net out.

“Obviously we’ve got Roberto (Luongo in goal) and the back end is the most critical part of any team that has a chance to win. So our defence and goaltending is where we’re going to continue to focus.

“But, he said, “you also need to develop players better than you’ve ever done, young players that can contribute are more important than they ever were.

“It’s not like before where if you had a competitive team you could keep it together for five or six years if you had the money,” he said.

“Those days are over. You’re probably going to have two or three years if you have a chance, and then you have to retool.

“That’s why you always want to have young players coming,” Nonis said.

“If you don’t, especially from the bottom, then you’re not going to have a chance to win.”

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PLAYERS AIM FOR SECOND GEAR WITH PRO SKATING COACH

By Don Fennell
Sports Editor


The line between playing in the National Hockey League and a career in the minors can be infinitely fine.

Ajay Baines and Brad Leeb know just how narrow the margin really is. Baines, 27, is captain of the Norfolk Admirals of the American Hockey League, top farm club of the Chicago Blackhawks. A graduate of the Kamloops Blazers, the legendary junior hockey factor that has produced countless future NHLers, he signed as a free agent with the Hawks in 2001.

	Mark Patrick photos A determined Ajay Baines (inset, left) is hoping a summer working with Derek Popke on all aspects of skating will help him earn a call-up this season by the Chicago Blackhawks. He's currently captain of the NHL team's top minor pro affiliate in Norfolk, Virginia. Former Canuck and Maple Leaf Brad Leeb (above) is hoping for another shot in the NHL.

Obviously, Baines has the character to make it to the big show but his skating has perhaps been an Achilles heel. He re-signed with Chicago for another year earlier this month and hopes a dedicated off-season working with skating coach Derek Popke will help him realize his long-awaited dream of playing in the Windy City.

"I'm not a great skater so it's something I've got to keep working on," said Baines following a recent workout at the Richmond Ice Centre. "This actually is the first summer where I've actually worked through the whole summer, and Derek has been great.

"There are so many different areas (of skating) like turning, balance, keeping my posture, how to skate with the puck and how to fight off defenders." Baines continued. "Any little thing I can get (will help)."

Baines said he's noticed improvement in all areas from the first day he joined Popke in June to now.

"Derek is a great skater and he shows you what to do. That makes a big difference from just being told what to do. Everyone else is getting better too and the older you get you've got to keep working on little things. If it's just a split second faster that I'm going to be able to get to a puck that could be the difference (for) maybe five more goals or perhaps a call-up to Chicago."

At 26, Leeb enjoyed a prolific junior career with the Red Deer Rebels before turning pro in 1999 as a member of the Vancouver Canucks' organization. He played four games with the Canucks over two seasons before being dealt to the Toronto Maple Leafs where he played one game two years ago. He had 49 points for the St. John's Maple Leafs, Toronto's AHL affiliate, during the 2004-05 season but was not re-signed by the Leafs and is currently a free agent.

"I hope a team steps up," he said, adding that he would like to continue playing in North American for a couple more seasons at least. However, Europe is also an option. His brother is playing in Germany and there has been some interest in Brad joining him.

Skating is not a problem for Leeb, but he decided to take lessons from Popke just the same so that he could work on controlling the puck while retaining his speed.
"Some guys like to be on the ice a lot and just scrimmage. I think this scenario is a bit better because you get kind of rusty out there and it's great to be able to work on little drills with Derek. It helps to get physically ready and your skating back to where it is during the season."

Popke, who works with several hockey players in different stages of their careers, said he isn't looking to change too much with players such as Baines and Leeb. He said the goal is simply to tweak things.

"It might be balancing or getting a longer stride by getting lower to the ice," Popke explained. "But if a skater wide tracks already at their level it's best not to change that. Still, even changing a tiny thing can be the difference to being called up or that opportunity going to the next guy. It's a game of inches and if you can start grabbing on those inches you just increase your chances."

In Baines' case, for instance, he was looking for more power out of a dead stop. To help him realize that goal, Popke put together a program based on video analysis and emphasized slowly working at changing his heel kick.

For Leeb, who is known for his quickness, Popke designed a program to incorporate his shooting and puck skills with his skating. Again, he stressed the importance of slowly building up to a faster speed.

"Straight away speed and good cross-overs are important but how many times in a game do you have a chance to use that kind of speed. It never happens," Popke said. "Maybe four to seven seconds in a game."

"Brad has very good skills. You watch him and wonder how is he not in the NHL. He wants back there and that's why he's doing stuff like this."

Two other future NHL prospects also worked out with Popke at the Richmond Ice Centre last week.

John Lammers, a 19-year-old left winger from Langley was a third round NHL draft pick of the Dallas Stars last summer. Captain of the Canadian under-18 team last year and fortunate to play in the Canadian Hockey League top prospects game in Vancouver last winter, he was traded this summer to Everett (WHL) by Lethbridge for which he scored 47 points in 66 games during the 2004-05 season.

North Vancouver's Matt Siddall was a ninth round selection of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2004 and is currently attending Northern Michigan University. He had eight points in 33 games as a freshman last season.

"With younger players who've just got drafted obviously you have more time to slowly eliminate their weaknesses," Popke said. "(But) skating for hockey specific reasons is different than speed skating or something like that."

Popke has been working with Lammers since he was 15 years old, helping him become much more than just a decent skater. Skating used to be a concern for Lammers, but not any more. Still, he continues to sharpen his edges.