Welcome to another season of South Huron Sabres Hockey!
My name is Evan Hayter and I am excited to have the opportunity to coach the U11 Tier 1 Boys team for the 2025/2026 season.
I have had the privilege of playing hockey since the age of 6 for this very community. I played all through the South Huron Sabres Minor Hockey, and also a member of the Exeter Hawks Junior C team for 5 consecutive years. With the Hawks, I was the 2-time Defensive forward of the Year, 2-time Most Dedicated player, and 1-time most Gentlemanly Player. I was able to accumulate 225 GP over the 5 seasons (2nd most in franchise history). Finishing my junior career where it started was bitter sweet, and embarking on my coaching career with this organization is allowing me the opportunity to give back to my community, and organization. I am a certified Hockey Canada Development 1 Coach and have had a great experience this past season as an Assistant Coach to the U9 Boys MD2 team.
My intention is to invest fully in the development of the kids both on and off the ice so that memories of their hockey careers are indeed very positive. There will be a strong focus on developing a fun, positive and inclusive team culture where hard work and focus on ice and in fitness activities are valued. Regular attendance at all team events will be both expected and very important. Respect for the game, the opponent, the referees, the coaches, and, importantly, each other, will be constantly messaged. I believe that there are only two things within the sphere of control as players - attitude and work ethic. These will be our core values as players must appreciate the opportunity they have been provided with, to play the sport they love with a close group of friends. Although we will certainly celebrate individual accomplishments, the emphasis will be on taking steps toward team growth and chemistry. I value and develop effective and efficient skating as a focal point of individual skill sets. I believe it is very difficult to defend against a ferocious forecheck and a relentless backcheck. Puck movement, effective shooting and responsible positional play are all critical elements to success. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of playing as a 5-person unit, defining clearly the role of each player within that unit, as well as intelligent play without the puck. We want to be seen as a team that is difficult to play against but under good emotional control, that can beat you with speed, skill, and tenacity.
Being a positive influence on kids and making an impact in the lives is what coaching is all about. Players are asked to listen intently to the regular positive and constructive feedback they receive and attempt to apply that to better their own play and to impact favourably on team play.
Best of luck to all players looking forward to a great 2025-26 season.
Evan Hayter