NAHL concludes head coaches meetings in Frisco

August 11, 2015

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) concluded its annual head coaches meetings, which were held in Frisco, Texas on August 9-10.

 

The league’s 22 head coaches came together for two days of events, which was highlighted by presentations from the NAHL staff along with guest speakers Scott Muscutt and Miami University head coach Enrico Blasi.

 

The event is one of two times a year that the league’s head coaches get together for meetings, with the other coming at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in February of 2016.

 

“The meeting was fantastic. I was glad to see all of our coaches engaged in the conversations and having some interaction with one another. It was a great way to start our 40th season and bring everyone together, “ said NAHL Commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. “We have some new head coaches in the league this year, so it is always good to see their reactions going through it the first time. It really allows us to get everyone on the same page to start the season, because there is a lot to manage and oversee for them and it is a step outside the normal emails and phone calls,” said Frankenfeld.

 

“I thought both Scott Muscutt and Enrico Blasi made tremendous and relevant presentations,” continued Frankenfeld. “Scott hits you like a lightning bolt and he has developed into one of the best motivational speakers around. It works out well for us because he used to be a hockey coach, so most of his examples lead right back to his experiences in life as a coach, whether it be with his players, staff or family.”

 

Frankenfeld continued… “I thought Rico’s presentation was extremely useful and enlightening to our head coaches because it took them inside the world and the mind of someone who is running an NCAA Division I program. Just to get a look inside that world is valuable because that is the end game for the majority of our players.  

 

“The NAHL is a first-class organization who does a great job at developing players and getting them ready for the NCAA,” said Blasi. “From Miami’s point of view we say ‘thank you’ because dozens of our players during my tenure as head coach have come from the NAHL and Miami has been built from the ground up with the help of the NAHL. To coach at the junior level is incredible and huge challenge. We appreciate our relationship and partnership with the league, which is very strong.”

 

The coaches heard presentations from NAHL staff members, along with NAHL equipment partners Easton and Vaughn Hockey.

 

The coaches also heard from Director of Player Personnel Craig Barnett, who spoke about the importance of making sure coaches were educated about all of the compliance rules regarding the NCAA. Barnett oversees league-wide scouting efforts in the NAHL, NA3HL and NAPHL, including directing NAHL Central Scouting. In addition, Barnett's experience and relationships in the NCAA provide a unique and valuable resource to the players, coaches and parents, to ensure that any concerns are addressed and players remain in compliance.

 

Department of Player Safety Director Mark Faucette and Director of Officiating Chris Allman also spoke to the group of coaches. Faucette emphasized some of the new rules and policies in place this season.