Darcy Findlay is currently coaching with the Nepean Raiders JR A Hockey club in the CCHL. Findlay is heading into his second full season with the Raiders, previously he was the assistant coach for Kanata and Smith Falls. Findlay was also a coach with the Hockey Eastern Ontario 2001 OHL Gold cup team last spring in Kitchener, Ontario showcasing the areas best players to the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence.
Growing up in a small town, Findlay participated in many sports, such as baseball, golf, volleyball, basketball and soccer. He had a passion for Hockey which led to his NCAA career. “Playing on the sports teams was just what we did, it helped develop the overall athlete.” says Findlay.
Growing up in a small town, Findlay participated in many sports, such as baseball, golf, volleyball, basketball and soccer. He had a passion for Hockey which led to his NCAA career. “Playing on the sports teams was just what we did, it helped develop the overall athlete.” says Findlay.
After graduating NCAA Division 1 in Minnesota, Findlay was thinking of continuing to play Hockey in Germany but he was offered a job teaching high school and hung up his skates. “After one year out of the game I still had that competitive edge and decided to get involved. Fortunately, I was able to jump into the CCHL and haven't turned back since.” says Findlay.
Findlay loves that coaching allows him to be at the rink every day but his favourite part is working with the kids. “I love helping them work towards their goals and become better athletes and people. It's definitely not easy, if it was everyone would do it. Being able to share my experiences and knowledge and seeing them improve is awesome. When I’m able to help my players achieve scholarships or major junior packages and have a great overall experience is rewarding. It's an extremely important time in their lives between the ages of 16-20, and having the trust of their parents is an important factor.”
Findlay’s most rewarding moment as a coach so far has been seeing his athletes move on to bigger and better things. “It's still very early in my career, however all graduating players have been able to play at that next level of NCAA, CIS or major junior. The biggest thing however I would say is preparing them for the real world and being a good person, and if it involves Hockey even better.” says Findlay.
Findlay says that his biggest challenge was “early on I had to learn not every one agrees with you, and depending on how it may impact the team you need to step back and do what's best for everyone. After all there is a bigger picture then yourself.”
As a physical education teacher, Findlay is able to stay within a teacher/mentor role at all times. “One thing I've realized is there is a huge difference between the regular high school student and the competitive athlete. I've learned the different ways to approach both settings.” says Findlay.