Waverley appoints new Mens Coaches

Big things are on the horizon for the Waverley Hockey Club.  The appointment two years ago of Brett Thompson to SL 1 Mens coach consolidated the senior group and provided a springboard for the future of the Mens unit.  Brett brought his passion, skill and expertise to the group and developed and nurtured younger players as well as guiding members of the older brigade.  Unfortunately, as happens to most in amateur sport, due to career and family commitments Brett has has stepped aside as SL1 coach.  The Waverley Hockey Club, and the Men’s Unit in particular, wish to thank Brett for his tireless efforts and for the expertise he bought to the game as coach and previously as a player.

Consequent to Brett’s decision the chase was on in earnest to secure the right people to continue Brett’s work and guide the future of the senior unit.  After much searching, including speaking to past legends of the club and others, Waverley has appointed Zac Hawes as the Mens SL1 coach.  Zac brings a solid background as a player at the AHL, State and SL1 club levels and much experience in personal coaching and development. He is the current Victorian U21 Mens coach: his coaching performance at the recent U21 Australian championships where the group finished 2nd, was duly noted.  We see his ability to develop youth and manage senior players as critical to his appointment to the role.  It can also be said he has been seen as somewhat a nemesis to opposition clubs.  Waverley sees this as a good fit to its culture.

In conjunction with Zac’s appointment Waverley have also secured former State and SL1 player, Adrian Kucyk as Pennant A coach and former Waverley player Stephen James as U17 Boys coach. Adrian brings a hard edged passion to the sport with much experience at the elite levels.  The combination of Zac and Adrian will consolidate the senior group and provide opportunity for players young and old to develop and be challenged in their hockey.   Stephen James is a hard task master who expects much of younger players as they seek to develop and make the transition in to senior hockey.

As if the appointment of quality coaches were not enough, Waverley Mens Unit is excited that former Australian player and Athens Gold Medalist Travis Brooks will return to play for the Panthers in 2010.  Travis’ exquisent hockey skills and innate coaching ability will complete the coaching  triumvirate and playing resurgence of the club.  Continuing on from the solid foundation started by Brett, he will help guide, develop and mentor younger players around the club to ensure the strength of the club will continue for years to come.

Go the Panthers