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FAQ

1. Are coaches paid at the Don Mills Flyers?
2. Why do some Don Mills Flyer teams never seem to win?
3. How long have the Don Mills Flyers been around?
4. Where are the Don Mills Flyers located?

1. Are coaches paid at the Don Mills Flyers?

No. As an association, we do not pay our coaches. However, we do believe qualified coaches should be paid, but a better way must be found to do this without it coming from the parent's pockets. Perhaps a central body like the OHF could act as the administrator of such a program, similar to the governing bodies of other sports, i.e. Swimming Canada or Skate Canada. This would eliminate the "employee-employer" relationship that develops between the parents and coaches, which has an immediate and direct impact on a coaches ability to coach in the normal manner. Where the association pays the coach, in most cases he is expected to win, at any cost. This puts a whole new negative spin on team building, the relationship between players and coaches, and creates an environment where many players are not treated fairly. This is not what the Don Mills Flyers are about.

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2. Why do some Don Mills Flyer teams never seem to win?

On the contrary, the Flyers have won numerous City and Provincial Championships. We have been to the National Midget Championships several times, being the only Toronto team to ever win the title (then the Wrigley). Our philosophy is to allow all players to participate and improve their skills. Winning in this league is very difficult, and with 12 teams at each age level, only one will win and eleven won't. In order to "win", teams typically shorten the bench a lot, and the top 8 or 9 players will log 80% of the ice time and the "#1" goalie will play 75% of games. We do not subscribe to this approach, and encourage our coaches to play all players and goalies as equitably as possible. We
believe this approach serves the interests of the players much better and helps to build confidence and self esteem. We also believe this approach allows a coach more flexibility and helps him gain the respect of all his players, not just a select few.

It is easy to compromise one's principals in the interest of "winning". The hard part is doing it right, being fair, being honest, and staying to course, because in this league doing it right costs you "wins" on the score board. We think that is a small price to pay for maintaining a child's self esteem, confidence, and a healthy attitude toward his peers, his coaches, and to the game of hockey itself.

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3. How long have the Don Mills Flyers been around?

The Don Mills Flyers were formed in 1968 by way of a written agreement with the Philadelphia Flyers allowing the team to use the insignia and name of the NHL club.

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4. Where are the Don Mills Flyers located?

The Don Mills Flyers hockey office is located at Victoria Village Arena.

To contact us by mail, please send to:
Don Mills Flyers, PO Box 99, Don Mills ON, M3C 2R6.

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