ABSTRACT
My association with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL) began in 1986 as the head coach of the Toronto Marlboros of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), a team that was owned by the Maple Leafs. The Marlboros were eventually sold to a group from Hamilton, Ontario, in 1989, at which time I joined the Maple Leafs coaching staff as their video coach. Having graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education, as well as a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Arts in Sport Psychology, I was able to incorporate my professional training and coaching experience in assisting players, coaches, and management on the psychological components of optimal performance. Later I received my Doctorate in Sport Psychology from the University of Western Ontario, and as a result, my role expanded. In 1998, General Manager and Head Coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pat Quinn, appointed me as the Player Development Coach for the organization. My primary duties were to assist all team personnel, including players, coaches, and support staff, in their understanding and acquisition of the mental skills required for optimal performance in sport. I also worked extensively with the scouting department by conducting interviews with drafteligible players from North America and Europe.
