In Behind the Bench, College Hockey, Inc. will introduce college hockey head coaches from around the country and provide some insight into their approach, their program and their background, in their own words.
Our sixth subject is Robert Morris's Derek Schooley, who will enter his seventh season with the Colonials in 2011-12.
WHAT IS?
The best way to describe your coaching style?
I feel I am a coach who gets everything out of our players while still able to relate to the players on everything that goes on outside of the rink. I really enjoy getting to know my players as people not just hockey players.
Your favorite part of coaching?
Day-to-day dealing with the student-athlete. I like adding or implementing something to our game plan and then seeing it work.
Your least favorite part of coaching?
The summer, as you are really looking forward to the start of the next year.
The most important thing your assistant coaches do for you?
Your assistants are the behind-the-scenes people who do the tough part of the job such as spending long periods of time on the road recruiting. They are the buffer between the players and head coach while spending a great dealing working with individuals on video and extra individual skill development.
Your favorite thing about college hockey?
The passion, pride and enthusiasm of the student-athletes.
Your favorite place on campus outside the rink?
Nicholson Student Center. The center of everything on campus at RMU.
Something unique or noteworthy about your school?
Robert Morris was the "Financier of the American Revolution." He isn't as famous as his friend George Washington, but without Robert Morris, the American colonies' bold attempt to throw off British rule never could have succeeded.
The best advice you could give a young player hoping to make Division I?
Work on your individual skills. Have the best skill set and skating ability.
The best advice you would give parents of a young hockey player?
Don?t be rushed to make a decision on where you are going in your future.
The best advice you ever got?
Be yourself. Don't be fake or pretend to be something you aren't.
The most important trait you look for in a player?
Skating is a physical trait were are looking for but we are are also looking for good people. They are equally important to our staff.
The biggest win of your career?
The second game completing a sweep of Miami when they were No. 1 in the nation. The first win could be considered lucky but to finish a sweep of Miami on the road was a tremendous accomplishment for our program.
A game you look forward to each year?
Our yearly game at CONSOL Energy Center, which is the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
WHO IS?
Your biggest coaching influence?
My former boss at Air Force and junior coach Frank Serratore has been a huge influence on my coaching career?. I also learned a great amount from my former coaches at Western Michigan (Bill Wilkinson and current Cornell coach Mike Schafer).
An NHL coach you admire?
Dan Bylsma
A coach you admire outside of hockey?
Coach K at Duke
A former player you're particularly proud of?
Dave Cowan. He had two okay years but developed into a leader and an impact player in his last two years. He was an all-league player his senior year and went to the Toronto rookie/prospect camp.
An unsung hero in your program (on or off the ice)?
Chris Kushneriuk. He was a three-year captain after transferring from Wayne St. He was the ideal college hockey player.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE?
Author
John Grisham
Book
Moneyball
TV show
Criminal Minds or Grey's Anatomy
Movie
Wedding Crashers
Web site
Any sports site
Vacation spot
Florida or somewhere warm
Pro team
St. Louis Cardinals
Sport besides hockey
Baseball
Time of year
Hockey season
Quote
Too many to have just one. We use quotes with our players all the time.