TAKEAWAYS

• Two college hockey coaches were invited to join the Devils as guest coaches for their summer development camp, through a program organized by the NHL Coaches Association.
• Each coach is given the opportunity to learn and experience the programming firsthand.
• Devils staff will ensure that every coach receives increased support throughout the year, as attending camp is only a portion of the overall experience.

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This summer, the Devils development camp welcomed two fresh faces behind the bench. Tara Watchorn, the head coach of Boston University’s women’s ice hockey team, and Venla Hovi, an assistant coach for Harvard University’s women’s ice hockey team, joined the Devils’ summer camp as guest coaches through the NHL Coaching Association’s Female Coaches Program. This valuable experience allowed both coaches to gain insights into the Devils’ methods of supporting their young players, as well as firsthand exposure to a wide range of on-ice programs that they can bring back to their own college teams.

Hovi expressed his curiosity and fondness for learning when discussing the opportunity. He emphasized that the experience primarily revolves around gaining knowledge. Hovi eagerly anticipated observing the practices and their organization, as well as the coaches’ pre-practice routines. Additionally, he was pleasantly surprised by the numerous individuals he had the chance to meet, exceeding his expectations.

Watchorn jokingly mentioned that, apart from the drills, she was interested in learning something specific from the camp. As a relatively new head coach, she found it beneficial to observe how experienced coaches effectively utilize their staff. She found it fascinating to see how at this level, there are experts in every area, and she wanted to learn how to bring everyone together under her vision. She was particularly impressed by the group of coaches at the camp and how they delegated tasks, relied on each other’s strengths, and interacted with the players.

During the four-day development camp, the guest coaches observed a wide range of activities, including on-ice drills, coaching sessions, and off-ice nutrition counseling. The off-ice programming holds immense importance in the camp, and both coaches have prior experience in this area from their own coaching careers.

Watchorn expressed his excitement, saying, “I find it really impressive. It demonstrates the importance of providing unwavering support to athletes, enabling them to become the best versions of themselves both on and off the field. I have also witnessed similar practices within Hockey Canada, so it’s really amazing. The main focus of these camps is to expose athletes to this kind of environment, to give them a taste of what it’s like and equip them with all the necessary tools for success.”

Hovi elaborated, stating, “I possess numerous structural ideas that I can reintroduce to Harvard. These concepts can greatly benefit our team in terms of season preparation, as well as during camps. Additionally, they can be utilized for practice planning purposes.”

Hovi also mentioned that we will be organizing our Harvard Crimson camp this summer for a few of our prospective participants. The camp is approaching quickly, and in addition to that, we will be focusing on nutrition, mental skills, strength training, and conditioning. There are numerous similarities between these aspects as well.

Being part of this camp not only exposed Watchorn to different coaching styles, but also allowed him to witness how other coaches present similar lessons and information in unique ways.

Watchorn explained that there are numerous takeaways and similarities in our game. He also mentioned that there are subtleties and differences. When exceptional coaches and athletes come together, they express things in various ways. Although the concepts and ideas remain the same, the approach to conveying them and working with athletes differs. It has been a rewarding experience for Watchorn to be fully immersed in this dynamic environment.

The Development Camp marks the beginning of an ongoing program for coaches, as they will maintain a strong connection with the Devils staff over the next two years and also have the opportunity to participate in upcoming camps for New Jersey.

Watchorn expressed her enthusiasm for the future of both her and the program, stating, “I am thrilled to further develop relationships. The ability to engage in meaningful conversations, support one another, and explore new possibilities truly excites me.”

Hovi expressed his desire to coach in the NHL someday, stating that it is a significant goal and dream of his. He believes that being present in this environment and establishing connections with these individuals brings him one step closer to achieving it. His ultimate aspiration is to mentor the finest players in the world, and he believes that gaining knowledge from every facet of the game will help him achieve this goal.