Coaching Spotlight: Q&A With Rod Brathwaite, Canucks Manager Of Hockey Development

November 18, 2011
Posted in BC Edition, Development

By Aaron Wilbur /

Rod Brathwaite has been the face of the Canucks Centre for BC Hockey since it was founded in September of 2005. Formerly, the BC Centre of Excellence, this partnership between the Vancouver Canucks, BC Hockey, and Hockey Canada focuses on the development of grassroots hockey throughout British Columbia. Brathwaite oversees programs, which enable the organization to connect with the over 60,000 players and 30,000 volunteers across the province.

On Nov. 20, the Vancouver Canucks will be hosting Coaching Day in B.C. The annual event is free for minor hockey coaches and will take place at Rogers Arena the morning prior to the Canucks game versus the Ottawa Senators.

For more information, go to www.canucks.com or call the Canucks Centre for BC Hockey at 604-899-7777.

Q: You are originally from Ottawa. How did you end-up on the west coast working for the Canucks?

A: 20 years ago I came to Vancouver to visit a friend and fell in love with the city. It’s been home ever since. In 1999, I travelled to Moscow to watch my brother (former NHL goaltender, Fred Brathwaite) play in the World Championships and was introduced to Brad Pascall (Vice President of Hockey Canada). He suggested I volunteer at an upcoming Coaching Conference being held in Vancouver, which led to a job at the BC Centre of Excellence. I was set to move to Calgary and work out of Hockey Canada’s head office after the NHL lockout when the Canucks offered me my current position.

Q: A big part of your job is creating a bond between the Canucks and the minor hockey community in British Colombia. Many fans are familiar with the Mini Minor Hockey games that take place between periods. What other programs provide young players that “Big League” experience?

A: Our First Strides initiation program takes place on Dec. 5 this year and is open to 72 boys and girls, between six- to eight-years-old. Players take part in a skill development session conducted by BC Hockey at Rogers Arena and get to meet Fin as well as some of the players. Every Kids Dream is an opportunity for young players to be in the Canucks starting lineup and stand with the players during the national anthem.

Q: Coaching Day in BC has grown in popularity every year. What can coaches expect at the event?

A: There are over 500 coaches registered for this year’s event and our goal is for everyone to learn something. There are on- and off-ice presentations provided by BC Hockey and coaches also get to watch the Canucks and Senators go through their pre-game skate. Alain Vigneault will also be on-hand to address the audience and answer some questions.

Q: How do the Canucks coaches feel about taking part in the clinic on a game day?

A: At one point they were in the same position as the coaches who attend the event. They remember where they came from and understand the importance of giving back to the game.

Q: How else can coaches use the Canucks Centre for BC as a resource?

A: Coaches can contact us with questions at any time. We have a huge library of drills, instructional videos and books on coaching. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, we can act as a directory for other coaching resources.

Aaron Wilbur is the Managing Director of the Coaches Site. Check out the Coaches Site online at www.thecoachessite.com or follow him on Twitter (@thecoachessite) for the latest coaching news.