Brad Schaack: A Heartfelt Farewell to Coaching After 40 Years

Reflecting on a Legacy

For the first time in over 40 years, the Jamestown hockey community will navigate a season without Brad Schaack at the helm. His voice has been a fixture on the ice, nurturing countless young athletes and shaping the landscape of youth hockey in the area.

"I've been dwelling on retiring from coaching the last five or six years, but when September rolled around, the coaching bug hit and back on the ice I went," Schaack shared candidly.

A Lifelong Passion

Schaack's journey in coaching began in the late 1970s, spurred on by the tragic loss of his father. Graduating high school in '79, he made the choice to engage with the game through coaching, a decision that would lead him to a magnificent four-decade run.

"I fell in love with it," he reminisces about his first season coaching an in-house Peewee team. That passion has undoubtedly left a deep imprint on the community, as many players have gone from Schaack's ice to higher levels in hockey.

Coaching Across Generations

One of the most striking elements of Schaack's coaching career is how it transcended generations. His involvement has spanned the entire youth spectrum—Mites to Bantams to the girls' team, all while mentoring players whose parents he once coached.

"Had I stuck around any longer, I may have ended up coaching their grandkids too," he reflected with a knowing smile.

The Impact Beyond the Ice

In his own words, coaching helped him emerge from his shell. Initially somewhat shy, he became known for his vocal presence on the bench—a transformation not lost on his children who played under his guidance.

"Amber had me (as a coach) from the first day she laced 'em up to the day she graduated from high school," Schaack fondly recalled.

Indeed, coaching became a family affair, with both of his children, Amber and Nick, benefiting from his dedicated guidance.

Words of Wisdom for Future Coaches

As he turns the page to a new chapter, Schaack leaves behind not just a legacy of victories but also words of advice for the new generation of coaches taking his place:

"For coaches nowadays, the one thing I would stress is to treat your best player the same as your lesser player. Treat everyone the same as best you can. You will know which players you can get on a little more and which players you need to take a different approach."

A New Beginning

Schaack may be stepping back from formal coaching duties this year, but he remains committed to the sport he loves. With plans to coach a spring or summer team in the future, he aims to continue nurturing young talent.

"I still have my shooting area in our backyard, and kids can come over whenever they want to work on their shots and stick handling," he explained. His enthusiasm for the game is palpable, demonstrating that while the whistle might be hung up, the passion remains.

In Conclusion

Brad Schaack's retirement marks the end of a significant era for Jamestown hockey. But rather than bask in nostalgia, he remains focused on the future—one filled with fond memories and enduring connections that go beyond the rink.

As he put it, "I'll miss the kids the most. I truly was fortunate to have so many great kids over the years and have lifelong friendships with so many of them and their parents as well." Through his dedication, Schaack has reminded us that coaching is not just about the sport; it's about forging bonds that last a lifetime.