Patch recently spoke with Parkland High School varsity ice hockey coach Frank Berry to gain some insight into his background and coaching philosophies.
Team: Parkland High School ice hockey
Years Coaching: Seventeen years all together. Twelve years with Parkland.
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High School and College: Monsieur High School (outside of Philadelphia) and Drexel University.
Sports Played: “I played hockey throughout college at Drexel. I moved to western Alberta, Canada and played some hockey there and I still play hockey in the men’s league in the Lehigh Valley.”
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Highest Career Achievement: “I’ve had a couple and I can’t choose one over the other. I coached the Lehigh Valley Comets when they were national champions in 2000. The Parkland junior varsity team won four straight league titles and the varsity team has won three in the last five years.
Coaching Mentors: Kris Kollevol. I’ve also had the opportunity to see some of the coaches at the U.S. Hockey levels and there are some that I admire.
Coaching Philosophies: Discipline and regimen. I like to stress speed and puck control, which benefits the skills the players have that have passed through the program.
Coaching Goals: I strive to help them become young men, grow the sport and have a rewarding experience. I’m 53 and I still play hockey; I want them to grow up and still be playing.
Off the Ice: I like watching my kids play. I spend time rebuilding cars and do a lot of cycling in the off-season. I travel a lot for work and try to bring my wife as much as possible.