Hello Warriors Family,
My name is Pete Klingel (Coach Pete) and I am looking forward to coaching the 8U Warriors Mite team this spring season.
I started playing competitive Hockey at the age of 7 in Greenwich, CT. I played travel hockey through Bantams along with Jr. High School and High School hockey. I was one of those kids that would skate every day if my parents allowed me to.
After retiring from the Men's league at the age of 22 I did not skate or play hockey for 18 years.
In 2015, my son Bryce passed away from brain cancer. After he passed we were at an ice-skating birthday party for my son Connor, a friend approached me and asked me how I knew how to skate. He asked me to play on his adult hockey team and thought it might be therapeutic to be back with a hockey family. I was once again sucked into the hockey life. Playing turned into coaching and before I knew it, not only myself but my family was consumed in the love of hockey and the family it brings with it.
I have been coaching with Western Junior Colonials in Danbury, CT for 8 years at the Mite, Squirt, PeeWee and beginner levels and I am currently the Mite Coordinator. I have a son Connor that will be a first year Bantam and a son Cody that is just finishing his first season as a Mite.
My coaching philosophy is focused on skating with a purpose!
I teach level appropriate skills and concepts through fun drills and activities. Reading and reacting, quick decision making and game-like scenarios are incorporated into practice to facilitate the thinking and processing that builds a successful young hockey player. The children will have the opportunity to explore the game in a positive, safe environment with plenty of praise and positive feedback.
I look forward to working with the Warriors and working towards a cause that is too familiar to me and my family.
Coach Pete