Varsity hockey Head Coach John Hissick is one of the many faces we see every day at Kingswood Oxford. He has led the hockey program during their rebuilding period after the rink was melted, and even though this past season was unconventional, he continued to push the team to become better in all aspects of the game, on and off the ice.
With the state’s decision to postpone winter sports until Jan. 21, Coach Hissick was faced with the challenge of keeping his players engaged in the sport, even if they weren’t playing. “It’s been challenging,” Coach Hissick said. “When we started the winter sports season, we were not able to skate on the ice or meet in person. Off-ice workouts and whiteboard sessions were our only options to keep things moving forward.”
Coach Hissick was limited in his options to continue working with his players, but he was able to make the most of what time they had. “We held virtual workouts three times a week prior to the break,” Coach Hissick said. “Since then, we have been on Google Meets most every day for workouts and other information.” Coach Hissick also says that Google Classroom has played a huge role in his ability to coach. “I’ve found it to be a good way to keep the team informed of events and to post resources to show players systems that we will use during the season,” Coach Hissick said.
Coach Hissick focused on keeping his team engaged with the game as well as with the ever-changing protocols over the winter. “I tried to keep them informed on breaking developments and how I thought things would roll out,” Coach Hissick said. “Being at school every day to help with the COVID protocolos also has allowed me some face time with players as well. It’s been a silver lining during the pandemic.”
Now that the state has decided to allow high school sports, the team is ready to get back on the ice. “The developments of last week and the governor’s decision has re-energized the team,” Coach Hissick said.
Even though they can practice, the team is unsure of their status surrounding games or scrimmages. “My expectations for next season are that we will be somewhat back to normal and having a normal winter season,” Coach Hissick said.
In regards to next season, Coach Hissick hopes for a League Championship to continue the redevelopment of powerhouse hockey at Kingswood Oxford. “We have some very talented players engaged in the admission process currently, and it can only strengthen the team,” he said. “I want a Fairchester League Championship for hockey and the KO community. I believe success breeds success, and it can only benefit KO.” Despite the strange circumstances of this season, there’s no doubt that KO hockey has a great future to look forward to.
With the state’s decision to postpone winter sports until Jan. 21, Coach Hissick was faced with the challenge of keeping his players engaged in the sport, even if they weren’t playing. “It’s been challenging,” Coach Hissick said. “When we started the winter sports season, we were not able to skate on the ice or meet in person. Off-ice workouts and whiteboard sessions were our only options to keep things moving forward.”
Coach Hissick was limited in his options to continue working with his players, but he was able to make the most of what time they had. “We held virtual workouts three times a week prior to the break,” Coach Hissick said. “Since then, we have been on Google Meets most every day for workouts and other information.” Coach Hissick also says that Google Classroom has played a huge role in his ability to coach. “I’ve found it to be a good way to keep the team informed of events and to post resources to show players systems that we will use during the season,” Coach Hissick said.
Coach Hissick focused on keeping his team engaged with the game as well as with the ever-changing protocols over the winter. “I tried to keep them informed on breaking developments and how I thought things would roll out,” Coach Hissick said. “Being at school every day to help with the COVID protocolos also has allowed me some face time with players as well. It’s been a silver lining during the pandemic.”
Now that the state has decided to allow high school sports, the team is ready to get back on the ice. “The developments of last week and the governor’s decision has re-energized the team,” Coach Hissick said.
Even though they can practice, the team is unsure of their status surrounding games or scrimmages. “My expectations for next season are that we will be somewhat back to normal and having a normal winter season,” Coach Hissick said.
In regards to next season, Coach Hissick hopes for a League Championship to continue the redevelopment of powerhouse hockey at Kingswood Oxford. “We have some very talented players engaged in the admission process currently, and it can only strengthen the team,” he said. “I want a Fairchester League Championship for hockey and the KO community. I believe success breeds success, and it can only benefit KO.” Despite the strange circumstances of this season, there’s no doubt that KO hockey has a great future to look forward to.
