Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education is proud of the work that our staff do on and off the ice. In order to spotlight the outstanding effort they put into the organization, we regularly interview a staff member about their time with Snider.
Featured in this staff spotlight is Marina Herrman, alumni coach of the Scanlon Mites.
What made you want to get into hockey in the first place?
I have been into hockey ever since I was young, but because it was an expensive sport I never really got into playing it. Growing up my dad and brothers watched it, so it’s always been a big part of my life.
How did you get involved with Snider?
I got introduced to Snider in 2018 because of a friend. I knew about the program but not what it offered. After seeing my friends play it made me want to try out a new sport. In 2019 I went to Scanlon and talked to the Snider staff who helped me get into the program.
What is your favorite part about coaching?
Coaching hockey has helped me understand the game like never before. Because I coach the Mites, I am now helping kids to become better players and better people, and my favorite part about it is seeing the kids become great teammates and friends towards each other.
What is your favorite memory as a coach at Snider?
My favorite memory with Snider so far was when Scanlon Mites and I went to Tinseltown with Bernie Parent. Seeing the kids’ faces light up as they watched the lights and walked through the mazes put a smile on my face. They are so young and being able to experience and be a part of their lives means so much to me. The best part of the trip was when the kids and I went ice skating at the end of the evening.
Do you have any specific coaching mantra or philosophy that you try to follow?
My approach to coaching is “progress not perfection.” For example, if a kid doesn’t get a drill right, or messes up during a game, yelling at the kids won’t help them play better. Coaching is not about perfection, but it’s about progress and learning from your mistakes along the way. I personally believe if you have fun with the kids, they will push themselves to play better and be better.
What advice do you have for a coach just starting out?
Advice I have for a coach starting out is to have patience with all the players, no matter the age, because they notice everything and feed off of your behavior. A second piece of advice I have to a coach just starting out is to be understanding and not judgmental, because you never know what’s going on with a player outside of the rink.
Were there any coaches that inspired you to coach today?
Yes, there have been many coaches throughout my time with Snider that have inspired me, but the one who stands out the most is Coach Roly. Coach Roly was the first one to help me get into the program. He also supported me throughout learn to skate, learn to play and even throughout my time on girls travel. He became a mentor for me as a player and as a coach. Since becoming a coach in 2023, he has continued to support me as I coach the Scanlon Mites. He has inspired and guided me and made me into the coach I am today.
