U SPORTS News

Throughout the 2017-18 season, U SPORTS sits down with one key athlete, coach, and staff member of each U SPORTS athletic program in our new interview series “Getting to know…”

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Name: Judes Vallée

School: Université de Moncton

Sport: Men’s hockey

Position: Head coach

Seniority: First year

Previous school/position: Sherbrooke Phoenix

Hometown: Les Méchins, Que.

1. How did you first get involved in coaching? What was your path to your position as head coach of Université de Moncton?

 I started coaching in hockey schools seven years ago. Thereafter, my journey was:

  • Four years as head coach at the Bantam AA level
  • Three years (1995-98) as assistant coach of the QMJHL Sherbrooke Faucons
  • Two years as assistant coach of the Midget AAA Cantonniers de Magog
  • Two years as head coach of the Midget AAA Cantonniers de Magog
  • Two years as head coach of the QMJHL Victoriaville Tigers
  • Eight years as head coach of the LHJAAAQ Cougars du Collège Champlain
  • Four years as head coach of the QMJHL’s Sherbrooke Phoenix
  • 20 years as head coach and founder of the Triolet Secondary School hockey program
  • A few appearances with Hockey Québec to speak and coach the teams of 15 and 17-year-olds

2. Who are the people that have influenced you most as a coach?

I’m lucky to have been surrounded by people who have helped me on my journey as a coach and a person they are:

Sylvain Lefebvre (Laval Rocket, AHL);

  • Jean-Pierre Allaire (Swat Team founder, Sherbrooke police);
  • Pat Burns, Mike Babcock, Benoit Groulx, and Mario Durocher.

 3. How would you describe your coaching style?

I’m a very demanding coach. I like to have good communication between myself and my players. I always try to bring out the best in every one of them. I’m very strict about the day to day.

4. Which coach do you admire the most, and why?

Mike Babcock in my opinion is the best in terms of strategy and in the way he uses his players. He’s very respected by his peers and players. He’s very charismatic.

5. What is the most “out-of-the-box” thing you’ve done as a coach?

I hired a female (Mylène Benoit) as an assistant during my first time as coach with the Cantoniers de Magog in Midget AAA. It was a first in that league.

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6. What is your greatest coaching moment or achievement?

To have lead my Junior AAA club (Collège Champlain de Sherbrooke) to two consecutive championships.

7. What is the best advice you can give to an athlete and/or athlete’s parents?

Don’t try to rush development. Young athletes must understand that everything begins with training and a great attitude.

8. How have you changed as a coach over time? What principles/values, etc. have remained the same?

I’m still just as demanding, but less hard on my players. Coaching has greatly evolved.  It’s my way of communicating that has adapted the most. Otherwise, I try to be as fair as possible and practice what I preach.

9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in coaching mode?

I read a lot, mainly about motivation and personal growth. It improves my coaching because I know myself better. I’ve also done jiu-jitsu, which enabled me to push my limits as a person. I love my strength training.

10. What is the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you as a coach?

A player once approached me to tell me of his mother’s passing – not always easy to find the right words in those situations.