Team of the Month: Meramec Sharks PeeWee House Team "Fun is the first rule, and fun is the last rule. Everything in between must relate and be contingent upon these two and only rules." Coach John Coleman of the Meramec Sharks PeeWee House Team told parents this before the team had their first skate together. He also let the team know that every decision will be based on one simple question: “Are the players having fun?”  It is a challenge for Coach Coleman to hold the line on this rule, but he is steadfast in backing it up, and he ensures his team enjoys playing hockey. Coach Coleman had never played hockey or coached before taking over the Meramec Sharks PeeWee House Team. He learned to skate and wanted to coach just to be a part of his children’s lives. He wanted to be around them and share their passion for playing hockey. To talk with Coach and to see his outward passion for these young children would make a believer of anyone. During training at The Hockey Academy of St. Louis, he constantly encourages every player. The Sharks cheer for success for themselves and their teammates. A select team sometime will skate the fun out of players, and Coach Coleman knew it was important that each parent understands that their child plays “house” level. A offer to travel to Chicago and play in a travel tournament against “B” teams was vetoed by Coach. “Where is the fun!" he stated. "Why travel out of town and throw money away to potentially lose four games.” So Coach scheduled practice games against his St. Louis opponents and the team played hockey.   Talk to everyone, get to know your teammates, back them up through mistakes and trying times, and get along. These are the basics of Coach’s chalk talks. And over time, it is apparent that the team is coming together. The chemistry on this Sharks team makes it fun for everyone. Gradually the team is getting better, and they are starting to gel as a team.   Coach Coleman tells them to not be afraid to make mistakes. Just try, work hard, and we’ll let you know when you get it right. It is not about how many mistakes, it’s about when you get it right, we all will enjoy your celebration. “This really helps when their coach falls down 4 or 5 times each practice," Coach says. "It’s December and now I wear elbow pads!"     This season has been a wonderful ride for the Meramec Sharks PeeWee House team. To the end, the team’s philosophy has been to have fun, do its best, give equal ice time, and never yell at players or officials. Sounds almost too good to be true! 17361 Edison Avenue • Chesterfield, MO 63005 • Phone: 636 536 0996 • Fax: 636 536 2388