by Jacques Teasdale
GOJHL staff writer
After a thrilling Game 7 victory over the 1st seed St. Marys Lincolns in the Western Conference Finals, the Chatham Maroons have secured their spot in the Sutherland Cup Final. Head coach Richard Santos discussed the pivotal moments of the postseason, the role of his deep coaching staff, the influence of passionate fans, and the evolution of his coaching philosophy over the years.
The Strength of a Deep Coaching Staff
One of the key factors in the Maroons’ success this season has been the strength and experience of their coaching staff. Santos highlighted the depth of knowledge and support that each member brings to the team.
“Bino Pereira has been a staple of this organization for over 20 years. He’s the ‘old dog’ who gives us solid support,” Santos shared. “Shawn Connors, who played for Chatham and had some time in the OHL, brings a wealth of knowledge and a hard-nosed defensive mindset. He’s been great in his third year with us”, “ Brendan Feasy, who has a lot of experience with skill development…. has played a major role in special teams for us”
Santos emphasized the importance of collaboration within his coaching staff, noting that each coach has a unique contribution. “This is my 15th year coaching, and we’ve all learned to embrace each other’s ideas. There’s no ego. We’re a big family, and our players see that. Our coaching room is tight-knit, and it translates onto the ice,” he said.
The Impact of Fan Support
As the Maroons continue to make waves in the postseason, the energy from their loyal fans has been a driving force. Santos spoke about how the fans have fueled the team, particularly during the high-stakes moments of the Western Conference Finals. “Chatham has been a hockey staple for a long time, and our fans have always supported this program,” Santos said. “When we sign players, we tell them to wait until the playoffs. The atmosphere here is incredible. The roof doesn’t even stay on the arena during big games.
As a coach, when you walk out onto the ice, you get goosebumps. That’s why we’ve been such a great home team.”
He also reflected on the special moment of celebrating with the fans after winning the series. “The championship picture with all the fans in the background means so much to me. They’ve been a part of this journey,” he added.
Staying Composed in High-Pressure Moments
In two intense Game 7 matchups this postseason, the Maroons have shown remarkable composure, winning both games by just a single goal. Santos explained how the team remained focused in these high-pressure situations. “We talked about the momentum swings and the ups and downs,” he said. “We focused on sticking to the game plan, especially in those high-pressure moments. We didn’t want to change our identity because that’s what got us here. We stuck to what we know, and we trusted ourselves.”
Santos pointed to key moments like Connor Hunt laying on the ice to block a shot in Game 7 as a testament to the team’s resilience. “When the players saw that, sacrificing his body they knew it was meant to be. It was a true team effort,” Santos added.
Evolution of Coaching Philosophy
As a coach in his third year with the Maroons, Santos has seen significant growth in both his approach and the team’s development. “Over the past three years, I’ve gotten better and better as a head coach,” Santos reflected. “Our practices have improved, and the communication with the players has been key. I’m a big believer in involving my staff and players in the process. I’m always learning from other coaches. The Saginaw Spirit has taken me under their wing, and I’ve picked their brains to improve my game.”
Santos also discussed how his coaching philosophy has evolved, particularly his focus on speed, high-scoring games, and transitions. “I love fast-paced, high-scoring games, and I’ve built our team around that style,” he said. “The boys have bought into that mindset, and I’m always trying to learn and adapt. If you’re not willing to adapt, the game will pass you by.”
Developing Young Talent
The Maroons have benefited from a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. Santos emphasized the importance of developing the younger players and integrating them into the team’s success. “You have to bring in the right guys who are hungry to learn and make the next jump,” Santos explained. “The 16-18-year-olds are the ones who need these experiences. Guys like Connor Hunt, who already have a wealth of knowledge, have been a big part of our success as a older leader.”
Looking Ahead to the Sutherland Cup Final
As the Maroons prepare for the Sutherland Cup Final, Santos knows the importance of staying true to their identity. “What got us here is what will take us the rest of the way,” he said. “We can’t change to make everyone happy. We have to believe in what we’re doing and live it. That’s what we’ve preached, and that’s how we’ll approach the final.”
With a talented roster, strong leadership, and a deep coaching staff, the Chatham Maroons are poised for a championship run. As they focus on sticking to their game plan, the future looks bright for this resilient team.
