As hockey fans eagerly await the start of the new Peterborough Petes season, Alex Darling, Video Coach & Assistant to the General Manager, provided PtboToday.ca with insights into the team’s offseason preparations and his role in helping the team succeed.
Coming off a busy 2022-23 season, which including a trip to BC for the Memorial Cup, Darling says that the offseason provided a welcome break from the hectic pace of the playoffs. During the summer, he enjoyed some well-deserved time off and even worked at a hockey camp with the team’s new assistant coach, Nate Oak.
Despite the break, Darling emphasized that the offseason still involves a fair amount of work. He and Head Coach Rob Wilson spend time reviewing video footage from the previous year, compiling data, and setting goals for the upcoming year to ensure a smoother start to the season.
During the regular season, Darling’s role becomes even more critical. He marks the games live, focusing on various aspects, including goals, zone entries, and face-offs. This meticulous process involves tracking up to a thousand different clips per game, which are later reviewed in detail.
After each game, Darling spends hours with the coaching staff, led by Rob, to analyze the collected data and create tailored video playlists. These playlists are used during video sessions with players, both on an individual and team-wide basis.
Darling explained that his responsibilities extend to both individualized and team-oriented video analysis. While the assistant coaches work closely with players to provide individual feedback, Darling and his team focus on building comprehensive video content for the entire team. This content is essential for planning game strategies and understanding opponents’ tactics.
This commitment from Darling provides insightful video analysis, ensuring that players are equipped with the tools they need to succeed on the ice.
Darling shared his admiration for the dedication of players like Brennan Othmann, Tucker Robertson, and Owen Beck, who are on the path to professional careers in the NHL. He praised their focused mindset and preparation, highlighting their commitment to reaching the next level.
As for his favourite part of the job, he says it’s definitely game days, which gives him and the staff a chance to see their hard word pay off.
With a dedicated video analyst like Alex Darling behind the scenes, the team is well-prepared to face the new season.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)