Ryan Laird on Leadership, Effort, and Team Belief

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For Head Coach Ryan Laird, success in the AJFHL is built on a foundation of empowerment, high standards, and unwavering support. His coaching approach blends accountability with encouragement, creating an environment where players feel confident, capable, and proud of the work they put in each day.
 
Laird’s philosophy is simple and powerful:
Athletes rise when they’re trusted, challenged, and surrounded by people who believe in them.
 
“We’re big believers in empowering our athletes and holding them to a high standard while making sure they always feel supported, encouraged, and proud of their effort.”
 
It’s a mindset that defines not just how he coaches, but how his players grow.
 
Motivation Through Milestones
 
For Laird, coaching is about witnessing transformation — the moment an athlete pushes past a limit they didn’t think they could break.
 
“Helping players push past limits, watching hard work turn into results, and seeing the pride that comes when they realize what they’re capable of.”
 
Those breakthroughs, both big and small, are what fuel his passion behind the bench.
 
A Young Team With a Veteran Heart
 
This season brings a unique mix to the roster — a young core supported by veteran leadership that has set the tone from day one.
 
“We have a very young team, but the veteran girls have done an excellent job making sure they feel welcomed and part of the club. It’s been great to see them supporting and playing for each other, no matter how many years they’ve been in the league.”
 
That unity has become the heartbeat of the team — a group that plays for each other long before they play for the scoreboard.
 
Confidence & Connection: Built One Moment at a Time
 
Creating a confident, cohesive team doesn’t happen by accident. Laird and his staff are intentional about giving players every opportunity to succeed.
 
“We try to put the girls in positions to be successful both on a team level and a personal level.”
 
But success doesn’t just happen inside the rink — it happens in the moments between practices, road trips, and team bonding.
 
“We’ve encouraged the girls to spend time together and bond away from the rink. Our vets have done a great job of including our younger players on and off the ice.”
 
It is this off-ice foundation that strengthens their on-ice performance.
 
Why He Loves Coaching in the AJFHL
 
The league offers everything Laird values — competitive hockey, province-wide travel, and a community built around passion for the game.
 
“The competition is good, and we get to travel across the province. I’ve been blessed with a great GM and Manager who handle the behind-the-scenes work, which allows me to focus on coaching.”
 
But more than anything, it’s the energy of the players that keeps him coming back.
 
“This group brings so much positivity and energy — they make coming to the rink something all the coaches look forward to.”
 
Advice for Young Female Hockey Players
 
His message is one rooted in resilience and self-belief:
 
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every challenge and setback is an opportunity to grow. Keep pushing, keep learning, and trust your game.”
 
It’s the kind of guidance that empowers young athletes to keep striving, even when the path isn’t easy.
 
Success Beyond Wins and Losses
 
For Laird, success cannot be measured solely by the scoreboard. It’s measured by effort — the one thing every player can control.
 
“We always preach about effort. As long as we’re working hard, we see that as a success.”
 
It’s a culture built on commitment, growth, and pride in the process — and it’s shaping a team that refuses to be outworked.