In episode 12 of the Swedish Junior Hockey Podcast we meet Casper Stockfisch, the GM and head coach for Vojens IK junior program. After a shortened career as a player than included a couple of years in the Swedish Junior league playing for HV 71 and experience with the Danish National Junior Teams, a number of concussions put an end to his playing career. Casper stayed local and transitioned quickly into coaching for his home club. After 4 seasons as an assistant coach for both U17 and U20 team, he took the head coaching responsibility for the U17 team and also the assistant GM role for the junior program and eventually took over the entire junior program. We go into the set up of youth to juniors and senior hockey in Denmark and how the school system interacts with gymnasiums and the unique aspects of having the option of a 10th year in primary school before High School (Gymnasium). One of the unique aspects of Danish Junior Hockey is that the U20 league is probably the second best league overall in Denmark after the Metal Liga. This provides a good option for local and national talents to stay home rather than moving to other leagues such as the Swedish Junior League. Casper talks about his experience as a player that shaped his thought pattern and philosophy as a coach by playing a fast and physical game of hockey. We also talk about what advice he would give himself as a coach today but as a player 10 years ago.
