Coach Spotlight: Brian Poshak, Team Wisconsin U19 Girls Coach

Brian Poshak grew up in a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where people value hard work and are passionate about hockey. A self-proclaimed meat and potatoes guy, Poshak learned valuable lessons growing up. These lessons have provided the foundation of his success as head coach of the Team Wisconsin (TW) U19 girls’ team.

Poshak is in his fifth season coaching the TW U19 girls. He has coached 100 TW players during his tenure. Poshak’s voice lit up when sharing “Of the 100 girls, 85 have gone on to play college hockey, and the other 15 went to college and are successful in life.”

TW U19 recently traveled to Boston, and Poshak used this as an opportunity to get additional scout exposure for his players. Poshak shared, “We went to Boston two weeks ago; I spent 40 hours the last two weeks communicating with college coaches and scouts.” The TW players are fortunate to have a coach that goes above and beyond.

“Coach Poshak was not only one of the best coaches I’ve ever had, but he also truly cares about every player. I am incredibly grateful for the time and effort he put into pushing me to be my best and helping me reach the next level.” Autumn Cooper, Bemidji State

“Poshak was one of the best coaches I have ever had. His knowledge of the game gave me the opportunity to play at the highest level, and I will be forever grateful for that!” Kendall Sundby, University of Maine

Let’s hear from Brian Poshak!

What motivated you to be a coach? I love teaching the game of hockey, and teaching about life…to be a good human being. It’s more than hockey. We take pride in getting the players ready for college and life. I was a leader on the teams I played on growing up.

How long have you been coaching? This is my 27th year. I started coaching in my senior year of college.

What was the first team you coached? Bantam AA assistant in Marquette, MI.

Where did you coach prior to Team Wisconsin? Notre Dame Academy, Team Wisconsin boys, Green Bay Junior Gamblers.

Where did you grow up? Calumet, Michigan.

What sports did you play growing up? Hockey, football, and track for Calumet HS.

Who are your coaching mentors? Daryl Sleeman got me into coaching my senior year in college at Northern Michigan University. He was coaching the Bantam AA team when I started. He has been coaching for 50 years. Brad Byce at Team Wisconsin. I still speak with Brad on a regular basis for ideas on forechecks, systems, and details. Cory McCracken (Notre Dame Academy).

What attributes of your mentors do you emulate? Be direct, organized, and prepared. Daryl Sleeman, Brad Byce, and Cory McCracken taught me that. I am very organized and prepared when we enter games. We stick to our structure and that’s why we are competitive…even when we play a team like the Mission with a dozen D-1 commits. It’s a testament to our girls and their families for buying into what we are teaching. The TW mottos are Work, Structure, Skill. We get our girls to play within a structure.

What do you enjoy outside of hockey? Golfing, fishing, and spending time with my family.

Where is your dream vacation? Australia. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. We have friends that went there, and they said it was great!

What is your favorite food? Prime rib at the Rivers Edge in Green Bay.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Chocolate cake.

What advice do you have for kids that want to play after high school? What type of work are you doing when nobody is looking. You need to put the extra work in.

Brian Poshak and his wife, Tondra, reside in Green Bay, and they have three children, Bryce, Brendan, and Jillian.

A sincere thank you to Brian Poshak for his time and dedication!

For more information on Team Wisconsin, including schedules and rosters, please visit: www.teamwisconsin.net

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey