Yeliz Yuksel

Article Appeared on National Teams Ice Hockey Website

Yeliz Yuksel is one of the first women in Turkey to play ice hockey in the country we caught up with her and ask her a few question. 

How did you get started playing the game of ice hockey?

When I was around 14 years old, I was a trouble kid, very aggressive and very energetic so my parents always lead me to different sports but as soon as I became successful or got a medal I quit all the sports I tried, until I played ice hockey. In 1999 they open up an ice rink (very small one ) at the basement of one apartment, it was near my school and very close to my home. From the beginning it was very different because my home town (Antalya ) is one of the warmest cities in Turkey. I think most important reason that I start to skate is it was different and than after I learn how to skate my first coach showed up and explained to me and the other kids about hockey (we didn’t even know this sport existed) and from what he told me it was all fit to my personality. He made a deal with a college (Akdeniz College) and practice with us one year than we started to play in a men's league because there was no women league from 2000 to 2007.

You are one of the first women to play hockey in Turkey. What attracted you to the game?

When I play I feel free, I am very challenge person and as I told you before very aggressive I think different than other people it makes me calm down. I love the strategies I love the struggle to have get the puck or keep the puck there is nothing to separate you from your opponents you have to fight for the puck. Most of the sports is about talent or power but in hockey you should have everything, you can be powerful or full of talent but if you are not smart enough if you can not read the game or if you don't have hockey sense you are nothing.

You were captain of the Turkish women's nation team, What was that experience like and what do you tell the girls of today when they play international hockey?

I was a captain in 2011 for the University, 2012 in Debl league and Team Turkey in 2012-2013 world championship and also 2014-2015 world championship. 

First of all it was a great honor to play for Turkey and be a captain. When we started to have a national teams, we all realized that we need to learn many things, we have to work harder, we have to have better coaches who should practice with players also educate more coaches and to be able to catch up the level of other countries we have to sacrifice from our lives. When I talk to girls I mostly tell them that it doesn’t matter how good player they are in Turkish league, if they really want to be hockey players they have to work hard and hard and harder, so in my team it is not possible to miss any practices.

During your playing days what was your favorite international moment?

We were singing kind of Turkish Youth Anthem just before we step on the ice, very loud and lyric. I think it was the best and my favorite moment.

From what I have been told you are now a player coach Narman women's team. What can you tells us about the team?

It is very new team and we are in our third year as a team. When I arrived in Erzurum (city name where team belongs to) I had very hard time with girls because I had to teach them everything from the beginning like holding the stick, skating, stopping, shooting and I had to teach them in couple of months because we had to play in the league but I was also lucky because of what they could provide me was better than any team in Turkey. We could have more ice time and free equipment and they gave us free buses. From the first week I cut couple of girls because they did not show up during the practices. The rest of the girls kept coming. First year with the help of 2 Canadian players we came 3rd, the second year without imports we came 2nd and this year we haven’t lost any games yet, hopefully in this month 21st-22nd-23rd of March we will play in the finals and we want to be a champions. This year we also have one Slovak and one Canadian player. But most important is I have Keith McAdams as my great mentor. When ever I struggle he helps me with no questions.

How many teams are there in the Turkish women's league and if some wanted to play in the league who would they contact? 

There used to be 10 teams but This year there is only 5 teams, because the federation doesn't support away games expenses anymore, But I think qualification is better now. In Erzurum if someone wants to play, they have to contact my club; but in other cities there is so many different clubs they can contact.

You are responsible for women's hockey in the City of Erzurum. How do get more girls to play the game in Turkey?

I am also a P.E. teacher at the public school . Since last summer I was working at the school in Erzurum. When I was working there it was easier to find more girls because I gave them a free skating courses so I could bring many girls to the ice rink but Erzurum is also very religious city so families don't really support their girls to do sports. If I found a girl whose parents didn’t let her play I would knock on their door and talked to them many times, But other cities it is not problem so with some advertisements or with use of media I put some games online so that we can find more girls. There is still a lot of people in Turkey that don't know anything about hockey so we need to show them how wonderful it is. 

You say you knock on peoples doors and talk to parents, what things do you tell them?

I talk to them about their daughters future life; because in Turkey if you want to go to the University you have to pass the national exam. and if you want to work for government job after you graduate you have to pass another exam which is very hard to pass, people work 2-3 years for that. But if you are national player of any sport it is easier to get the sport departments of the University, Specially in Erzurum one of the physical exam is Hockey. And if you graduate any sport department of the University and if you compete world championships or Olympic games you can work for government which is the most guarantee job in Turkey, So I tell their parents, if their daughter works hard in couple of years their future will be guarantee.

Also again if you are national player and study at the University in any department, government gives study grant and that money is more than average that they can make with working in any job. There is another thing, as I told you before Erzurum is small and very religious city, if girls  do not do any sport they might marry very early or run away from their home or find very bad job to make less Money and work hard, because there is no social life for them. And non of those things can be parents dream for their daughter life.

If you had a crystal ball what would you like to see happen in women's hockey in the next five years in Turkey?

I would love to see the girls play at a Winter Olympic Qualification. It would be a pride, huge pride to see them play at the Olympic games one day.

You have worked with Keith McAdams at GKS and some development camps. What did you learn from him and how do you apply that to your club team Narman?

I learn everything from him and I am still learning. Before he arrived to Turkey we didn't know anything about system or tactics, whatever we play it was all about individual skill of the players and the other coaches who came before Keith they all saw that there is so many things to teach after couple of years they all gave up on us but Keith never. He changed everything about Turkish hockey also besides the hockey he also showed us how to be great coach. He teach us to be disciplined, he teach that coaching at the rink and outside is totally different things like you can be mad at a coach during the practice but you shouldn't carry that to the outside as a coach or player. Now I have the same rules in my club, during the practice or games the girls all belong to me but after the practice I belong to them, they call me “ABLA” it means older sister.

Also I teach discipline, I don't accept any reason to not come to the practices. Those are the things I learn t from him, basically he teach me coaching is not just preparing the practices or writing down the lines; It is being coach, a teacher, a mentor, a doctor, a therapist, family and a guard sometimes.

Do you think hockey can be a big winter sport in Turkey?

It can be because it is very close to Turkish people character. Who ever watches once they all ask for other games. 

Do have a favorite player in the NHL or Europe?

My favorite player was Wayne Gretzky. When I started to play I had 99 and played with that number very long time, But for now I think I like Alex Ovechkin.

Who is your favorite Team in the NHL or Europe?

I don't really have favorite team in the NHL, as much as I have time or it is online I try to watch. When you are not in Canada or USA it is hard to support the teams.

Keith McAdams Moves to Büyükşehir Belediyesi Erzurum Spor Kulübü

New Era Begins Tuesday:
August 9, 2015

GSK who has won 6 National Championships, Three Black Sea Cups and 17U Turkish Cup from 2011-15 will start training under Erzurum BB. I want to thank GSIM, Memdu and Salami for the great work they did with the club. The U18 and U14 teams both won 3 straight Turkish National Championship. The Turkish 18U team won the World Championship with 15 players coming from Erzurum.

Thanks GSIM Management for 5 great years.
Keith McAdams

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Sports Psychology Tips:  Listen

You're preparing to fail; when you've failed to listen.
-Keith McAdams

Listening  Requires Showing Respect


1. Look the person in the eyes.

2. Put your full attention into what being said.

3. Ask questions.

4. Take notes.

5. Actively listen; encourage the speaker to speak.

6. Shut off your cell phone.

7. Give 100% of your time to the person.

8. Value the persons point of view.

9. Do not respond until the other person stops speaking. 

10. Do not respond until the other person stops speaking.

GSK Interview with Keith McAdams

1, Keith McAdams in liderlik.,onderlik anlayisi felsefesi

2. Keith McAdams in kocluk anlayisi ve neden uzun zamandir burada

3. Mc Adams diger hocalardan neyi farkli yapiyor neden diger koclardan farkli

4. Merak edilen Bogazici maci ve buz hokeyi fedarasyonu uzerine KeithAdamsla

5. Koc. MC Adamsla Turkiyedeki buz hokeyi uzerine tatli bir ropartaj

Politics and TBHF are Destroying Hockey in Turkey

By Keith McAdams
Update June 27, 2014

BOĞAZİÇİ STEPS UP AND DOES RIGHT THING
(Great Job)
Great team and organization!

Izmir Büyükşehir Belediyesi -Great Job and Organization

 Buz Korsanları - Great Job Young Kids and 14U
Always improving all clubs!

Erzurum 18U Championship

The below comments were made to the press at the GSIM Office in Erzurum Turkey on 6/25/14. It was updated and distributed to the press on 6/27/14.  It was translated to English to make sure there was no misunderstanding in the translation.

Turkish 14 Under National Championship

Erzurum GSK won all their matches in Kojeli and qualified for the championship game. There was a problem with the ice and the championship game was canceled.The Federation said, " they would contact us by phone when the game would be played. The TBHF told management most likely the game could not be played until September."



Let it be clear - The TBHF actions are political.  This was the third time in two years the Federations made changes and did not tell us!

The Federation sent a fax after 5 pm on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. GSIM was closed! GSIM read the email Wednesday, June 25, 2014. The TBHF scheduled the game for Friday, June 27, 2014 at 1600. On Wednesday we tried desperately to make arrangement to get to Istanbul. We would have had to leave that afternoon to make the game. It is a 20 hour bus trip from Erzurum to Istanbul. It was impossible with the holiday to get a bus and two drivers. We offered to play the game any other day in Istanbul. The Federation refused to change the date. We spoke directly with Oktay Yavuzarslan from BOĞAZİÇİ. We were told arrangements were made last week. The Federation and BOĞAZİÇİ said they would not change the game.


In the press conference I want to remind BOĞAZİÇİ over the past three years, GSK accommodated BOĞAZİÇİ and changed games for them. Three years ago we changed the time of the game for a game - because they were missing some players. Last year, the time was changed for 18U. This year 18U playoff game was changed for BOĞAZİÇİ without even notifying GSK. Our team was dressing when we found out the game was changed. BOĞAZİÇİ or the Federation never even called us to tell us about the change! Furthermore this season GSK spent $3000 dollars to play BOĞAZİÇİ in Kojeli -BOĞAZİÇİ did not show up.


I told the press that BOĞAZİÇİ has a good team. BOĞAZİÇİ has a good organization. BOĞAZİÇİ have great players and parents. Oktay is a great coach; Oktay is a good person and friend. But I am sorry - BOĞAZİÇİ and the TBHF failed to demonstrate true sportsmanship. You robbed BOĞAZİÇİ children of a chance to win a championship with hard work and fair play.

The main objective of coaching should be to teach children fair play, work ethic and teamwork. Our philosophy with GSK is work hard in school; be a good person; be honest; Be a good friend; work together with others; Unfortunately the actions of TBHF proves these values mean nothing in Turkey. The Turkish Ice Hockey had stolen a championship away from GSK. The TBHF is teaching children that hard work and good character mean nothing!


On June 27, 2014 - BOĞAZİÇİ wrote a letter to the Federation. I did not see the letter. But according to management, "the letter stated BOĞAZİÇİ would not accept the championship under the terms set by the TBHF.'' I want to honor Oktay Yavuzarslan and Bogazici Hockey Club for supporting GSIM. But most importantly, they should be honored for showing good character. As I said; " Oktay Yavuzarslan and Bogazici are good people." The decision of Bogazici not to support the Federation is the correct and fair decision. Hopefully, the TBHF will work with the clubs for the good of the game.


Notes:

The court in Turkey has ruled two times the TBHF did not provide the correct delegate list to vote for the election. The TBHF election has been canceled two times.

The 14U Championships was moved from Ankara to Kojeli - Dropping participation by 10 clubs. Despite the fact that everyone knew there were ice problems. This was done to influence the election.

The TBHF submitted a third list of delegates for election - that being challenged in court. It looks like the election will be canceled third time.

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Sports Psychology: Hearing or Listening

The difference between winning and losing; the difference between teaching and learning; the difference between a good practice and a bad practice; the difference between good execution and bad execution; Is in the quality of communication. Often failure is the result of the players hearing, but not really listening. For some players the message goes in one ear and right out the other ear.  Winning teams are actively listening. To listen, you need to bring your body and mind to training. You have to stand up straight or sit up straight. Make eye contact with the coach. Nod your head in agreement, when you understand the instruction. Ask the coach questions. Coaches need to set up the ideal situation for players to listen and learn. Coaches should ask players questions; make sure they are listening; ask players to repeat what was said. Coaches should have players stand up in front of the group and explain the system; make players draw a drill or a play on the board. Coaches that, make sure their players are listening - will have success. Coaches who do not insure players are listening - will lose.


This photo, is practice of Turkey, preparing for the Continental Cup. The players could not execute the drill the coach outlining on the board. It's said that a picture is worth a thousand words. What does this picture tell us? This picture tells us, that the players were not listening to the coach. From this photo, you could predict that Turkey would not be successful.


''Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,'' - Proverbs 1:5  

''Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.''               - Proverbs 1:8-9 

How Do These Players Feel?

   Six players not allowed on the ice for warm ups. 

18 and Under Turkish Championship

I've witnessed two games in a row, where players were not allowed to warm up with their club. The above six players were forced to sit on the bench and watch warm-ups. How do you think these players feel? After the second game ended. I asked a player from the team, why players were sitting on the bench for warm-ups? He replied, "they are not good." Did the coach tell his team this? I understand winning is important to coaches; nothing wrong with wanting to win. But not allowing kids to skate warm-ups is crazy. I do not know how a coach could do this to his players. How can a coach, not understand the negative impact this has on his players? Over the past two years membership in Turkish hockey has decreased by the hundreds. This type of coaching behavior - is one reason hockey has deteriorated in Turkey. If a kid is not good enough to be on your team, do not dress him. But to make six players sit on the bench and watch warm-ups is demoralizing. Coaches need to develop self-worth; not destroy it!

12 and 10 Championships Turkey Over the past four years I watch the Turkish 10 and 12 Championships. I watch teams play only play five players and a goalie. Winning a championship at this level, should not be important. In fact, most counties do not even hold a national championship at those age brackets. It's impossible to grow the game of hockey if kids do not play. The responsibility of the coach at these age groups should be:

1. Teach skills.
2. Let all the kids play in the games.
3. Make sure they have fun
4. Keep the games and practice safe.

If you do these four things; you are a successful coach. 

The Turkish Ice Hockey Federation must make rules to make it mandatory that all kids play in these games. If you want to grow the game of hockey; every kid needs to play, It's the coaches job to make sure each kids have a positive experience when playing hockey.
Coaches, please start caring about the kids feeling and start growing the game in Turkey

Building Self-Worth Through Sports 

The ERZURUM GENÇLİK 14 team has won two Turkish National Championships and only lost one game in three season seasons. The 18U team has won two Turkish National Championships and is undefeated in two seasons. Our definition of success does not involve winning. We consider a player successful when he or she has a great attitude and work ethic. It's a mistake to develop kids self-worth on wins and losses. In three years we never once have we talked about winning a game or a championship! All our players - play in the games. No one has ever sat on the bench. The amount of ice time a player earns, is determined by attitude, work ethic and the quality of his or her practices.

Philosophy

Power Thought

Do not be fooled by a coach who tells you how great he is! Beware of a coach who tells you how bad other coaches are; If a coach is good - he does not have tell other people how great he is or how bad other coaches are!

~Keith McAdams

ERZURUM GENÇLİK SPOR BUZ HOKEYİ & BLACK SEA CUP: The Team That Would Not Lose

The Team That Would Not Lose: 

                                   


                       GSK Wins U18 Turkish National Championship

2012-13 and 2013-14 Junior Champions of Turkey