MITCH MAJOR, Coach & Owner of Major Skills LLC
mimajor@skanschools.org / (315) 569-8286
“In my 30 years of coaching ice hockey, I have been blessed to coach many talented players, but none harder working and team-oriented than Jonas Oesterle. I was blessed to coach Jonas in his youth hockey career and also to work with him recently in my skill development sessions in the off-season. Jonas would be a great addition to any team and would only add to the positive culture of the academic institution he attends.
Jonas is a very skilled hockey player. His strengths are his hockey sense and his ability to work in tight spaces. I attribute this to his soft hands and constant work on his skills. I would also trust him in all three zones - a player who can play a 200 foot game for sure. He can also play center, wing, or defense... a skill not many players at his level can pull off. This is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his respect for the game.
The Hobart hockey coach once said to my son Charlie,
"Do you respect the game?" I think about this question often in my coaching and what it really means. Jonas understands what this means. His steadfast commitment to playing the game the right way, overcoming obstacles, and committing to the patient grind of getting better is second to none.
I fully recommend Jonas to play at the next level. Please reach out anytime to discuss further.”
TY SIMMONS, Skating/Player Development Coach
simmonsskating@gmail.com / (315) 796-8277
I'm writing this recommendation letter on behalf of Jonas Oesterle. I've had the pleasure of coaching/teaching Jonas since he was 14 years old. We've had plenty of private development sessions throughout the years. From a hockey standpoint, he's never turned down an opportunity to develop.
Jonas has made the effort to show up to each private session, small group session, and clinic if physically possible. He's even taken the chance and has been a part of sessions with NHL, AHL, NCAA Div. 1, and National Development Program level hockey players. In my experience, most individuals would attend a skate like that only for the ability to gloat to their peers afterwards. Jonas took it as a challenge and has never taken any opportunity for granted. With the risk of sounding cliche, he's the kind of player that a coach would hope to have a roster full of. He skates well, sees the ice well, has a solid understanding of the game, and is versatile in that he can play any position that is asked of him. He WILL put team success ahead of individual accomplishment, as long as the return is that he can continue to play at the highest level presented to him. If I could critique anything about his game, it would be that he lacks the confidence to put all of his tangible strengths together in order to be the player I believe he can be. Hopefully, with his decision to move away from home for this season, with the addition of becoming a captain on his new team, and with the surrounding of good people, he can change his mindset and see himself as I, and others, see him.
From a character standpoint, there isn't much to explain. Jonas' ability to overcome adversity is to be admired. At a very formidable year in his life, he sustained an injury that would derail any player's career. He was able to work through that with the support of his family and, from my understanding, only a few others. His injury separated him from the game for an entire season, he did not quit. He has had a significant amount of coaches and teammates that have overlooked his ability due to their bias, uneducated philosophies, and he did not quit.
Jonas has never had the luxury of a shortcut. He hasn't been able to progress in the sport of hockey because of who his parents are, or because of a list of contacts, or because someone close to him wrote a check. He has only been able to progress in hockey because of his willingness to do so and the love he has for the game. Jonas will make those around him, whether it's in the classroom, socially, or on the ice, better people. Without a doubt, he will exceed all of your expectations as a human being.
MASON HACKEL, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Hockey Hacks
“Coaching Jonas this year has been incredible to watch. We took him from just 3 points in 25 games last year to now a consistent point per game, team leader both on and off the ice, and a role model for someone who took a risk to improve himself. He will do what you say while at the same time communicate always, letting you know what he sees. He is well aware of his surroundings from the little plays he makes to what adjustments he sees his teams need to make. As his strength trainer and skills coach this past year, I saw improvements from imbalances in his body to better speed and endurance on the ice. He has a drive to be the best, and I'm excited to see his future!”
JIM WISNOWSKI, Varsity Ice Hockey Head Coach, Fayetteville-Manlius
“But honestly a huge part of the credit goes to Jonas. I know he got frustrated dealing with the youngsters at times and our early season struggles to figure out just what we were probably added to that, but his commitment to the team never wavered.
That commitment allowed us to experiment and eventually settle into a good rotation. No one would have questioned if he left mid-season or just showed up for games but to his credit he was at every practice and never gave up! Without that element in the locker room the season probably would have gone south quickly.
Thanks again and all the best to your family and Jonas going forward! He has a lot of hockey left in him and hopefully he can find that avenue that allows him to participate at the next level.”
ANDY STARCZEWSKI, Defense Coach, Utica Jr. Comets