Brian Assey - The Master Coach
It was with great sadness that I read the news of the demise of my former Sri Lankan Hockey coach Mr. Brian Assey. It is hard to believe that he is no more.
The only word that would describe him in regards to hockey and coaching would be “GENIUS”. Brian Assey lived and breathed hockey. He was a brilliant tactician and a hard task master. His superior knowledge of the game and the ability to capitalise on ones strength and improve on the weaknesses to mould one to a complete player was his greatness. He was also a strict disciplinarian. His commitment and dedication to hockey was irrefutable. He spent 3 months In the residential camp at Katunayake away from his family in 1978 when we were training for the Asian Games. Such was his love and passion for hockey.
We at the BRC were very successful in the late 70’s and 80’s because we implemented everything we learnt from Mr. Assey. The proof of the pudding was when 10 BRC players were in the squad of 16 selected for the Asian Games in 1978 coached by Mr. Assey. This in itself is a record, thanks to him. We all owe him a great deal. He made me the player I became. He was not only a coach but a father figure to all of us. He was a very special man.
Sri Lankan Hockey in my opinion has lost the very best hockey coach it ever had.
Will there be another Brian Assey - I doubt it very much. May his soul rest in peace.