Mike Bartley has presided over the coldest classroom in Shaker Heights for 35 years. Yet, you will get no complaints from his students, the hundreds of hockey players who have studied under him at cozy Thornton Park Ice Arena.
Shaker Heights hockey coach Mike Bartley, overseeing practice at Thornton Park Ice Arena, is closing in on becoming Ohio’s all-time leader in wins. - (Thomas Ondrey l PD)
Mike Bartley has presided over the coldest classroom in Shaker Heights for 35 years.
Yet, you will get no complaints from his students, the hundreds of hockey players who have studied under him at cozy Thornton Park Ice Arena.
When the Raiders practice, even after a long day at school, there is always time set aside to explain the reasons for a drill and a diagram or two to illustrate it on the grease board propped along the rink's sideboard. Bartley's lesson plans for the game he loves have proven more than successful over the years.
Heading into tonight's game at Mentor, Bartley is three victories away from having the most coaching victories in the state. Only retired Jim Cooper from Sylvania Northview has more at 585.
Bartley, 60, could tie Cooper on Sunday with a victory against Hudson, which is coached by Bartley's son, Matt. It is only appropriate.
"I appreciate it because I know it's been in the media, but my focus has been on my team," said Mike Bartley, who has the Raiders at 22-2 overall and 7-0 in the Red South Division of the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League.
"It's the team that wins. We play a minor role in the success. The guys playing the game should get the credit."
For those who know Bartley best, it was a true response from the school's dedicated physical education teacher who came to the district in the fall of 1976. After playing in Canadian junior leagues, he skated at Bowling Green in college and for a short stint as a professional minor leaguer.
Teaching and playing the game the right way, then carrying those lessons to living a good life, have always been the important subjects.
"I always responded better to coaches who had patience and worked with athletes," said Bartley, who has taken 10 teams to the state tournament's semifinals and returned with three championships. "You have to have empathy. It's about building confidence and enjoying the game. That's first and foremost to me."
Getting Bartley to talk about his accomplishments is not that easy. With his low-key style, he deflects most compliments, no matter the approaching milestone.
But in his small office off the Raiders' locker room at Thornton Park, the mementos form the archives of Shaker Heights hockey. While all the trophies are on the floor, the team pictures, jerseys and significant game pucks jam every shelf and wall.
While they are all special, Bartley admits one photo stands out. It is the team state championship picture from 2001 that shows Matt Bartley enjoying the glorious moment.
"That was the most satisfying," said the coach, whose club defeated Padua that year for the title. "We were the underdog, and my son got to experience it. It was a special thing."
Matt Bartley, 28, has followed in his father's footsteps as a teacher in the Hudson school district and as coach of the Explorers. He said it wasn't difficult playing for his dad, and he has tried to follow in his manner, though he admits he is a bit more vocal at times.
"He's a modest man is the best way to put it," said Matt Bartley, aware of the significance Sunday's game could hold. "He's definitely a teacher in his approach to the game. So many coaches try to fix things right away. He thinks it's better to take some time and go over things."
That doesn't mean the elder Bartley lets everything wait until a game is over. But when he has a point to make, he doesn't make a spectacle of it.
Veteran North Olmsted coach Tim Murphy has seen Bartley from both sides. Murphy, 52, was a referee for 10 seasons before taking over the Eagles 21 seasons ago.
"He's quiet, but he's a competitor," said Murphy, whose Eagles face the Raiders in the regular-season finale Feb. 4 in what could put Bartley on top in coaching wins. "As a ref, I felt those steely-blue eyes looking at you. When he made a point, you had to think about it. It was never sarcastic or belligerent.
"As a coach, you know his team is going to be well-prepared and detail-oriented. After we play them and I watch film, I find myself watching his team as much. It's like a symphony out there."
Senior defenseman Aaron Goodman has spent the past four seasons getting firsthand knowledge from Bartley. He said his teammates have come to appreciate the scholarly approach.
"He's not a yeller," said Goodman, who is looking at Michigan and Georgetown as college choices. "I've played for every kind of coach. He knows how to get the best out of you without getting in your face. You know what he expects, and he doesn't have to tell you twice."
Former player Tyler Friedman, 31, said he always will remember losing the 1998 state title game in overtime to Bowling Green, 5-4. While the loss still hurts to a degree, the other aftermath has stayed with him more.
"At the time, it was the most devastating thing in my life," said Friedman, practicing law in New York City. "I was crying and trying to hold it together. The whole 21/2-hour bus ride home, he put his arm around me and told me to keep my head up. I still reflect on that as one of the most meaningful moments of my life. I think of coach Bartley frequently."
Coach Bartley would not ask for more than that.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168