Volunteer Coach of the year – Fort McMurray Minor Hockey

Coach of the Year

The Coach of the Year Award recognizes two exceptional coaches—one from the Travel program and one from the WBHL/Royals teams—who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to player development, inclusivity, and community impact.

Great coaches do more than run practices and manage games—they foster a positive team culture, ensure every player is included, and help develop affiliate players for future success. This award honors coaches who go above and beyond, focusing on both on-ice skill development and off-ice character building, shaping young athletes into strong, well-rounded individuals.

This award celebrates coaches who exemplify leadership, mentorship, and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on their players and the FMMHA community.

Nominate Coach of the Year Now

Nomination Deadline

July 30, 2025

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Coach of the Year Award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

Served as a head coach or Assistant coach for an FMMHA Travel, WBHL, or Royals team during the current season.
Obtained all required coaching certifications as per FMMHA and Hockey Alberta regulations.
Fostered an inclusive and supportive team environment, ensuring every player was given the opportunity to grow and develop.
Demonstrated a commitment to both on-ice skill development and off-ice character building for their players.
Actively supported and mentored affiliate players to help with their long-term development.
Made a meaningful contribution to the community through team-led initiatives or volunteer efforts.

The Executive Board will review and vote on all nominations that meet the eligibility criteria. Selection will be based on the nomination details and how well the nominee’s contributions align with FMMHA’s philosophy of player development, inclusivity, and community engagement.

2023-24 2022-23 2021-22 2020-21 2019-20

2023-24

Coach of the Year Award

Recipient: Loren Hawley

We are thrilled to recognize Loren Hawley as a Coach of the Year. Loren has been coaching within the association for several years and stepped into a head coach role last season.

Coaching is about more than just practice plans—it’s about inspiring kids and supporting families. Last season, Loren was challenged to take on a player who was facing personal challenges. Not only did Loren embrace this opportunity, but he also provided unwavering support, helping that player thrive.

Known for his ability to develop players, Loren was nominated multiple times this year. Currently serving as an assistant coach for the U11A Junior Oil Barons, we are proud to honor Loren as Coach of the Year.

Recipient: Chad Frigon

Chad Frigon has been a cornerstone of our association for many seasons, coaching countless teams while raising five children—four of whom are players. Despite a rule limiting head coaches to one team, we often asked Chad to make an exception due to his incredible dedication and skill.

Chad creates a team environment where players truly want to be at the rink. He’s the coach we turn to for new players, kids facing challenges, or those who need extra support. Last season, Chad head-coached three teams, leading all three to Gold in Minor Hockey Week and playoffs—a remarkable achievement.

This year, Chad continues his exceptional work as head coach of the U15 Huskies. He was nominated multiple times for this award, with one consistent theme shining through: Chad’s ability to make kids love hockey again.

We are proud to recognize Chad Frigon as a 2023/2024 Coach of the Year.

2022-23

2 Awards were decided for the 2022-23 Season:

Coach of the Year - WBHL
Coach of the year - Travel Hockey

Nominees

Lance Gillies
Roy Hollands
Mike Flett
Derick Andras
Garth Martin
Calvin King
Kristen Franz
Steve Swain
Shaun Fagan
Greg MacInnes
Jarred Walsh
Chad Hawco
Ryan Wood
Ryan Strickland

COACH OF YEAR - WBHL - Mike Flett

Mike Flett has been coaching with the association for many years and is always dependable for evaluations and a good challenge on draft night. He consistently looks out for every kid with a big heart and a great attitude. Last season, when a player on his team was struggling with a family medical situation, Mike was truly there for the player and their family, ensuring the player's season a success.

Mike is firm but fair, and he excels at communicating with managers and parents. He is always willing to pick up a player if a parent is unable. His attitude is always positive and encouraging, and he knows what to expect from his team, constantly encouraging excellence.

"Players under Mike's coaching are always excited to get to practice and give their best effort in every hockey encounter. If a player starts out unruly, they end the season respectful and strong. Despite facing adversities, Mike always conducts himself professionally and respectfully, setting a good example for players and parents alike. His influence is a positive force for all involved." - Nomination Form

COACH OF YEAR - Travel Hockey - Rob Ollerton

Rob consistently brings an exceptional attitude and strong commitment to the Huskies, both on and off the ice. He provides a fun and safe learning environment for players, making every season memorable for everyone.

Rob's dedication to the Huskies program is evident and deeply appreciated. He not only wants his team to succeed but supports the entire Huskies program. He encourages his team to support other Huskies and shows up to cheer them on at every opportunity. Coach Rob is a remarkable supporter and leader for our girls!

"Rob is always prepared for each ice session and goes out of his way to organize practices, games, and tournaments throughout the season, ensuring the best development for the team. As a parent, it's reassuring to see how much he values sportsmanship, team play, attitude, and dedication." - Nomination form

2021-22

The 2021 - 2022 Coach of the Year -

Junior Oil Barons & Huskies is awarded to Brad McCoy!
WBHL & Royals is awarded to Greg MacInnis

Junior Oil Barons & Huskies

Brad McCoy has been leading teams in our Junior Oil Barons program for several years - In fact Brad started coaching in our association in 2007 way back when Our Hometown AJHL star Max McCoy was in U7(was Initiation back then).

Brads nomination form talked about his development commitment and dedication to every player at every game and how he uses phrases such as “50 little wins in every game” to motivate the players.

Brad Cares about all of our FMMHA players and showed this when asked to bring a U7 player out on the ice for a special O Canada and he insisted on ensuring the full U7 Team was included in the big moment

"Every year we see players move on from Brads teams to a higher level of hockey - This man cusses like a sailor and loves these kids unconditionally." - Nomination form

WBHL & Royals

Greg has been coaching with our association since 2013 when his son Marcus was in what we used to call Novice. Year after year Greg has been dedicated to escalating the experience of our WBHL teams

It is not easy to get U18 Players out to practice and to hold them accountable off the ice. Yet, Greg cares passionately about every player and pushes them to hold themselves accountable.

Last season a graduating player wanted to quit the team, Greg reached out and worked with that kid to help him finish his season. This player excelled and enjoyed his last year and U18 Mustangs took Gold.

Nominees

Ethan Livingston (u7 Tigers)

Brad McCoy (U15 AA Junior Oil Barons)

Garth Martin (u9 Wildcats)

Brian Hofforth (U13 Mustangs)

Ryan Wood (U13 A Junior Oil Barons)

Bob Niven (U7 Hawks)

Laurie Kemp (U7 Tigers)

Greg McInnes (U18 Dragons)

Travis Pinkson (U15 A Juinor Oil Barons )

2020-21

The 2020 - 2021 Coach of the Year -

Junior Oil Barons & Huskies is awarded to Dan Hodgson!
WBHL & Royals is awarded to Adam Franklin!

Junior Oil Barons & Huskies

Dan is Currently Head Coach of our U18AA Junior Oil Barons and a Technical Advisor to our U18 JOB and Female Huskies programs. Last season Dan was Head coach of the U15AA Squad when the nomination came in. Dan has been volunteering in our organization as a coach for many years and takes pride in being a Development coach.

“ Dan speaks to the kids about their on Ice emotion and decision making skills, he also takes very seriously dressing room behavior and leaving a room as it looked, he is very respectful of facility rules, Bus rules, Hotel rules etc and ensures all players and parents under his leadership are following and held accountable to those rules. He also speaks to the kids about the importance of School and life plans. Most specifically for my player Dan builds confidence, he gives solid direction – he is fair on Ice time, he rotates specialty plays and is fair with all the kids and has taught him discipline he needed to grow in life and his game” from nomination form

WBHL & Royals

Adam is currently taking a break from coaching this season, but has been coaching in our Association for Many years. Last Season as the Head Coach for both a U13 and a U15 WBHL teams.

In a year of COVID and isolations Adam became the “GO TO” coach for both division directors, not only being there for his teams but showing up for the other teams when their coaches were in isolation. He continued the season on for the U13 players to develop - even when his own U13 Player was out with a broken Arm.

“On the ice, I have seen players develop skills, grow as a team and gain confidence under his guidance. But, possibly more importantly, I have seen how the players are shown how to be a thoughtful and considerate leader as well as a teammate who considers what is best for the whole team” - from his Nomination form

2019-20

The 2019 - 2020 Coach of the Year is awarded to Ralph Falle!

Ralph was asked to be an assistant coach for the Peewee Dragons to mentor a new head coach in our organization. He has been a head coach within the WBHL in previous years. Ralph always goes above and beyond being a coach. He is very passionate about hockey and raising the young players with whom he works about all aspects of life. He engages his team in the community by volunteering at the food bank and senior centers, by doing clothing and food drives for the community shelters and so much more. Ralphs makes it such a positive experience the kids can’t wait for the next opportunity.

“He has an amazing subtle strength that guides the boys to build lasting memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. FMMHA is very lucky to have a coach like Coach Ralph to mentor and lead the minds and hearts of young kids in our community. – From his Nomination Form

Coach of the Year Nomination form:

CONSENT
I authorize the Fort McMurray Minor Hockey Association to release my name and quote my nomination submission. I certify that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Your Information

Full name:

Email to contact:

Phone number to contact:

I certify that I am nominating as a Member in good standing with FMMHA as a:

Information about the Coach you are nominating
Full name:

Email to contact:

Phone number to contact:

Approximately how long has the nominee volunteered as a team coach with FMMHA?

Team Name (Division Animal):

How has this coach gone above and beyond to develop their players—both on and off the ice?
Provide specific examples of how they have helped players improve their skills, build confidence, and develop strong character. How have they ensured that every player, including affiliates, had opportunities to grow and succeed?

In what ways has this coach created an inclusive and supportive team environment?
Describe how they have fostered team culture, ensured all players felt valued, and built a positive atmosphere for both players and families. How has this coach treated all players fairly, held them accountable, and encouraged personal and team growth?

How has this coach contributed to the community and the FMMHA hockey family?
Share examples of any team-led initiatives, mentorship efforts, or community engagement activities that this coach has organized or supported. How have they gone beyond coaching to make a lasting impact, such as sharing ice with other teams or providing development opportunities to younger teams?