Congratulations to Doug Morris, our latest Elite Sportswear Coach of the Week.  Below is the nomination email we received from Rob.

Doug Morris Interview 

Nomination email:

I have some one that I would like to nominate for “Coach of the week” Doug Morris. Doug is a very hard working dad who not only has 3 great kids but helps on all three teams. Head coach initiation 2 St. Albert Lightning,  assistant coach atom St. Albert aces and if that’s not enough is coach with the bantam St. Albert Sabres. He instills confidence, enthusiasm for the kids and the game and is always lending a helping hand with a smile.

Rob Toshack

Congratulations to Ryan Rusnell, our latest Elite Sportswear Coach of the Week. Below is the nomination email we received from Aimee.

Our team would like to nominate our Head Coach Ryan Rusnell, he coached our tier 8B Novice team to a gold medal in Minor Hockey week this year.

We were pretty much destined to be the bottom of the barrel as people told us and with the support of the coaches, parent dedication and the good cheer of our kids we have had a fantastic season so far. The determination that these kids has is definitely that of the coach teaching these kids that they have to work hard for rewards and that is exactly what they are doing.

He has such a bond with each child they all just love him, he shows our team that he is so proud of the accomplishments and that they are growing up to be great little hockey players and a little hard work and dedication that they can do anything.

We truly appreciate the effort he has put forth.

Aimee

Congratulations, Pranil Mudaliar, our latest Elite Sportswear Coach of the Week. Below is the nomination email we received from Vince.

Nomination Email:

I would like to nominate Pranil Mudaliar for the Coach of the Week. Pranil coaches Special Olympics Floor Hockey – “A” Division the highest level in Canada. Most coaches who coach Special Olympics have an athlete who competes; the amazing thing about Pranil is that he doesnt – he coaches the athletes for the love of the game and the athletes. Over the last 2 years the Edmonton Bulldogs have gone from the Team everyone would beat badly – to a team that hasn’t lost on 2 years. He really has instilled ethics and values like sportsmanship, while helping increase their skills and understanding of the game of hockey.
From: Vince MacIntyre

Congratulations, Scott Kwasnecha, our latest Elite Sportswear Coach of the Week. Below is the nomination email we received from Ryan.

Gregor,

It’s a pleasure for me to introduce to you our manager Scott Kwasnecha, for his efforts in making our season a special one thus far.
After coaching for the past 10 years and having an abundance of success at the AAA level here in the Edmonton area Scotty jumped on board as our manager for the Leduc Minor Midget AAA Oil Kings. Scotty was a part of the Midget AAA South Side Athletic Club that won the Macs cup in 2010, the first time a Edmonton team has done so. He followed that up coaching alongside me the following year and most recently moved into the manager position this season.
A volunteer that has a passion for the game and approaches every task with a purpose in mind. I’m extremely lucky to have an organized manager that takes care of a lot of the behind the scenes stuff, itinerary, planning, daily emails and dealing with the always interesting parent phone calls.
For a guy that just tied the knot, who doesn’t have a child on the team, and that is extremely career orientated, I can’t say enough about the time and dedication he’s put forth to make this year’s experience as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved. He’s a 29 year old that can’t get enough hockey and loves giving back in the community, specifically donating money from his business to help with our club. You won’t find a guy that deserves this more than Scotty!

Thanks for your time.

Ryan Rechner

If you would like to get your coach recognized, email gregor@theteam1260.com

Congratulations Shane Boulerice, our latest Elite Sportswear Coach of the Week. Below is the email we received from Glenn, telling us why Shane was so deserving of this award.

Jason,

I have to put Shane Boulerice and his coaching staff up for Coach of the Week. He is the coach of the Westlock Peewee Warriors, they play in tier 2A- that’s 1 up from A 1 down from AA. When we started, they picked 12 kids and a goalie. They started off 0-3-2, but Shane kept positive and kept teaching the kids skills, passing, shooting, and skating. They went into break outs and forecheck (no systems just be hard on the puck).
They are now 3rd at 4-4-2 with a chance to move into 2nd place. Needless to say, he has got a lot out of the kids. From the games I’ve watched, there’s no doubt they will end up 2nd in their tier, and it’s all because the kids love their coaches and what he has taught them. He puts in an endless amount of time and treats every kids with respect. He is why minor hockey is a great thing for kids.

Thanks Gregor
Glenn

If you would like to get your coach recognized, email gregor@theteam1260.com

Congratulations, Mark Brown, our latest Elite Sportswear Coach of the Week – and first of 2013.

Below is the email we received from Terri, telling us why Mark was so deserving of this award.

Jason,
I caught your show last week as my husband always leaves your station tuned in when he borrows my van for Hockey on the weekends…

When I heard you talking about nominating a Coach of the week I thought I just had to share his story…I warn you now he is a very modest person but I just feel with the amount of commitment he puts into the community it would be nice to see him receive some recognition:

I would like to nominate Mark Brown who currently coaches our initiation2 team…
Mark has been coaching for 20+ years in Minor Hockey between Ontario and Alberta…In addition to coaching Mark is currently the President of Millwood’s Hockey Association, and has been actively serving the board for 7 years.
For the last 2 seasons Mark has coached 2 teams each year but made a promise to our 5 year old Daughter Gracie that he would devote his coaching time to her this season. To give you an idea of Marks style Marks Rule before any of the kids leave the dressing room they must be smiling, and the commitment he makes to the parents is that they will come off the ice with a smile! Believe me he certainly holds up his end!
In addition to being the Coach Mark plays Santa for all the Kids every year for the team Christmas parties which he offers his time to not only his team but all others in the program. There is one more thing I would like to share which is that Mark is the Founder of “Shoot for Food” which is a foundation he started 3.5 years ago. Shoot for Food is an exhibition game that takes place in December at Millwood’s Arena which involves 2 teams Millwood’s VS (TBD this Year). Each player will do their best to get Monetary donations and as well Non-perishable foods to support the Edmonton Food bank! They have done extremely well every year!
The night of the game is an absolute blast as Mark gives the kids the big league experience by lining both teams up on the blue lines and plays Oh Canada, music between periods (Loud)…In the end the players get to be involved in something that they can take with them for the rest of their lives which every parent that has been involved believes is pretty special…(Helping those in need in your community)
Each player receives a Certificate recognizing theirs efforts from the EFB.
The Local News has been to the game 2 times which is always nice to also give the Foundation some air play! I know even if he wasn’t selected as Coach of the week Mark would be happy with just a plug for Shoot For Food being held at Millwood’s Arena Dec 17/2012.
So as you can see Mark is a pretty remarkable guy who goes above and beyond…He simply loves helping people!
Both My Daughters Kaitlynn and Gracie are very proud of him and love him very much…

Thanks for Taking the time to read my email…

Terri Brown

If you would like to recognize a deserving coach, email gregor@theteam1260.com

Congratulations Joe Marchese, our latest Elite Sportswear Coach of the Week. Below is the email we received from Heidi, nominating Joe for this award.

I would really like to nominate my son’s soccer coach for Baturyn U-8 Community, Joe Marchese. He is an amazing soccer coach! Not everyone can work with kids on a U-8 team (all boys for that matter) and get them to thrive at the game the way he does. He just knows how to make each kid feel special and excel in their position. Always pointing out the positive and getting the kids to work together and use new learnt skills in their plays on the field.
I would really like to see this man acknowledged for his wonderful kid skills and efforts to make each game such a great experience for each child.
Thank you so much for your time in reading this.

Heidi Tavares

And Coach Joe really wanted to thank his kids for being so great…here’s the list of them:
2 Matteo
3 Mason
4 Andrew
5 Jacob
6 Joshua
7 Daniel
8 Francesco
9 Ahmed
10 Milano
11 Matias
12 Luca
13 Tyson

If you would like to nominate a deserving coach, email gregor@theteam1260.com

Congratulations, Ian McFatridge, our latest Elite Sportswear Coach of the Week. Below is the email we received from Erin, telling us why Ian was so deserving of this award.

Gregor,

My son, Mathieu, has been blessed with tremendous coaches in his four years of hockey. He’s now playing Tier 1 Novice in St. Albert and loves the game passionately. Much of that enjoyment is innate but at least part of it has to do with someone who’s been a constant presence. Ian McFatridge is an Edmonton Police Services member. He was Matty’s coach during two years of Initiation and has stayed involved through extra practices and ice times since then. Ian’s become a very good friend, in large measure because of his being a rock-solid human being. In terms of coaching, he’s remarkable. His two sons and daughter play Atom, Novice, and Initiation, respectively. His oldest, Dylan, is on one of our AA teams and is a terrific player. Ian coaches or actively helps with all three teams. He also organizes extra ice times every week during the summer, and is part of a group of coaching dads who run an August camp through an organisation called Saint Albert Youth Sports Academy. All of this in addition to shift work as a cop. What’s truly extraordinary is that he shows up to practice with a lesson plan—and I mean every single practice that he runs. Furthermore, it’s tailored to meet the needs of all the kids with no one’s being left out, no matter what the skill level. And, just to top it all off, he’s great with the players, mixing strictness with fun and kindness in equal measure. I’ll tell you flat out that my son loves him and actually wanted to play down in Tier 3 to have him as a coach but Ian said that was a bad idea.

Anyway, if you need more testimonials, I know a bunch of parents who would vouch for Ian’s excellence and commitment, in addition to all the sacrifices he makes. Can’t count the number of times he’s shown up on a Sunday morning after driving his patrol car all night and he’s always in a great mood.

Thanks for the opportunity to promote Ian.

Cheers,

Eric Morin

If you would like to recognize a deserving coach, email gregor@theteam1260.com

Congratulations, Jeremy Latta, our latest Elite Sportswear Coach of the Week. Below is the email we received from Darryl, telling us why Jeremy deserved to be recognized.

Gregor,

‘m a big fan of the Team 1260, and the coach I am nominatin…g is an even bigger fan.
I would like to nominate Jeremy Latta for the coach of the week. He coaches the Stony Plain Strikers 14 & under indoor soccer team. He also coaches the outdoor soccer club in the summer. He is so great with the kids because he has lots of fun, while bringing out the best in the kids play & attitudes.
Jeremy has lead our small town team to the city finals twice, with one championship. He installs confidence and fair play values, and he exudes enthusiasm every game and practice. Please consider this nomination because it was well deserved.

Thank you,

Darryl MacPherson

If you would like to recognize a deserving coach, email gregor@theteam1260.com

Congratulations, Megan Marris, our latest Elite Sportswear Coach of the Week. Below is the email we received from Vanessa, telling us why Megan deserved to be Coach of the Week.

I would like to nominate Coach Megan Marris.
Megan voluntee…red to coach the first ever girls volleyball team at Michael Strembitsky School. Because the school was new, she took on 16 girls from grades 6-8 and has worked to tirelessly not only to build a team from the ground up but to teach skills to girls who had never before played the sport.
With Megan’s guidance and dedication, the girls have won almost every game this season and even though they were a junior team, were able to compete against senior teams in tournaments and hold their own. Megan herself is a student but she makes time every week to come to our school to work with the girls. Before every game, the girls form a circle in the middle of the court, wearing the green and blue socks Megan got them before their first game and set goals for the game. They could not have grown this much as players or as a team without her.

Nominated by:
Vanessa LeCaine, Assistant Principal
Michael Strembitsky School

If you would like to nominate a deserving coach, email gregor@theteam1260.com