Every hockey player has had coaches they loved playing for.  Regardless of day, time or situation, some coaches always find a way to make coming to the rink the highlight of the day. What is it that makes these coaches so unique?  Here are 20 ways coaches can make a special impact on their players.

My Favorite Coach...

1. Understands kids don't care how much he knows about hockey, until they know how much he cares about them.
2. Knows that actions speak louder than words.
3. Doesn’t yell at a referee or allow players to.
4. Communicates regularly with parents rather than trying to distance herself.
5. Never embarrasses players in front of their teammates.
6. Avoids negative words like don’t, can’t and shouldn’t.
7. Rushes to nurture and teach rather than criticize when mistakes are inevitably made.
8. Builds players who look inside themselves for answers instead of expecting to be given them.
9. Stays calm during even the most stressful moments of competition, so the players can play through every challenge.
10. Is consistent, allowing players to rely on who he is, never having to worry about "which coach" they might be talking to.
11. Pushes herself too, continuously striving to learn more about the game, as well as teaching and communication
12. Can use ketchup bottles, salt & pepper shakers and even cutlery to demonstrate plays.
13. Remembers my favorite candy bar, uniform number, food, color, music, book and of course, my birthday.
14. Gives players powerful nicknames that motivate them.
15. Instills confidence in all players by putting them in position to succeed and trusting them with increasing amounts of responsibility
16. Teaches life’s lessons just as often as sport techniques.
17. Balances fun with a competitive edge by integrating smiles and humor into training, competition and team travel.
18. Lets kids play....A LOT, enabling them to transfer his lessons on fundamentals to an actual game while having fun.
19. Keeps players engaged with wacky games and scoring variations, and off the wall sayings or mannerisms.
20. Inspires a passion for the game by always arriving to practice and games with a smile, great attitude and an endless supply of energy.

Have other qualities in your Favorite Coach? Tweet us @MinnHockey!