Across the State of Hockey, coaches dedicate their time and effort to growing the sport and teaching kids the game. When it comes to fostering a youth athlete’s love for hockey, there may be no one more influential than their coach.

A hockey player’s true love for the game comes from their coach and the atmosphere that coach creates on the team. Coaches aim to share their love for game with their teams and devote countless hours each season to help young players have the best experience possible.

While developing skills and creating an environment of excellence is important, the best coaches know that the most imperative thing of all is having fun and teaching good sportsmanship. Oftentimes, the efforts of coaches go unrecognized except for that quick thank you following a game or a gift at the end of the season.

That’s where Minnesota Hockey’s Coaching Excellence Award Program, presented by Park Dental, comes in. The program seeks to honor those coaches who have done an exemplary job of creating a positive environment and athletic experience. Athletes, parents, officials or other coaches can submit nominations for those coaches who they feel are deserving of the honor.

Some factors to keep in mind are: coaches who teach respect for opponents, officials and the rules of the game; coaches who use positive reinforcement and mistakes as learning experiences; coaches who stress that development and fun is more important than winning, and ultimately, someone who shares their passion for the game.

Nominations for the 2015 Coaching Excellence Award are now being accepted. They will be reviewed in March, and those meeting the criteria will receive a recognition certificate. The certificate will be sent to the nominator at the end of this season so they can present it to the coach at the team’s banquet.

Additionally, nominated coaches and those who nominated them will have the opportunity to attend a Wild practice during the 2015-16 season.

Do you know a coach who deserves some extra-special recognition? Nominate them today!