Minnesota Hockey, in partnership with Park Dental and the Minnesota Wild, recently hosted the 2015 Coaching Excellence Award winners in St. Paul.  In recognition for their continued dedication to youth hockey, the coaches were provided the opportunity to watch a Minnesota Wild practice, participate in Q&A with Wild head coach Mike Yeo and were treated to lunch at Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub.

The Coaching Excellence Award, presented by Park Dental, honors youth hockey coaches across Minnesota whose behaviors provide for a positive athletic experience, allowing players to develop to their greatest potential, have fun and learn to love the game. Each coach receives a certificate of recognition and coaching resources in addition to an invitation to this annual event.

Coach Yeo spent several minutes answering questions on coaching methods and philosophies. He discussed topics such as motivation, leadership, small area games, the importance of developing good skills and habits at all ages and specialization.

“These coaches give so much of their time, family and work time, to come out and work with these kids, so they probably don’t get thanked enough,” said Minnesota Hockey Executive Director Glen Andresen. “This is a way to recognize them, and they seem to enjoy this day.”

The Coaching Excellence Award has been a key part of Minnesota Hockey’s Hockey Education Program (HEP) since its inception in 2004. In Minnesota, we strive to provide all youth hockey players with a lifetime of memories and skills that help them achieve success on and off-the ice and achieving that goal couldn’t be done without first-class coaches.

“The Coaching Excellence Award is all about recognizing coaches that have their priorities right,” said Steve Morse, HEP Coordinator for Minnesota Hockey. “Caring about the kids is number one. When a young player takes the time to recognize a coach, we know the coach cares about the players!”

Parents, players, officials and other coaches can now nominate coaches for the 2016 Coaching Excellence Award. Nominations will be reviewed 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 that the nominator can make the presentation to the coach at the team’s banquet.

In addition, nominated coaches and nominators will have the opportunity to attend a Wild practice during the 2016-17 season.