For the 2024/25 season the CSSHL is proud to introduce the Coach of the Month Award for the three different CSSHL divisions: Eastern, West Female, and West Male.

This award is aimed at recognizing the incredible coaches within the CSSHL and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership and impact on the game both on and off the ice.

We would like to congratulate these three coaches, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of February.

East Division – Derek Bachynski, Fort Erie International Academy

“As the U18 FEIA Head Coach, Derek has demonstrated an incredible work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to player development, making a significant impact on our program.

Since I took over as U17 Head Coach in mid-December, Derek has been instrumental in guiding me through the transition. He has gone out of his way to offer support, making the process much smoother. He works tirelessly—preparing for games and practices like a professional, dedicating hours to video analysis, and ensuring that his players are held accountable. He even goes the extra mile by driving the team bus when needed, showing his commitment to the team in every possible way.

His leadership and preparation have paid off, as his team has improved significantly and is now an extremely competitive group. The culture he has built is evident both on and off the ice, and his dedication has been a key factor in their success. It has truly been a pleasure working alongside him, and I believe he is more than deserving of this recognition.”

West Female Division – Larry Bumstead, St. Mary’s Academy

Nominated by Sarah Zacharias, Balmoral Hall School

“Larry has been at the helm of the program since day one in 2011. Larry has helped guide the programs success over the past decade and assisted in over 60 players realizing their dreams of playing collegiate level hockey. Bummer is a father of 3, both of his girls having been through his program and have gone on to do remarkable things of their own in the hockey world. Bummer has been a pillar for the growth and development of female hockey in the province of Manitoba for many years, leading the Girls of the North program through his work with True North.”

West Male Division – Tyson Soloski, Calgary International Hockey Academy

“Coach Tyson has exemplified unparalleled dedication and leadership, meticulously preparing his team for success long before the season begins. Throughout the summer, he commits himself to strategic planning, ensuring every aspect of the team’s development is accounted for. He spends countless hours analyzing game footage, conducting thorough pre-scouts, and refining game plans, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of a competitive advantage. His attention to detail and deep understanding of the game set the foundation for his team’s success, giving them an edge before they even step on the ice.

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Coach Tyson is deeply invested in his players’ growth, both as athletes and as individuals. He fosters strong relationships by meeting regularly with each player, providing personalized feedback, and offering unwavering support in their on-ice development. His coaching philosophy balances high expectations with genuine care, pushing his players to strive for excellence while ensuring they feel valued and supported. He doesn’t just coach hockey—he mentors, inspires, and cultivates a winning mindset that will benefit his players far beyond the rink.

His leadership extends far beyond the game itself. On road trips, he takes extra measures to create a positive and engaging team culture, organizing innovative team-building activities that strengthen camaraderie and morale. Whether it’s leading a group challenge, sharing motivational insights, or simply ensuring every player feels included, he is always actively involved in fostering a fun and cohesive environment. His ability to bring players together, build unity, and create a culture of accountability and respect is second to none.

Coach Tyson’s passion for the game is contagious. His energy and enthusiasm never waver, and his players feed off his commitment and belief in them. He is the first to celebrate their successes and the first to lift them up after a tough loss, always reinforcing the values of perseverance, resilience, and teamwork. His impact is felt not only in wins and losses but in the confidence, character, and work ethic he instills in his team.

Coach Tyson’s unwavering commitment, tireless work ethic, and relentless pursuit of excellence make him a truly exceptional leader. He embodies what it means to be a great coach—demanding yet compassionate, strategic yet personable, and above all, dedicated to the success and well-being of his players. For his remarkable leadership and the profound influence he has on his team, he is undoubtedly deserving of the Coaches Award.”

The post CSSHL Coaches of the Month: February first appeared on Â鶹´«Ã½Èë¿Ú.

For the 2024/25 season the CSSHL is proud to introduce the Staff of the Month Award for the three different CSSHL divisions: Eastern, West Female, and West Male.

This award is aimed at recognizing the incredible staff within the CSSHL and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership and impact on the game both on and off the ice.

We would like to congratulate these three staff members, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of January.

East Division – Kayla VandeKemp, Manuela Alvarez, Matt Brown, and Steven Lam, Fort Erie International Academy

“Behind every successful student-athlete is a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to ensure they can perform at their best, both on and off the field. At FEIA, our athletic therapist staff plays a vital role in keeping our student-athletes safe, healthy, and ready to compete. Our incredible team includes Kayla VandeKemp, Manuela Alvarez, Matt Brown, and Steven Lam.

From early mornings to late nights, and through long road trips, their commitment knows no bounds. They are there every step of the way—providing injury prevention strategies, managing recovery programs, and offering constant support to our athletes. Their expertise and care extend beyond just treating injuries; they focus on educating our athletes about health and wellness to ensure long-term success.

Whether it’s taping an ankle, responding swiftly during a game, or guiding a player through a rehab process, their dedication is unmatched. They are the unsung heroes behind every moment of growth in our program. To our athletic therapist team, thank you for your endless hours, energy, and passion for what you do. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for the impact you make in the lives of our student-athletes every day.”

West Female Division – Jason Chimera, OHA Edmonton

“On January 5th, 2024 Hockey Alberta granted OHA Edmonton a female team. On March 10th, Randall Weber announced Jason Chimera as the coach of the inaugural OHA Edmonton Female Prep team. On the weekend of April 12-14, OHA Edmonton hoisted their first ever female ID camp. In these short windows, Jason has built a very strong team for the inaugural year. Since the team selection and through the start of the season the team has been quite competitive with a current record of 14-8-1, which is good for 9th place in the CSSHL. This is quite a feat considering that 10 players are in their first year at the U18 level. Additionally, with only 5 graduating players, Jason has built a solid foundation for the future and continued success of the program. These accomplishments are a result of Jasons high work ethic, high standards and high level of care for his student athletes.”

West Male Division – Jessie Leung, Okanagan Hockey Academy

“Jessie Leung has demonstrated exceptional leadership and coaching prowess, making him an outstanding candidate for the CSSHL Coach of the Month. Under his guidance, the U17 Prep team has achieved a perfect 4-0 record this month. Jessie’s meticulous attention to detail in game reports, family communications, and game strategies has been instrumental in the team’s success. In December, he further showcased his expertise by contributing to the Team Canada U18 Female Development team, highlighting his versatility and commitment to developing young athletes. Jessie’s dedication to excellence both on and off the ice makes him a deserving nominee for this recognition.”

The post CSSHL Staff of the Month: January first appeared on Â鶹´«Ã½Èë¿Ú.

For the 2024/25 season the CSSHL is proud to introduce the Coach of the Month Award for the three different CSSHL divisions: Eastern, West Female, and West Male.

This award is aimed at recognizing the incredible coaches within the CSSHL and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership and impact on the game both on and off the ice.

We would like to congratulate these three coaches, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of December.

East Division – Olivier Magnan, Stanstead College

“Coach Magnan and the U17 Stanstead College Spartans went  3-1 in the month of December. Olivier is a skilled technical coach, crafty motivator and well-respected by his players and hockey community. On a day to day basis, Olivier works well with all teams on campus and is a calm voice for the development of our players. He is also a sound mentor for other coaches in our program.”

West Female Division – Ryan Carels, Pilot Mound Hockey Academy

“Ryan exemplifies leadership, dedication, and commitment both on and off the ice. Ryan has innovative practice plans that have improved his team’s performance and individual player skills. He has a major focus on skill development. He fosters a positive and inclusive team culture, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. Under his guidance, players have developed not only as athletes but also as individuals, demonstrating growth in their personal and academic lives.

Off the ice, Ryan is a pillar in the community. He actively organizes programs, engaging young athletes and promoting the values of hockey. His mentorship extends beyond the rink, as he is always available to provide support and advice to his players, helping them navigate any challenges they face.”

West Male Division – Jordan McTaggart, Wenatchee Wild Hockey Academy

“In December, the Wenatchee U18 Prep team swept a weekend 3 game showcase series (Abbotsford, BC) for the first time in program history. Jordan work’s very close with our defensemen and we had the lowest shots against in those three games. He is a first class coach that gives so many ways to the game. He runs our USA Hockey ADM series and also helps with USA Hockey ‘Learn to Play’. These are sectioned by our local hockey association Wenatchee Amateur Hockey Association and he has been here for the last eight years giving back to the community. His father Jim See Bio helped get Jordan into the game of hockey.

Jordan also helps the Wenatchee Wild in the WHL as a Skills Coach when called on. He is always the first guy to lend a hand to any of the players and parents. He drives the 15 passenger bus for the program, does all of the travel arrangements, orders all of the equipment and many more tasks.

Without a question we would not be where we are today without Jordan, AKA Tags, at Wenatchee. He knows the game so well and the players love his teaching aspects of the game. He never gets to high or to low but is a first class coach for our players. They are blessed to be coached by him.”

The post CSSHL Coaches of the Month: December first appeared on Â鶹´«Ã½Èë¿Ú.

For the 2024/25 season the CSSHL is proud to introduce the Coach of the Month Award for the three different CSSHL divisions: Eastern, West Female, and West Male.

This award is aimed at recognizing the incredible coaches within the CSSHL and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership and impact on the game both on and off the ice.

We would like to congratulate these three coaches, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of November

East Division –  Pat Lenehan, Okanagan Hockey Ontario: 

“Since joining Okanagan Hockey Ontario, Pat has been an integral part in building our culture. He understands what it means to build relationships with student-athletes and to make sure they feel supported. He has created an environment where our student athletes can be themselves, be held accountable and know their coaches care for them while pushing them to be their best. His work ethic is second to none and he goes above and beyond each day and on travel weekends to make sure the players have everything they need to be successful. Lastly, he represents the Okanagan Hockey Group and the CSSHL with class and respect.”

West Female Division –  Annette Jensen, Edge School:

Annette was nominated by fellow CSSHL member program Balmoral Hall School program, who had the following to say:

“This month, Edge hosted the Female U18 Prep Division for a league showcase weekend, which ran incredibly smoothly. I’m nominating Annette for going above and beyond to assist another team and player in need. When we landed in Calgary, one of our players hockey bags didn’t arrive with the rest of the teams, and in the morning it still wasn’t anywhere to be found. I got on the phone with Annette less than 6 hours before game time to inquire about getting extra equipment to piece together for our player to still be able to participate in games that weekend. Annette went above and beyond to help find gear for our player, all while she was coaching her own teams game! It’s moments like these that remind us all of the importance to support each other, even if we’re playing against each other in games, we’re all on the same team when it comes to representing our league. Annette is a great ambassador for our league and she is very well deserving of the recognition as Coach of the Month.”

West Male Division – Robert & Jagger Dirk, Okanagan Hockey Academy:

“The West Male Division Coach of the Month is the father/son duo of Coaches Robert and Jagger Dirk of the OHA U18 Prep team. Their exemplary leadership and dedication to the team demonstrate the highest standards of coaching and mentorship.

The father-son dynamic between Coaches Robert Dirk and Jagger Dirk is a testament to their exceptional relationship, as well as their ability to work seamlessly together to support the growth and development of their players. Despite the usual challenges associated with high-level hockey — including short bench rotations due to illness, injuries, and player movements between affiliate teams — these coaches have consistently remained positive, encouraging, and focused on fostering an environment of learning and growth. When the team experiences setbacks, whether in practice or during games, their approach is constructive. Instead of reacting with frustration, they engage in thoughtful analysis, identifying areas for improvement and focusing on solutions.

They maintain high expectations and demand hard work from their players, yet they do so in a fair, unemotional manner. Any corrections made are constructive and without lingering negativity. There are no grudges; the focus is always on improvement and moving forward.

A noteworthy example of their attention to detail and commitment to player safety occurred during a recent practice. When rapid-fire shots were taken before the goalie had time to properly set up, Coach Robert made sure to address the situation, not only with the individual involved but also with the entire team. This commitment to maintaining a safe practice environment is something that often gets overlooked in hockey, but Coaches Robert and Jagger prioritize it, ensuring that all players, especially goalies, are protected.”

The post CSSHL Coaches of the Month: November first appeared on Â鶹´«Ã½Èë¿Ú.

For the 2024/25 season the CSSHL is proud to introduce the Coach of the Month Award for the three different CSSHL divisions: Eastern, West Female, and West Male.

This award is aimed at recognizing the incredible coaches within the CSSHL and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership and impact on the game both on and off the ice.

We would like to congratulate these three coaches, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of October.

East Division –  FX Girard, Bourget College:

“As a Bourget College alum and former NCAA student-athlete, FX is incredible leader for student-athletes. He is a great assistant bench-boss, giving a ton to student-athletes on and off the ice. He serves as the programs Strength Coach with a Kinesiology background. FX always making decisions that best benefit individuals and has a great support mechanism and amazing coaching potential.”

West Female Division –  Kris Hogg, RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna:

“Kris recently joined NCAA program Clarkson University as an assistant coach, after leading RHA Kelowna to an undefeated start to the 2024/25 season. During his eight year coaching career in the CSSHL he has accomplished the following:

• 106 players graduated to play College Hockey
• 5 CSSHL Western Championships, including 3 straight
• 1 Gold Medal at Winter Games team BC
• 1 Western Canadian National Championship
• 2 Stoney Creek Titles
• Calgary Firestarter Tournament Champion
• 164-14-7 CSSHL regular season record
• +861 goal differential”

West Male Division – Rick McConnell, Pilot Mound Hockey Academy: 

“Rick is the staple of the PMHA coaching staff. Rick’s open-door policy has allowed his players to gain trust and build strong habits to start the season. Rick’s communication with his team has set them up for success this season, allowing players to feel comfortable and accepting that mistakes will happen and that learning from them is of the utmost importance. Rick’s practice style is high-paced with strong competition in a positive atmosphere. Rick strongly encourages his student-athletes to participate in community events, including cleaning the arena, volunteering with Pilot Mound Minor Hockey, and helping with the Learn to Skate program with Rock Lake Figure Skating. Coach Rick is PMHA’s coach mentor and has spent many hours to start the season to get everybody on the same page within the PMHA program. Rick is the go-to person on staff, and PMHA appreciates the extra effort that he puts into the program to get the academy involved with the local community.”

The post CSSHL Coaches of the Month: October first appeared on Â鶹´«Ã½Èë¿Ú.

For the 2024/25 season the CSSHL is proud to introduce the Coach of the Month Award for the three different CSSHL divisions: Eastern, West Female, and West Male.

This award is aimed at recognizing the incredible coaches within the CSSHL and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership and impact on the game both on and off the ice.

We would like to congratulate these three coaches, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of September.

East Division –  Martin Gascon, Bourget College:

“Martin could be a candidate for this on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis. Why, because the energy and effort applied for the student-athletes is unmatched. Couple this with an intellect and methodical practice of resolving and concluding, always lends towards optimal decisions and monumental impact on the daily lives of our student athletes. Whether we are referring to hockey, academics, or life situations, the empathetic approach, while always teaching, has proved to have significant impacts on the lives of the people he touches. If we simply look at hockey, his knowledge, teaching ability, communication, and the overall impact-ability, you will see that the amount of student-athletes that have developed, grown, and evolved under his tutelage is remarkable.”

West Female Division –  Jesse Hammill, Okanagan Hockey Academy:

“In the first month of the season Jesse has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his team. The first coach to show up in the morning and last to leave, Jesse has repeatedly gone above and beyond for his team. Whether it be promoting his players to scouts and universities, driving to BC Hockey events to support his players that have been invited or putting together presentations for his parent group, Jesse has repeatedly gone the extra mile. From a competition standpoint his efforts were rewarded the opening showcase weekend with his team finishing 4-0 to start league play giving up only 2 goals during the weekend.”

West Male Division – Jamieson McVicar, STAR Hockey Academy: 

“Jamieson’s commitment to the development and success of the student-athletes at STAR Hockey Academy has been exemplary, making him a key figure in our program’s growth and achievements. As the lead for all individual development plans (IDPs) at the academy, Jamieson plays a crucial role in shaping the progress and performance of each athlete. His enthusiasm and personalized approach ensure that every player has a clear path to achieving their full potential, both on and off the ice. He takes the time to understand each athlete’s strengths, areas for improvement, and long-term goals, tailoring development plans that are both challenging and supportive. In addition to his IDP responsibilities, Jamieson serves as the assistant coach for our U15 Prep team. His positive coaching style, coupled with his ability to connect with the players, has fostered an environment of growth, confidence, and teamwork. Jamieson’s impact goes beyond the X’s and O’s of the game; he is a mentor, a motivator, and a role model for our athletes. Jamieson’s impact is felt across the academy, by student-athletes and staff alike.”

The post CSSHL Coaches of the Month: September first appeared on Â鶹´«Ã½Èë¿Ú.