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The Â鶹´«Ã½Èë¿Ú (CSSHL) is excited to announce the three winners of the Coach of the Month Award for February: Derek Bachynski, Larry Bumstead, and Tyson Soloski.Ìý

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.”