This season marks the fourth year of the OMHA Coach of the Month presented by The Coaches Site. We asked for nominations of deserving coaches and after much deliberation, Graham Baird of Essa was selected as the Coach of the Month for March.
Here's his story as told by his nomination:
I can honestly say in the last few months he has worked as many hours as anyone in minor hockey. He has met with coaches of existing teams developing practice plans, audited practices, provided feedback and imparted his knowledge on all involved.
With the help of a local body builder he has developed a twice a week off ice training ;program that he has opened to a common bubble of kids. They have become better athletes not only on the ice but overall. These kids are well conditioned and well trained. In six weeks the practice plans have become increasingly more difficult and he is bringing more out of the kids in six weeks than I can honestly say anyone has expected.
Listening to the kids come off the ice tired but at the same time excited is incredible. He has the perfect fit mentality to be tough on the kids but at the same time garner their respect. I have never seen a coach run the drills with the kids. No matter if it's the warm ups, cool downs or through the practice. He is constantly encouraging kids and providing corrections hitting home with each of the kids.