This season marks the eighth year of the OMHA Coach of the Month presented by The Coaches Site. We asked for nominations of deserving coaches and after much deliberation, Erik Hudson of the Clarington Toros U15 A Gold team was selected as the Coach of the Month for October.
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Here's his story as told by his nomination:
Erik consistently goes above and beyond to create an environment where players thrive both on and off the ice.
From the start, Erik has instilled a culture of teamwork and sportsmanship, ensuring that every player understands the importance of being a good teammate. He doesn’t just focus on individual skill development but emphasizes how critical it is to support one another, both in victory and defeat. This focus on individual growth within a team context helps the players develop not only as athletes but as young men.
What truly sets Erik apart is his dedication to teaching life skills. He instills leadership, accountability, and resilience, preparing these 14-year-olds for challenges beyond hockey. He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and bouncing back when things don’t go as planned, helping them grow into better, more responsible people.
Erik’s passion for hockey is contagious. He leads practices that are meticulously planned, down to the minute, with high-energy and innovative drills that keep players engaged and improving. His ability to inspire a love for the game ensures that his players not only enjoy hockey but can’t imagine their lives without it.
Beyond the structured practices and games, Erik makes himself available for mentorship. Whether a player needs advice on hockey or life, he is always ready to listen and provide guidance. His commitment goes beyond the rink, demonstrating a genuine interest in his players’ well-being and development as individuals.
Finally, Erik’s leadership style is built on clear communication. He sets clear goals for the season, each tournament, and every game, ensuring that both players and parents understand expectations. After every game, he holds training sessions to provide detailed feedback on what the team did well and areas for improvement. This level of care and attention ensures that everyone involved is aligned with the team’s objectives.
In short, Erik Hudson is more than deserving of recognition for his positive influence, commitment to developing life skills, and ability to foster a lifelong love for hockey. He is shaping the next generation of leaders, both on and off the ice, and I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for OMHA Coach of the Month.
Coach Erik grew up in a hockey household and played various levels of Junior and College hockey. He started as a non-parent coach and has spent time in various development roles with Port Perry, Oshawa, Clarington, Whitby and Newcastle Minor Hockey Associations.
He would like to acknowledge his dedicated Coaching Staff, Ryan Day, Steve Pennington, Jason Dreyer, and Gerry Douma, and the unique strengths and a deep commitment to the team’s growth and future success. They are focused on helping each player develop resilience, teamwork, and accountability that will serve them well in every area of their lives.
Our team motto this year is “ALL IN,” which is about building a unified team culture. I emphasize that we’re all part of something bigger than any single player, working toward a common vision. Seeing each player find their place within the team and watching them grow into compassionate, respectful teammates is what keeps me passionate about coaching. We work closely with parents to foster this supportive environment so that everyone, players and families alike, feel included and invested. It’s fulfilling to see the kids not just learn skills but also grow as individuals, learning the true meaning of sportsmanship and respect. With five players new to rep hockey, it’s a season of growth, learning, and development, both individually and as a team. It has been a grinding start to our season, but one filled with opportunities to develop resilience and teamwork. The “ALL IN” motto has been added to the back of each practice jersey, serving as a constant reminder to work hard, be a good teammate, and stay committed to our shared goals.
Our “ALL IN” motto is more than just words; it’s incorporated in our team charter. The Coaching Staff and I regularly talk with the players about the values they bring to the team, how they can support one another, and the actions that demonstrate being “ALL IN”. Each player is accountable for their role in our shared success, both in skill development and in being a positive teammate. Although the scores might not yet reflect our growth, the players are starting to see the bigger picture, embracing the concept of putting the team first, as one of my Coaches loves to say “WE” vs “ME”, another constant reminder that the team “ALWAYS” comes before the individual!
Every practice is crafted to balance skill development, conditioning, and teamwork. By addressing specific areas for improvement and keeping practices varied, we create a space where players feel challenged and excited to grow. The parents are a vital part of this process, too, as we openly communicate about our goals and areas of focus. Practices are tailored to keep each player engaged and challenged, with the aim of building a strong, cohesive team.
We conduct “ALL IN” practices, dividing our team into two groups that are purposeful, hardworking, and balanced. This structure allows players to compete against each other, fostering competition and promoting growth in each player's game!
Working together with the parents, we build a strong foundation that allows players to feel supported in all aspects of their hockey journey. Many others have played a vital role in supporting the players. I’m grateful for all the assistance on the ice and the encouragement from parents for believing in me and trusting me to guide this team to the next level. I sincerely appreciate the Robinson Family for their submission related to my nomination. I can't express my gratitude enough for considering me and acknowledging me as someone deserving of this article. I am incredibly thankful for my wife, Katrina, whose support has been invaluable to me.
Our primary goals this season center around growth, building unity, and fostering accountability. With our “ALL IN” mindset, we’re working toward individual and team development, aiming for the playoffs but, more importantly, focusing on becoming a cohesive, values-driven team. As we work with players to develop our team charter, they are beginning to truly understand their roles within the team and to see how they could contribute to each other’s success. This season will be one of the most rewarding yet, as we witness these players embody the values of teamwork, accountability, and resilience. Watching these players grow, develop compassion for each other, and work together as “One” team is deeply fulfilling, and I feel fortunate to be a part of their journey.
Please note that all previous submissions are still eligible for upcoming Coach of the Month awards and do not need to be resubmitted.
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