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, Ryan Dagg of the Drayton Defenders U11 White Local League team was selected as the Coach of the Month for November.

Know someone who should be Coach of the Month? Click here to nominate them.

Here's his story as told by his nomination:

For the past few years, Ryan has been a transformative coach for my son and his U11LL team. Often, having the same coach year after year can become repetitive, but Ryan brings a fresh approach to each season that keeps players engaged, growing, and excited to return. His unwavering commitment to a positive, welcoming environment has created a team culture that players and families value deeply. It’s no surprise that many players and families specifically request for him to return as Head Coach and to be on his team each year.

Ryan goes above and beyond to ensure his players not only improve their skills but also enjoy the game. He invests countless hours preparing schedules, reviewing practices and games, and staying connected with families to offer the best possible hockey experience. On the bench, he leads with calm confidence, which reflects in both the team’s playing style and their resilience under pressure.

One of Ryan’s greatest strengths is his inclusiveness with both players and coaching staff. He makes space for everyone’s ideas, strategies and individual approaches creating a truly collaborative environment. Ryan’s thoughtful coaching approach allows each player to strive for their personal best, while he ensures equal opportunities are for all, whether starting a game, finishing, or experiencing the thrill of special team situations.

Ryan’s competitive edge drives his players to improve without them even realizing it. He motivates them to push their limits, yet his approach remains positive and supportive. His dedication has undoubtedly kept more players in hockey, contributing to their development and love for the game.

As a small-town coach with a big heart, Ryan has been an exceptional leader and is more than deserving of recognition. The experience he provides is invaluable, and his impact on players and families is long lasting.

Coach Ryan grew up playing hockey and started coaching as a way to give back to the community. When he got involved as a non-parent coach, he learned about how to connect with players, plan effective practices, organize a season, and communicate with parents. Now coaching his son's team, it has been a very positive and rewarding experience.

His coaching philosophy emphasizes fun, mutual respect, and personal development. Coach Ryan strives to help these young players build friendships, work together, and develop skills that will serve them well beyond the game of hockey.

Coaching many of the same players year after year is incredibly rewarding as I get to witness their growth as individuals and as a team. To keep things fresh I strive each year to incorporate new sets of activities and drills, participate in tournaments at different locations, and vary our routines to ensure players stay engaged and excited. Each season my coaching staff and I build and expand on the skills learned in previous years and continually challenge the players in creative ways to ensure they continue to develop new skills. I also seek feedback from parents and players about potential new activities or ideas they’ve seen elsewhere, keeping them engaged and fostering a sense of collaboration.  

My success wouldn’t be possible without a strong bench staff and parent group. Their fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and open communication bring additional excitement and opportunities for the players to learn and grow. Together we work to create a supportive and positive environment that keeps players developing and keeps hockey fun and rewarding each year. 

Maximizing on-ice time is crucial, and coming prepared is a top priority. I have found that these young players thrive on consistency and a routine which is why my practices follow a general flow that the players can quickly become familiar with. The players get to know what we are working on, why we are doing it, and with a smaller consistent set of drills the coaches can work directly with each player to refine their techniques and skills, spending less time explaining how to execute drills. Taking the time at the start of the season to understand where all our team is at and ensuring players are learning the drills correctly is important. I remind myself, that it’s equally important to realize that if something just isn’t working don’t be afraid to move on and approach it on another day. I plan extra drills for every practice, enabling me to adjust based on the players’ energy, mood, or attention level that day. Having worked with many of these players for several years, I’ve developed a good sense of when to challenge them and when to adapt to keep the experience positive and engaging.

Getting to know each player individually has been key to motivating them effectively. I make it a priority to celebrate their achievements, big and small, whether personal milestones or team successes. I also believe in the power of enjoyment, I think it’s truly important for these players to enjoy their time playing the game. I like to encourage them to smile, even during challenging moments, I find that simple action can shift their mindset and boost their performance. Positivity is contagious and I strive to model that for the team. No matter the game’s outcome my players can always look to me —wearing my Drayton toque with the pompom on top— for a smile. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that even in moments of frustration or doubt I’m happy and proud to be there with them, supporting their efforts every step of the way.

For players who face difficulties throughout the season I find it is important to remind them of their accomplishments, focus on their strengths, and find positive ways to involve them in different aspects of the team. This might include leading the team cheer, choosing a favourite drill during practice, being part of the starting lineup, setting up the team sign, or assigning them another task specific to their individual strengths and interests. I also try to connect with them personally, whether it’s a conversation about their interests off the ice or offering one-on-one encouragement. 

Leading by example and emphasizing the fun and positive moment’s helps players embrace their growth, develop friendships, foster a love for the game and appreciate the journey rather than focusing on the outcomes.

Please note that all previous submissions are still eligible for upcoming Coach of the Month awards and do not need to be resubmitted.