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, Mark Mazzetti of the Stoney Creek Warriors U9 MD team was selected as the Coach of the Month for December.

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

Here's his story as told by his nomination:

Coach Mark Mazzetti is the coach of the Stoney Creek Warriors U9 MD. Coach Mark also works with the Warriors U7IP program developing the youngest of skaters starting at U5. Whether it is their first time on the ice or the top player, Mark spends the time to develop ALL of the players.

If you're in Hamilton everyone in the hockey community knows Mark, he has been instrumental in the development of players throughout Hamilton for the last 20+ years. His way of working with kids, his patients and the fun he brings to the game keeps kids coming out and engaged in every practice.

Ou U9 team has come along way from their first skates in U7. He values the kids work ethic and their dedication to the team always striving to push each kid to their fullest potential. There is no Coach more deserving as Coach of the Month than Mark Mazzetti.

It is truly an honour to have been selected. I have been blessed with a fantastic coaching staff that has made my time coaching very enjoyable. I also have an association in Stoney Creek Minor Hockey that has been very supportive. Without those two things our teams would not have the success that we are enjoying today.  

My hockey journey started at Lawfield house league. After a few years chasing the puck I joined the Hamilton Huskies AAA hockey program. When I was able I continued with Jr A for the Hamilton Kilty B’s and then was recruited to play in the NCAA at Elmira College. During my hockey career I had numerous good coaches and mentors to help me along the way. These experiences encouraged me to begin coaching when my two boys, Luca and Landon, started to take an interest in hockey at a young age. Currently I am the coach of the current U9 group and have been with them since many of them were 5 years old. I have had the pleasure of watching them grow up and instill in them the love and passion for hockey that I have.

With hockey being a big part of my childhood, I wanted my teams to have similar memorable experiences. From mini sticks in the hotel hallways to skating laps for charity, hockey has been a meaningful part of my life. There are a few big reasons why I personally wake up each day and enjoy the coaching:

The first is the impact coaches can have on young players.   Many of these young players are clean slates. I enjoy sharing with them a love for the game but also to make sure they are well rounded individuals. I try to develop the player and the person. Being a good teammate is just as important as the on-ice skills they develop.

The Second is a sense of community, such as taking part in the Stoney Creek Christmas Parade and Drive-in nights with the Stoney Creek Minor Hockey association has helped me build relationships with players, parents, and fellow coaches. This sense of community has helped make everyone stronger as a result.

Third, is the continuous learning. Staying on top of the latest trends and coaching techniques has allowed me to evolve and grow as a person both personally as well as professionally. It has helped me handle difficult situations and continue to develop my conflict management skills.

Coaching through the different age groups has been a challenge to say the least. Every player and group of players have different needs. But the modified ice setting is one that benefits the kids' development. The smaller ice surfaces encourage more puck touches, quicker decision-making, and better positioning. It helps players build confidence by participating in more game-like scenarios. The reduced space helps keep younger players active and engaged throughout practices. This allows me as a coach to gradually introduce game concepts and situational play appropriate for their development stage.

As I previously mentioned, each age group has its own unique challenges. For the U5s I like to focus on fun, basic motor skills, and simple games. Keep instructions short and emphasize exploration of the sport. At U7 I like to introduce basic hockey concepts and teamwork while maintaining a playful approach. Drills should mix skill-building with fun. At U9 I focus on developing foundational skills like passing, shooting, and positioning while integrating game strategies. Begin fostering competitive but sportsmanlike attitudes. The common thread at all age groups that I try to maintain is patience, positive reinforcement, and adjusting my communication style to suit each age group’s attention span and understanding.

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