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, Phil Harte of the New Tecumseth U12 A team was selected as the Coach of the Month for February.

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

Here's his story as told by his nomination:

While most teenagers are out focusing on their own endeavours our Coach Phil has committed 4 nights of practice, 2 days of games and countless hours every week for the last 3 YEARS! to making these kids not only love the game but continuously improve. When our league had no A level team he stepped up to be the U10 coach and has stuck through the trials and tribulations of developing our team into a group of kids that not only love the game but love being a hockey player. They have a model coach that they can relate to, at 19, juggling post secondary, work and coaching Phil demonstrates dedication, grit and sportsmanship that our team of kids aspire to be like. A young coach should get the accolades of being recognized as an asset to the OMHA!

Hockey has been a part of Coach Phil's life for as long as he can remember. He played AA and A hockey growing up in is communities, and when he wasn't on the ice he'd be shooting pucks or playing NHL video games. After finishing his minor hockey playing days he went right into coaching and is now in his third year with the team. He credits hockey with shaping his character, teaching him invaluable lessons about teamwork, dedication, leadership, and hard work and wants to pass those on as a coach.

Balancing multiple responsibilities is no easy task, but my passion for hockey, time management skills, and dedication allow me to stay on top of my commitments. I am a full-time business student at Georgian College, working toward my bachelor’s degree in business. On top of that, I work two part-time jobs and serve as a full-time head coach. It’s a demanding schedule, but one that I embrace because each aspect of my life contributes to my personal and professional growth. I believe that when you’re truly passionate about something, you find a way to make it work. Coaching isn’t just a responsibility for me, it’s something I genuinely love. Being able to give back to the game that shaped me is what makes every game and Friday night practice worth it. Whether I’m preparing for practice, watching games on Livebarn, or mentoring players, I put my heart into every aspect of coaching because I know the impact it can have. Managing all these commitments requires a certain level of dedication.

There are days when the workload feels overwhelming, but I remind myself why I’m doing it. Whether it's putting in extra hours to study, staying up late after practice to do practice plans, or showing up to work ready to perform, I bring the same level of effort and commitment to everything I do. Balancing school, work, and coaching has not only made me a better leader on the ice but also prepared me for future challenges in business and life. It has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of hard work. My goal is to instill these same values in my players, showing them that success comes from discipline, passion, and the willingness to put in the work. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. The skills I’m developing now, both as a coach and as a student, will stay with me long after I leave the rink, shaping my future in ways I can’t yet imagine.

Absolutely. Being a younger coach allows me to connect with my players in a special way, like an older brother who can relate to their experiences but also guide them toward growth. I genuinely love my kids and the team, and that passion comes through in everything I do. I care deeply about their development, not just as hockey players, but as individuals. 

Because I’m closer to their age and have gone through many of the same challenges, both on and off the ice, there’s an instant bond. I understand what it’s like to face pressure from school, from social media, and from the outside world. I know the struggles they deal with, whether it’s trying to balance everything or dealing with the challenges that come with being in the spotlight online. As someone who has been there, I’m able to relate in a way that feels real to them. But it’s more than just relatability, it’s about truly caring for them as people. I love seeing the players grow, both in their skills and their confidence. Watching them put in the work and seeing the lightbulb go on when they finally understand something or nail a move is what fuels my coaching. The connection I have with my players is at the core of how I coach and push them to reach their full potential. Because they know I genuinely care about them and the team, they trust me when I ask for more from them. It’s about holding them to a higher standard because I believe in their abilities and want to see them succeed. I always remind them that I’m not just here to be their coach; I’m here to be their biggest supporter. They know I expect 100% from them, whether it's in practice, during a game, or when they’re facing personal challenges. I’ve set the bar high because I’ve seen what they’re capable of, and I want them to push beyond what they think is possible.

Due to our strong connection, they know it’s coming from a place of love and care. They trust that I’m pushing them to help them grow, not just as hockey players, but as people. I remind them that effort is something we can control. We should always give it our best. When they’re working through difficult moments, I’m there to help them find the resilience they need to keep going. Whether it’s through a tough loss, a personal struggle, or a practice, I encourage them to stay mentally strong and focused. It’s this mutual respect that allows me to push them to be better every day. I’m not asking them to give me 100% because I want to see them struggle, I’m asking because I know they have the potential to achieve greatness, and I’m here to help them unlock it. 

Being a part of this team is a privilege, and every day I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead them. I’m invested in their lives, their journeys, and their progress. They inspire me just as much as I hope I inspire them. It’s this deep connection, love for the sport, and commitment to the team that makes coaching so rewarding. I’m not just here to teach hockey; I’m here to help these young players become the best versions of themselves, both on and off the ice.

What drives me to give back to the game through coaching is rooted in everything hockey has taught me. From the moment I stepped on the ice at the age of two, hockey became more than just a game, it became a teacher, a guide, and a constant companion in my life. Growing up playing A and AA hockey, I experienced the highs and lows of the sport. But beyond learning how to shoot a puck or perfect a move, hockey instilled in me a deep sense of teamwork, dedication, leadership, and hard work values that have shaped who I am today. When I faced the tough decision of walking away from the game due to concussions, I was at a loss. Hockey had been my identity for so long that I couldn’t imagine my life without it. But instead of letting that chapter end with uncertainty, I found a new path: coaching. When I saw the opportunity to coach the U10 A team, it felt like my purpose was calling me. 

Becoming a coach was more than just a transition; it was a way to pour all the lessons I’d learned into the next generation. Coaching isn’t just about teaching hockey skills; it’s about building character, instilling belief, and helping young players realize that they are capable of so much more than they even think. Every practice, every game, every challenge we face together is an opportunity to teach these kids not just how to play the game, but how to handle life, how to rise above adversity, how to work as a team, how to push past limits, and how to never give up. I give back to this game because I know the power it has to shape lives. I’ve witnessed firsthand how hockey can build resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of purpose. Watching my players grow, both as athletes and as individuals, is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The lessons they learn today, the effort they put in, and the progress they make will stay with them forever. I am inspired every day by their determination, their willingness to push themselves beyond what they thought was possible. 

As their coach, I’m not just here to teach them the fundamentals of the game, I’m here to help them understand that the values of dedication, hard work, and perseverance are what will carry them through life’s challenges. I’m here to remind them that when they give 100%, when they show up with passion and grit, they can achieve anything. Giving back through coaching is my way of honoring the game that has given me so much. It’s my way of inspiring the next generation to not only be great hockey players but to be great people. Hockey has shaped me, and now I want to be a part of shaping others, showing them that they can overcome obstacles, dream big, and achieve greatness on the ice and in life. That’s what inspires me every day to pour my heart into coaching. 

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