Hockey Manitoba is proud to celebrate the 12th Annual National Coaches Week from September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026, presented by the Coaching Association of Canada and Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives.

Beginning Monday, September 14, Hockey Manitoba will run a week-long campaign across Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn encouraging players and parents to recognise the coaches who have had a positive impact on them. Post a message, photo or video using #ThanksCoach and #CoachesWeek, and tag @HockeyManitoba.

New content is added to this page every day of the week.

Jump to a Section

• Monday – Kick-Off
• Tuesday – Coach Stories: Volunteer (Coach) Award Winners
• Wednesday – Why Coaches Matter: Q&A with Bob Caldwell
• Thursday – Lessons Beyond Sport
• Friday – Coach Stories: Christine Bumstead
• Saturday – Thank Your Coach Today
• Sunday – Wrap-Up: A Message from CEO Trevor Buhnai
• Free CAC eLearning Modules
• Free NCCP Courses from Sport Manitoba Coaching
• Professional Development Sessions
• #ThanksCoach Gratitude Wall
• Win With Your Coach
• Share Your Story
• Thinking About Coaching?
• About National Coaches Week

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This Week’s Features

Monday, September 14 – Kick-Off

National Coaches Week runs all week, with a different focus each day. Here is what is coming up, and how you can take part.

Tuesday, September 15 – Coach Stories: Volunteer (Coach) Award winners announced

Today we’re celebrating the recipients of this year’s Volunteer (Coach) Award. Their stories are a reminder of the time, care and leadership that volunteer coaches give to hockey in communities across Manitoba.

Kelsey Paddock

Kelsey puts 110% into everything she does, and developing female hockey in the North is no exception. In an area where the sport has previously faced challenges, Kelsey dedicates her free time to The Pas Minor Hockey Association’s female program, giving young players more opportunities. Due to her presence as head coach, female enrollment at the U13 level has increased as well as enrollment at the female weekend jamboree, a program Kelsey developed alongside the female coordinator that addresses skill development on and off the ice.

Kelsey is heading into her fifth year of coaching a female rep team and her fourth year of having an all-female bench staff. An accomplishment that gives young female players the opportunity to see themselves represented in leadership and coaching positions. Earlier this year the team brought home the U13 Female B Provincials Gold Medal.

Kelsey doesn’t have a child in the program, but the kids she coaches become a part of her world. She is motivated purely by her love of the sport and by her love for developing female athletes.

Jacques Abgrall

Jacques has been a Thompson Minor Hockey Coach since the 2013/14 season, coaching at various levels within the association, but his hockey journey began while growing up in Winnipeg. There he played throughout high school and took part in numerous outdoor community hockey programs and clubs, hockey became more than a sport; it became a foundation for learning teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and the importance of community.

Jacques held on to his love of the game and after moving to Thompson began volunteering with the local Minor Hockey Association, giving his time and experience to help young players develop their skills while, more importantly, helping them discover the same love for hockey.

What began as a commitment to volunteer and give back grew into a much deeper coaching journey. Jacques continued developing as a coach and eventually moved into more competitive and development-focused hockey, including coaching at the AAA level. Throughout that progression, his focus has remained consistent: “develop the player, build the person, and strengthen the hockey community.”

Jaques most recently filled the role of Head Coach for the U15AAA Norman North Stars. With the Norman region being extremely remote, it brings unique challenges to the teams, players, and families from the area. Travel is a requirement to compete in local programs, and the provincial leagues add another layer of difficulty. Knowing this, Jacques found ways to bring the team together as well as alleviate families of travel requirements. Jacques and his team staff coordinated travel to a weekly practice in a central location and travel to Winnipeg or other southern destinations to compete in league games and showcases. By going beyond his role as coach and picking up the additional titles of Van Driver and Chaperone, Jacques continues to make the sport more accessible in his community.

Shaylene Hawthorn

Serving as the Vice-President for the Sledge Hockey Manitoba board, Coach and Safety Representative to the Manitoba Junior Express Sledge team, and the Safety Representative for the Ile des Chenes U7 Green team, Shaylene’s passion for ensuring young athletes improve and have fun is unrivaled. She is an invaluable asset within both the Sledge hockey community and Ile des Chenes minor hockey community. Players and parents all around know and appreciate everything she does. Recently, Shaylene had the joy of coaching the MB Junior Express at Westerns 2026. This winning moment made Sledge Hockey MB history as the first ever Westerns Junior medal for the organization.

Yvette Mitchell

Yvette is a dedicated and invaluable member of the hockey community. As Team Manager for the Manitoba Junior Express Sledge Team, she has supported athletes and families with knowledge, compassion, and unwavering commitment all season long. Yvette is always willing to go the extra mile and lend a helping hand while also volunteering with the Manitoba Possible Pembina Valley Blades Sledge Hockey Program and serving on the Sledge Hockey Manitoba board.

Yvette and her boys have been involved in sledge hockey for the past six years. Through their journey, Yvette has had the opportunity to learn about the sport. She is grateful to see sledge hockey continue to grow and is proud to contribute to a community that makes such a positive difference in the lives of athletes and families.

Ryan Wilkinson

Ryan is an example of what makes hockey in small towns work. Serving as a coach in the Hartney Minor Hockey Association, Ryan gives his time to make it possible for all children to participate in hockey programs that can be financially restrictive. In addition to putting together spring programs and regular season practice plans, Ryan is on ice 6+ times a week helping with his children’s U7s, U11’s and U13’s teams as well as instructing at both the weekly Power Skating and Breakfast Club programs.

Some of Ryans’ most memorable moments of the 2025/26 season were coaching the breakfast club alongside Bob Caldwell and John Morrison and seeing the U11 Regional Development Team place second in a regional tournament. Ryan is a caring coach, and outstanding volunteer (and skate sharpener), making hockey a fun positive experience for all players.

Brent Nemeth

Over the past two decades, Brent has selflessly committed himself to coaching minor hockey, serving as a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Manager and Safety Person on 23 different minor hockey teams in the Winnipeg community since 2003. Brent always brings the same dedication, patience, and leadership to every bench he stands behind.

Brent has turned his grief into purpose and demonstrated extraordinary resilience by launching the Cooper Nemeth Memorial Day. Through this event, Brent has created a meaningful legacy that supports young players, connects the community, and keeps his son’s spirit alive in a truly powerful way. Serving as Executive Director, Brent is deeply involved in everything from planning and logistics to execution. He dedicates countless hours personally inviting participants, communicating with coaches, sponsors, donors, and volunteers. His leadership extends across the entire organization, as fellow board members consistently turn to Brent for his insight, guidance, and support. The Cooper Nemeth Memorial Day has turned into the AA All-Star day, and this year alone raised over $40,000 for the Cooper Nemeth Memorial Player Assistance Fund which provides support for young athletes who face barriers to participation, ensuring more children can play, grow, and belong in sport.

This season Brent added another coaching accomplishment to his resume by travelling to the 2026 Manitoba Games to coach the Winnipeg Blue team.

Dan Caron

Dan Caron is a dedicated and highly valued volunteer Head Coach within the U9 Phoenix Flames program of the Assiniboine Park Hockey Association. His leadership and commitment played a significant role in a successful 2025–2026 season. Dan went above and beyond in both on-ice development and community building, creating a positive and fun atmosphere for young athletes. Throughout the season, he took a lead role in planning and running practices for both U9 Phoenix teams that created a collaborative and inclusive environment while also prioritizing skill development, effort, and teamwork. Dan continued these efforts by securing additional indoor ice time, ensuring players had more opportunities to develop their skills during the season.

On top of his coaching responsibilities, Dan was a key organizer behind the Phoenix Winter Carnival and the associated hockey tournament which hosts 24 teams. Included in the weekend is the Saturday Skills Competition which Dan has expanded and helped turn into an annual highlight of the tournament, contributing to a memorable experience for players and families alike. Dan’s dedication, organization, and passion for the game helped cultivate not only strong hockey development, but also a meaningful sense of camaraderie across teams and within the broader community.

Chantel Finnbogason

Chantel has taken on many critical leadership roles within the Interlake region. She is currently serving as Secretary, Interim Director, Interim Vice Director, and Scheduler on the Interlake Minor Hockey Board, Treasurer and a Team manager for the Gimli Minor Hockey Association, and a previous Registrar for the Peguis Minor Hockey Association.

Since becoming Director, Chantel goal is to build relationships with all associations and provide support to the northern associations throughout the seasons. Chantel’s dedication has compounded over the years keeping Interlake Minor Hockey moving forward and ensuring that the needs of the players and associations are supported.

Jody Percival

Jody consistently goes above and beyond for her local hockey community. She has been an active member of the Shoal Lake Minor Hockey Board for many years and recently stepped into the Team Manager role for both the U9 and U11 teams her sons play on. Jody has a unique ability to bring people together to assist with volunteering during games or tournaments and is always willing to step in to fill uncovered shifts or be a sounding board for her coaches. Her bright personality, strong organizational skills, and ability to coordinate multiple teams are truly admirable and make her an invaluable asset to the community.

Adam Shingoose

During the last five years, Adam has dedicated his time to working with the U7, U9 and U11 teams of Waywayseecappo Minor Hockey as well as the Waywayseecappo Wild Junior B Team and one season with the Birtle Bruins U9 team.

Adam coaches and encourages local youth of all ages to play because he believes every child deserves a chance to be something great and every player deserves all the benefits that come from playing hockey and being part of a team.

Adam grew up playing hockey for Waywayseecappo Minor Hockey and for the Major Pratt Trojans and currently has 4 children playing for the Waywayseecappo Wolverines Minor Hockey Association.

Wednesday, September 16 – Why Coaches Matter: Q&A with Bob Caldwell

Deloraine native and Brandon Bobcats alumnus Bob Caldwell has been named as a Builder Inductee into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. Caldwell will be officially enshrined during the Hall of Fame Ceremony on October 3rd, 2026.

After winning two back-to-back GPAC titles with the Brandon Bobcats, Caldwell has devoted more than five decades to hockey as a coach, mentor, and volunteer, supporting athletes and coaches from grassroots programs to national and international levels. A key presence behind Hockey Canada’s National Coach Mentorship Program, he has helped thousands of coaches through clinics, mentorship, and skills development while serving in leadership roles with Hockey Manitoba, Hockey Canada, and Sport Manitoba. His commitment to accessible player development is also evident through the Breakfast Club, a program that makes better use of underutilized morning ice time, which now reaches more than 25 Manitoba members and is expanding. From coaching locally to contributing to Hockey Canada’s U17 program, the IIHF, and NCAA hockey, Bob’s career reflects an unwavering passion for developing the game and giving back to his community.

 

Why do you believe coaches can have such an important impact on young people?

The topic of why coaches matter is special to me in a few ways. As a youngster I always admired and looked up to two groups: my teachers and my coaches. My father was killed in a car accident when I was 7 years old and in many ways my coaches, at least partially, filled that void. They were the people I respected and emulated, and I always have that in mind when I coach. They were my role models and in Hamiota where I grew up, we were a “sports town”, these people had a profound effect on my life.

What inspired you to become a coach?

I played hockey at Brandon University with the Bobcats and while at university took coaching courses. When I started teaching in Deloraine in 1975, I immediately started coaching and have been coaching since, for over 50 years…. from U7 to U18AAA, to NCAA.

Tell us about your current role in hockey and your experience as a coach.

Currently I help coach my grandsons. Last year I helped coach U13 AA as well as Breakfast Club and an Instructional skating program. We run these programs free of charge as we want to be inclusive and available to any players that want to participate, thus providing development opportunities at home. I still do the odd specialty clinic for Hockey Manitoba/ Hockey Canada if needed. In the past these specialty clinics were the main component of our National Coach Mentorship Program but covid and the new swing to virtual clinics have changed that. Hockey Manitoba led the way in delivering specialty clinics nationwide from skating to small area games to checking. Bernie Reichardt put in countless hours helping with the NCMP program. We did hundreds of these clinics taking the information to the coaches in their rinks and establishing opportunities to help these volunteers who drive hockey in our province.

I also was asked to help with Hockey Canada’s U17 team as a skills coach and with the IIHF skills program in Finland. With Hockey Canada I mentored coaches in Romania, Poland and Scotland. I also coached a year at Western Michigan University.

What is one piece of advice you would give to all coaches?

Coaches can make a huge difference in players’ lives both short term and long term. First and foremost, they need to set a good example. From language to how you treat others to how you handle adversity. I still find myself thinking how my coaches would respond. My lifelong mentor was/is Andy Murray and still I ask, “how would Andy handle this”. Whether we like it or not, we are role models!!

What does leadership mean to you as a coach, and how do you build confidence in your athletes?

Leadership to me is based on being a good person. Being organized, empathetic, setting a good example, encouraging good habits and traits, and rewarding good behavior and finding kids doing the right thing and recognizing that. And make it fun. Kids sign up for sports to have fun, never lose sight of that. Teaching players to be respectful. The best judge of your leadership is the team you coach.

Confidence comes with success. Helping players be the best they can be. I tell my players, “Your best is always enough”. Success for most young players shouldn’t be measured in wins, losses, or trophies but in giving your best effort and being a good teammate. How a coach reacts to wins and losses is often how players do too. As a coach we need to help players be their best and encourage them to aspire for that.

The same applies to coaching coaches, which is what our National Coach Mentorship Program attempted to do. In Manitoba we called it “coaches helping coaches”. We built Made in Manitoba specialty clinics, where we shot videos of drills for coaches, and drove to their rinks and ran clinics to provide them with ideas and drills they could use in their next practice. We have run this program for 25 years and have interacted with literally thousands of coaches. It wasn’t jamming information down throats but rather an informal atmosphere of mutual respect and sharing.

What do you think makes a great coach beyond teaching the sport?

Coaching, to me, is connecting with your team and teaching life skills as well as the sport. Watching a player improve after your advice is such a good feeling. It is an opportunity to have a positive impact on someone. “People will forget what you say, people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel”.

Thursday, September 17 – Lessons Beyond Sport

Today we’re hearing from members of our Program of Excellence about the coaches who shaped them. Bernie Reichardt, Brad Purdie and Jordyn Zacharias share the lessons that stuck with them, from putting the person before the player to building relationships that go beyond the game.

Friday, September 18 – Coach Stories: Christine Bumstead

Today we’re celebrating Christine Bumstead, whose path from minor hockey in Winnipeg to head coach of the Seattle Torrent in the PWHL is one every young coach should hear.

Before Seattle, Christine spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s team, and was the first female coach to work in player development with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades. She helped Team Manitoba win gold as an assistant coach at the WHL Cup, went on to head coach Manitoba’s U18 Women’s team, and most recently served as head coach and GM of Canada’s women’s team at the 2024 World Deaf Ice Hockey Championship.

Her message to young coaches: say yes to every opportunity that comes your way.

Saturday, September 19 – Thank Your Coach Today

This week, Hockey Manitoba members from across the province sent in videos to say #ThanksCoach. Thank you to everyone who took part.

There is still time to thank your coach. Post a message, photo or video with #ThanksCoach and #CoachesWeek and tag @HockeyManitoba.

Sunday, September 20 – Wrap-Up

To close out National Coaches Week, a message from Hockey Manitoba CEO Trevor Buhnai.

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Free CAC eLearning Modules

The CAC is offering free NCCP eLearning modules through the Locker. Each promo code is only valid on the specified date. Once the date has passed you will not be able to claim the eLearning.

• Sept. 14, 2026 – NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport – Promo Code: CI-58166-NCW
• Sept. 15, 2026 – NCCP Creating a Positive Sport Environment – Promo Code: CPSE-45439-NCW
• Sept. 16, 2026 – NCCP Sport Nutrition – Promo Code: Nutri-61827-NCW
• Sept. 17, 2026 – NCCP Coaching Athletes with a Disability – Promo Code: COACH-4825-NCW

Free NCCP Courses from Sport Manitoba Coaching

All online and in-person courses delivered by Sport Manitoba Coaching are free to Manitoba coaches during National Coaches Week. Coaches are reimbursed the course fee on completion. Spots are limited. Questions to coaching@sportmanitoba.ca.

• Sept. 15, 2026 – NCCP Manage a Sport Program
• Sept. 16 and 17, 2026 – NCCP Coaching and Leading Effectively
• Sept. 18, 2026 – NCCP Mentorship
• Sept. 19 and 20, 2026 – NCCP Prevention & Recovery

Professional Development Sessions

• Sept. 14, 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. – Between Fine and Not Fine: Coaching Before the Crisis. Recognising early signs that an athlete is struggling. Online via Microsoft Teams. RSVP
• Sept. 15, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Communicating Effectively, with guest speaker Nathalie Kleinschmit. Online via Microsoft Teams. RSVP
• Sept. 16, 6:00 p.m. – Sidelined: The Colour of the Game. Documentary screening with Anti-Racism in Sport, food provided. 145 Pacific Ave., Conference Room A. RSVP
• Sept. 17, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. – Creating Safer Spaces in Sport for Non-binary Athletes, with guest speaker Heidi Paetkau. 145 Pacific Ave., Theatre. RSVP
• Sept. 18, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Give & Go Sports Documentary on the risks of early sport specialisation. 35 minutes, playing on the hour. 145 Pacific Ave., Theatre.

#ThanksCoach Gratitude Wall

Stop by the Sport Manitoba courts on L2 at 145 Pacific Avenue any time this week and write down why you appreciate a current or past coach.

Full details on the Sport Manitoba National Coaches Week page.

Win With Your Coach

The CAC is running a national contest through the week. Post a photo or video celebrating a coach on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or X, say why you are saying #ThanksCoach, include #ThanksCoach and #CoachesWeek, and tag the Coaching Association of Canada. Two entrants will be drawn to receive a $100 digital gift card, plus a $150 digital gift card for the coach they celebrated. Entries close September 20 at 11:59 p.m. ET and posts must be public to be verified.

Share Your Story

The CAC is also collecting stories nationally.

• Coaches: share your coaching story on video
• Athletes and parents: record a #ThanksCoach message

Thinking About Coaching?

• Coaching requirements
• Coach 1 – Intro to Coach
• Apprentice Coach
• Instructional Stream and mentorship
• Coach and Team Officials Screening
• Coach resources

About National Coaches Week

National Coaches Week celebrates the positive impact coaches have on athletes, participants, and communities across Canada. This week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by saying #ThanksCoach.

With activities held across the country to celebrate coaching, National Coaches Week provides coaches with the recognition they deserve for the time they devote to ensuring Canadians live an active, healthy lifestyle.

For more information, visit www.coach.ca/nationalcoachesweek.