2012 Sportsmanship

I have coached Stephen McLellan for four years and can say without hesitation that he meets the criteria for the Sportsmanship Award.

Stephen is a skilled player. But, this skill is the result of hours of practice and dedication to improving. Stephen is a respectful player and encourages others on the team to work in practice as hard as they do in games. He is a leader on the team and takes his role as “someone to be counted on” seriously. Stephen is extremely respectful to his opposition, team mates and officials; he dislikes bullies and is himself considerate of smaller players given his size. He is a gentleman. He is sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, and parents on the team have told me that their son likes to play with Stephen and feel confident when they are with him. He makes an effort to include his team mates.

Stehen McLellan is my nomination for this award and I believe he is a deserving candidate.

Frank Gougeon
Head Coach

Peewee White Division

Frank Sabatino Tournament Chair Sportsmanship Award Winner - Peewee White Division

Peewee White Award Recipient - Cameron Dyck #4 - MOHA Oakville Panthers

2012 FSMT Tournament Chair - Shona Compton (pictured - Cameron was not available - award accepted on his behalf)

Cameron is one of the most likeable players as described by his team mates and the coaching staff. He is a gifted hockey player who works hard every shift on the ice and during practices.

Cameron is a positive influence in the dressing room and on the ice. He respects the opposing teams, coaches and officials. He never criticizes his team mates but continually encourages them. Cameron is the first player to high five his team mates on the bench at the end of their shift. He has a strong work ethic that he demonstrates on every shift during games and in all drills during practice. He plays a strong all around game both offensively and defensively. He is an unselfish player who puts the team goals ahead of any personal achievements. He never complains about ice time or any calls made by the officials. He is looked upon as a leader by his team mates and is an absolute pleasure to coach.

Peter Popowycz
Heaf Coach

Peewee Red Division

Frank Sabatino Tournament Chair Sportsmanship Award Winner - Peewee Red Division

Peewee Red Award Recipient - Theo Etzinger, Ottawa West End Pee Wee A2 Jets

2012 FSMT Tournament Chair - Shona Compton (pictured with Theo)

While this is the first season I have had the opportunity in coaching Theo, I have come to recognize this participant as having a great number of very positive attributes that not only set himself high on my list of special people but also, in providing our group with a more positive, open-minded and imaginative atmosphere in the dressing room and on the ice.

During the recent Bell Capital Cup tournament in Ottawa, Theo was the first person I noticed hanging out with other teams and groups trading pins, talking hockey and having fun. He was a true ambassador for our group and of Canadian hockey.

Theo is a super young person and his likeable nature allows him the chance to be approachable by all team mates and opposition players as well as all members of the coaching staff. His willingness to learn and adapt to new and varied techniques suggests that he will be successful through his young hockey career and as he grows & matures in life. While Theo is still in a development stage from a hockey perspective, his eager and willing disposition make him a very coachable player and he has easily adjusted to the level of play necessary to be competitive in this season as a first year Pee Wee.

Our West End Jets were participating in a league game with a team from the South End district when the “wheels fell of the bus” as we were handed a loss in a close battle of the Ottawa Bytown Pee Wee standings. I talked with the group post-game and while everyone was disappointed with the result, I could not get a read on Theo as he remained quieter than normal as he took off his skates & equipment. I caught up with Theo in the parking lot as he headed home just to make sure all was in order and he was OK. Theo indicated that while it was a tough loss, he now knew what he needed to do for a better result in the future. I too, instantly knew what a remarkable young player I had the opportunity to spend the 2011-2012 hockey season.

As a minor hockey coach for more than 30 years, I have had the opportunity to meet many participants of all manner of ability, capability and character. Theo Etzinger with his smart approach to the game, kind and natural approach to everyone around him provide me with a perfect example when I am asked why I coach & continue to enjoy minor hockey.

Roy Yorke
Coach

Send mail to webmaster@fsmt.ca with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 01/29/12

Send mail to webmaster@fsmt.ca with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 01/29/12