By The Coaches Site https://pecmha.com
COACH OF THE MONTH PRESENTED BY THE COACHES SITE
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 Prentice of the Kawartha U9 White LL team was selected as the Coach of the Month for March.
This is the final Coach of the Month for the 2024-25 season.
Here’s his story as told by his nomination:
I cannot say enough amazing things about Coach Mark. He is truly one of a kind—someone who not only teaches hockey but instills confidence, passion, and a love for the game in every child he coaches. His ability to connect with kids on a personal level is unmatched. Before every game, you’ll find him sitting beside his players, having meaningful one-on-one conversations, ensuring they feel heard, motivated, and ready to hit the ice.
Coach Mark is a master of instruction, breaking down the game in a way that even the youngest players can understand. It is amazing to watch him gather the players on the ice and explain the drills on the whiteboard in a way that 7 and 8-year olds can understand. His use of modeling, clear explanations, and immediate corrective feedback ensures that every child is set up for success. He doesn’t just tell them what to do—he shows them, guides them, and celebrates their progress. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his cheers from the bench inspire every player to give their best. What makes him even more exceptional is his ability to recognize each child’s strengths and use them as a foundation to develop further skills, building confidence and motivation along the way. His positive energy is felt throughout the rink, creating an environment where players feel encouraged, valued, and excited to learn. Beyond being an incredible coach, he is a wonderful human being whose kindness, dedication, and passion make a lasting impact on everyone around him.
What truly sets Coach Mark apart is his unwavering commitment to each child’s individual growth. He sets personal goals with his players, reinforcing positive progress with encouragement and praise. At the same time, he is firm but fair, setting high expectations while maintaining a supportive and respectful environment. His ability to balance discipline with encouragement helps players grow both as athletes and as individuals.
He’s not just a coach—he’s a mentor, a role model, and a leader who exemplifies sportsmanship and dedication both on and off the ice. His organization and preparation are second to none
every practice and game has a clear plan, making sure that every player gets the most out of their experience.
Additionally, Coach Mark has built an incredible bench staff who mirror his same values and dedication. His ability to surround himself with like-minded individuals only enhances the experience for every player on the team.
Coach Mark coached my older child in the past, and to this day, he remains his absolute favorite coach of all time. He has left a lasting impression on both of my kids, and I have no doubt that every player he coaches will remember him for years to come. His love for hockey is undeniable, and his passion is something you can feel in every practice, every game, and every interaction.
Simply put, Coach Mark is the kind of coach every parent hopes their child will have. He changes the game—not just in skill development, but in shaping young athletes into confident, motivated, and respectful individuals. Any team is beyond lucky to have him behind the bench!
I’ve been involved in hockey from a young age, playing from minor hockey all the way through to the OHL with the Oshawa Generals, and later in the Southern Professional Hockey League in Columbus Georgia. Hockey has always been a huge passion of mine, and I still play. After years of playing at a high level, coaching felt like a natural next step when my sons began playing. It’s been a rewarding experience to transition from a player’s mentality to that of a coach. Teaching the fundamentals of the game to my players, especially my sons, has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.
HOW DO YOU ADJUST YOUR COACHING TO WORK WITH U9 PLAYERS?
Coaching U9 players is all about fostering a positive and fun environment. At this stage, it’s important that the kids enjoy their time on the ice while also developing key skills. I emphasize creating an upbeat atmosphere where they feel excited to come to practice. When they enjoy themselves, it translates into better focus and effort on the ice. I balance fun drills with skill development to ensure they’re enjoying themselves while still advancing their game. Developing confidence, fundamentals and a love for the sport at this age is my main priority.
HOW DO YOU HELP EACH PLAYER AS THEY ARE STILL LEARNING THE SPORT?
Each player is unique, so I focus on understanding their individual strengths and areas for improvement. By getting to know my players early on, I can tailor my coaching to their specific needs. I break down the fundamentals and walk them through drills in a way that’s easy to understand and fun. It’s incredibly rewarding to see players succeed—whether it’s mastering a tricky skill or finally grasping rules like icing and offsides after our transition to full ice. When a player finally ‘gets it,’ the sense of pride they feel is a huge motivator for continued improvement. The team also benefits as each player grows, making us stronger together.
WHY DO YOU SET PERSONAL GOALS WITH EACH PLAYER AND WHAT’S BEEN THE RESULT OF THAT?
Setting personal goals with my players has been a key driver in our team’s development and successes. It helps them stay focused on improving specific skills, whether it’s technique or game understanding. By setting clear, measurable goals, they can track their progress and see how their hard work pays off. This not only boosts their confidence but also fuels their motivation to keep improving. Seeing players reach their goals is powerful, both for them and the team, and it drives our continued growth throughout the season.
I’m honored to receive this recognition, but I know it wouldn’t be possible without the incredible team around me. Our players and their families are the most supportive, positive, and all around awesome people, and they’ve made this season an unforgettable one. I’m also fortunate to work with the most amazing team manager and top-notch bench staff. The energy we share elevates the entire team and plays a huge role in our successes and the fun we have.
Finally, a huge thanks to the Coyotes Organization for your ongoing support and for making hockey possible. We’re lucky to be part of such a great group that makes this sport so enjoyable.