RED DEER - Hockey Alberta’s March Coach of the Month, sponsored by Players Bench Team Apparel recipients are Chris Overwater of Olds and Dave Shaw of Sherwood Park.

Both coaches were selected from all of the Coach of the Month applications received by Hockey Alberta throughout the 2018-19 Minor Hockey season. Chris and Dave will receive a pair of tickets to see the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, respectively.

Chris Overwater served as both the Head Coach of the Bantam AA Grizzlys and the Atom B Grizzlys in Olds. He’s been coaching hockey in Olds for six years, and also coaches baseball during the summer months.

"As a coach, Chris is open and honest with parents and treats each child on his team with high, but fair, expectations," said the parent who nominated Chris. "While on the bench, Chris presents with a high level of professionalism and is respectful of the officials and rules of the game. As a parent, I’ve watched my child grow tremendously under his tutelage. My child’s understanding and enjoyment of game play has developed to such an extent that there is time spent at home by my child enthusiastically re-enacting practice drills on pen and paper. When an eleven-year-old child is able to recognize their own growth in a season and associate their development with a particular coach, then you know that coach has done an exceptional job."

"He is a great family man, and family is very important to him. This shows in his approach to coaching as he cares for each and every player, coach and parent on the team," said Olds Minor Hockey President Jeff Latimer. "Chris is a student of the game, and is always trying to learn how to do better, to be better, to help develop every player. His knowledge of the game is remarkable."

"I enjoy coaching because of the athletes. Watching players improve and enjoy the sport is the best part of being able to coach," said Chris. "My coaching philosophy is to make each player better everyday. The focus on individual skill gives players the confidence to become better athletes. Team skills make players develop hockey IQ so they think the game better."

Chris will receive an award pack from Hockey Alberta and Players Bench which includes the tickets to a Flames game.

Dave Shaw is the Head Coach of the Sherwood Park Atom Tier 1 Arrows. He’s been coaching for seven years, and also coaches Lacrosse.

"Dave has not only provided leadership on the bench, but off the bench as well," said the parent who nominated Dave. "Throughout the season, Dave has created many opportunities for the kids to give back to our community. Dave has taught these boys how to show respect for others and to help people when in need. Coach Dave is an amazing coach and my son says that this is the best year of hockey he has had."

Dave, along with his wife, Erin, received the 2019 ’Sportsmen of the Year’ award from the Sherwood Park Minor Hockey Association.

"When I took the role of President of SPMHA this season, I had three distinct areas of focus. Those areas included Coach development, player development and community presence," said SPMHA President Elton Davidge. "This year’s Sportsman of the Year recipients obviously came into the season with the same objectives. Without suggestion from the Executive, this couple took an immediate leadership role with the intent of developing not just hockey players, but leaders in our community. They consistently promoted integration into the community and it reflected strongly in the team. The kids are not only being coached to make great plays in hockey, but through the efforts of Dave and Erin, they are learning life lessons, such as selflessness and the importance of giving back to our community. They are also learning what it means to be a “teammate” in a locker room of friends."

"The thing I enjoy most about coaching is being directly involved with the growth and development of our young athletes both on and off the ice. I love being able to share my knowledge of the sport and give the kids the structure and support for them to all grow and be successful," said Dave. "My coaching philosophy is to focus on things we can control and change moving forward. While learning lessons from our past, we continue on our path, working towards both short term and long term goals. I strive to use sports as a great way to develop long term athletes and also to help our youth become outstanding citizens and role models in their communities."

Dave will receive an award pack from Hockey Alberta and Players Bench which includes the tickets to an Oilers game.

The Coach of the Month award is presented every month during the Minor Hockey season, based on nominations submitted to Hockey Alberta.

2018-19 Recipients >