We thank all who nominated a number of coaches and volunteers from this past season. We had many great submissions.  The following individuals have been selected as the 2023-2024 Coach and Volunteer of the Year:

Nick was the U12B2 coach this past season and is described by many as a coach who fosters the culture of teamwork and motivation with his team and was their biggest cheerleader. Nick took his small team, some new to hockey and goal tending, and encouraged them to never give up and “keep their eyes on the prize” of winning districts, and that they did! Nick shows up with his passion, commitment, and respect for the game each day and inspires his players to be better human beings on and off the ice.

Matt Hupila coached two teams this past season, the District 6 champions Squirt B1 team (son Graham) and Mite 3 Black (daughter Brielle). Matt is the coach player’s listen to when he’s speaking, gives great feedback and has great rapport with player’s and families. His heart and passion for hockey can be seen through his involvement in helping out when needed – preseason lessons, juggling two team practices/games, team events and goalie training clinics. Matt is a phenomenal role model for our players and our association.  

Matteo is currently a Sophomore at Waconia High School and played on the High School Hockey Team.  In his spare time, he volunteered with the Peewee C team this season as a student coach. Coaches and families admired his dedication to the team and appreciated his willingness to help and be a positive role model to the younger players. Matteo brought another dimension to practices through assisting with drills, demonstrations and relating to the players at their level.  He was an important, valued and vital part of the Peewee C season.

Carson is currently a senior at Waconia High School and played goalie on the Waconia High School Hockey Varsity team.  Carson volunteered as a student coach for the Peewee teams and assisted with the Sunday night goalie clinics.  His goalie knowledge has been essential to current goalies as well as a great resource to those interested in trying out the position. Coaches and families admire how well he related to the players and made practices fun.

COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD

The foundation of the Waconia Hockey Association would collapse without dedicated coaches who put fun and development above competition, and who place the emotional and physical well-being ahead of a personal desire to win. These inspiring role models are friends, enthusiastic team leaders and a beacon of fair play and sportsmanship. 

It is with this realization that the Waconia Hockey Association has created the Coach of the Year Award. 

Judging will be based on how the nominee upholds the following: 

• Places the emotional and physical well-being of players ahead of a personal desire to win.
• Treats each player as an individual and understands the range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
• Does his/her best to provide a safe playing situation for all players.
• Leads by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship.
• Does not cheat or engage in any form of unethical behavior that violates league rules.
• Is knowledgeable of the rules for youth hockey and teaches these rules.
• Uses the coaching techniques appropriate for all of the skills taught. 
• Remembers that he or she is a youth sports coach, and that the game is for kids, not adults.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Volunteers are critical to the success of Waconia Hockey Association now, and into the future.  Whether the individual acts as a volunteer administrator of an event, committee or contributes his or her time and resources in support of our teams, the efforts that are put forth deserve our heartiest gratitude and recognition.

It is for that reason that the Waconia Hockey Association Volunteer of the Year Award was created to recognize those outstanding volunteers whose unselfish and dedicated service to youth hockey and more specifically, the Waconia Hockey Association, has made a significant difference in their community. Nominate someone you admire for their service to Waconia Hockey Association's mission and help us recognize the efforts of hardworking individuals who stand out as an example of exceptional dedication to the WHA families we serve. 

Judging will be based on how the nominee upholds the following: 

• Treats each member as an individual with respect and dignity.
• Leads by example in demonstrating volunteerism.
• Does not cheat or engage in any form of unethical behavior that violates league rules.
• Follows rules as established by the Waconia Hockey Association.
• Remembers that he or she is a youth volunteer, and that the game is for kids, not adults.

AWard Winners

Nominations will be accepted until March 3, 2024 via the registration links above.  The award winners will be announced in early April. They will also be recognized with a plaque in their honor at the Waconia Ice Arena.