RED DEER – Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month, sponsored by Players Bench Team Apparel, is Randy Rosen of Sherwood Park.
Randy is currently head coach of the U16 AAA Sherwood Park Squires of the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL). This is his first year with the Squires after coaching at nearly every level of minor hockey for the past 19 years.
Despite his almost two decades of coaching experience, nothing could have prepared Randy for the challenge he is facing in his life, while also navigating the beginning of the hockey season. In August, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. Despite a very poor prognosis, Randy decided that he still had so much to give back to the community and that he wanted to continue coaching.
“Although Randy has signs of fatigue, he brings such a positive attitude to the team each and every day,” said the parent who submitted the nomination. “He spends time with the players on ice, through Zoom and personal interaction to affect them in positive ways.”
Off the ice, Randy coaches and runs a ball hockey league in Sherwood Park. He has been involved with the league for nine years, and seen participation grow from 200 to 1,500 players over that time.
“I enjoy the ability to connect and teach today’s youth. Every person needs help, and I am privileged to be in a position where I can offer help. Nothing is more rewarding,” said Randy. “My job is to develop the person as well as the hockey player. When it is all said and done, I want every athlete to look back at our time together as a huge growth experience that equipped them with the tools to face the challenges life
throws at them.”
The Coach of the Month award is presented every month during the Minor Hockey season, based on nominations submitted to Hockey Alberta.
Minor hockey coaches will be selected throughout the hockey season and will receive a coaching package from Players Bench Team Apparel valued at over $500, which includes a helmet, gloves, track suit, coach bag, puck bag, rink board, and coaching resources.