Hockey Nova Scotia is proud to announce that the West Colchester Minor Hockey Association’s Robert McDonald is the winner of our 2023 Coach of the Year Award (Rec/C-Level).

Those who know him well say Robert dedicates an immense amount of time, effort, and energy to helping his teams be the best they can be. He has spent countless hours planning practices, working on lineups, coming up with ways to motivate his teams, and drafting his memorable pre-game speeches. Robert thinks a lot about his players and makes a concerted effort to connect with each and every one of them to figure out their strengths and how to best set them up for success. He inspires his players to work hard and he commands respect, all the while making hockey fun.

Robert has a great sense of humour, which he brought with him to every practice and game. He was always coming up with new ways to engage the players and emphasize his lessons.

When you play for Robert, respect is paramount. He expected his players to have respect for their coaches, teammates, opponents, and officials, as well as each and every facility his team entered. Robert led by example. As high as emotions can get during a tight or critical hockey game, you never saw Robert lose his cool. He consistently demonstrated to his teams how to win and lose with grace and dignity, by being a respectful opponent, playing clean, and by always congratulating your opponents, even after the most difficult losses. Fair play was also always at the forefront for Robert.

Robert is a major supporter and advocate for Rec/C-level hockey and a worthy recipient of this year's award. From all of us at Hockey Nova Scotia, congratulations, Robert!