ALLIANCE Hockey is proud to recognize
Shawn Walker as the proud recipient of the
2025 ALLIANCE Hockey Coach of the Year Award.
The ALLIANCE Hockey Coach of the Year Award recognizes outstanding contributions, involvement, & service to ALLIANCE Hockey in the area of coaching. ALLIANCE Hockey Coach of the Year Award recipients have displayed commitment to the ideals of ALLIANCE Hockey, have worked tirelessly for the improvement of the game at their local Association level and have made a notable impact on both the game and the players involved.
Shawn Walker exemplifies what a minor hockey coach should be: technically sharp, relentlessly prepared and deeply invested in each athlete’s personal growth.
Walker's commitment to coaching translates into a program that develops champions on both the scoreboard and in character.
"I’ve had the pleasure of watching Shawn turn a bunch of young, talented hockey players into a highly successful team that loves coming to the rink. The group has not only been extremely successful on the ice, but it’s turned into strong, long-lasting friendships with the team spending time together outside of hockey. No team can achieve and maintain success without a strong culture - our team had this in spades and it all stems from Head Coach, Shawn Walker," said Team Manager Brendan Magee.
Shawn dedicates his time to coaching and these are some of the special things that he implemented for the team:
• Provided a tape table with supplies where the players meet, get their sticks ready and catch up about anything and everything young players like to talk about, this has encouraged the players to arrive early to the rink to be with each other
• Posts the lineup on the wall with keys to the game, the starting lineup rotates so everyone gets a chance to see their name
• Has the players take turns calling out the starting lineup each game as part of a routine to get them fired up, they pound their knees and cheer as each teammate's name is called
• Posts the “Play like champions today” poster from Notre Dame on the wall, boys love this and reminds them of their time at ND, each player taps it on the way out similar to what the Fighting Irish teams do
• Established the Hardest working player award that is handed out to the player that executed the game plan to the best of their ability and positively impacted the team. (this isn’t handed out to the player that scores the most all the time and Shawn makes sure that every player gets this to help boost their confidence)
• Nobody sits in the same place or in cliques
• Shawn is great at keeping the boys motivated and always has something to fire them up before going on the ice
• Constantly changes lines, trying different combinations and looking to help players that might be struggling to get things going
• Shawn and staff are quick to praise a player for doing the little things right - like a chip at the blue line, a blocked shot or a nice pass, not just a goal
• Practices are second to none and are a testament to his dedication and hard work
• Shawn prepares and reviews every practice plan in advance encouraging all team staff to add their own drills as well
• Organizes video sessions with the team
• Coordinates team bonding sessions away from the rink
The team's on-ice success is also a representation of Shawn's abilities as a Coach. Some highlights from this year include:
• Finalist in the Drew Doughty Invitational and Kitchener Oktoberfest Tournament
• Undefeated champions at the Notre Dame CCM Shootout
• Undefeated champions at Barrie AAA Atom Challenge Cup
• ALLIANCE Hockey regular season record of 19 wins, 2 losses and 5 ties with a goal differential of +67
• 2025 ALLIANCE Hockey Champions
Characteristics of a great coach include knowledge, patience, motivation and integrity - all of which Shawn possesses. Winning is not the main focus but comes along with developing good athletes and community members.
Congratulations Shawn - we are proud to recognize your leadership, dedication and genuine care for the game and your athletes!
