RED DEER - Jeff Rasmuson of Duchess/Brooks and Brock Armstrong of Sylvan Lake are the winners of the Hockey Alberta Coach of the Month Coaches Night Out packages.
Jeff Rasmuson is the first recipient of the NHL Coaches Night Out Calgary Flames Package. Jeff is both the Head Coach of the Duchess Peewee Storm and an Assistant Coach for the Brooks Female Novice Team. Jeff has been coaching for the better part of 15 years and has coached from Initiation all the way up to Senior.
“I wanted to give back what I received from coaches throughout the years,” Jeff said of his decision to begin coaching. “What hockey gives you is a preparation in life for being able to work hard at a job be a team player at work. Raise a family with values and structure knowing that it takes the whole family to be successful by working together. And also it means that nothing in life is easy so you want to be successful you have to work for it. That’s Hockey for Life.”
“Jeff is a kind-hearted man who leads by example and uses his own knowledge and experience that he has gained playing at many levels himself to help him teach and communicate to the kids," said the parent who nominated Jeff. "The kids love and respect him. They look forward to each practice because of what Jeff has to show them and the stories he shares. He is passionate and empathic, competitive and fun. Yet he understands what the differences and needs from each kid and inspires them all to believe in themselves and their potential all while adapting things to make all feel comfortable in their ability.”
Brock Armstrong is the recipient of the NHL Coaches Night Out Edmonton Oilers Package. Brock has been coaching Initiation in Sylvan Lake for the last three years and was recently appointed a Junior Coach Mentor role within his association.
“I try to make the rink a destination for both players and parents, I want the entire family to be excited to come to the rink," said Brock. "My job as a coach is to not only teach the FUNdementals, but to help stock the cupboard with skills that will help the player in everyday life.”
Brock said there are three elements of his coaching philosophy. “1. Work hard, 2. Have Fun, 3. Respect yourself, your teammates, and your opponent.”
“An enthusiastic, fun, accepting, caring and hardworking role model. He has a true love for the game that is infectious if you ever have the privilege to be a player or a parent on his team,” said a parent from Brock’s team.
“I feel the effect of his (Brock’s) coaching in the way my son is improving in other aspects of his life including patients at home and confidence at school," said another parent. "My son really looks up to him and I am so grateful for him to have a role model so passionate for the game and well-being of the kids.”
Thank you to the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers for supplying the two NHL Coaches Night Out Packages which four tickets to a game, apparel, and food and beverage vouchers.
For more details on Hockey Alberta’s Coach of the Month, click here.
