2023 David Mahoney On Ice
Head Instructor Award Recipient:
Mike Proudley
Published December 19, 2023
This award was created in acknowledgment of David Mahoney’s commitment & dedication to leadership excellence for Tucker Hockey.
David Mahoney has been a loyal and dedicated Tucker Hockey on ice instructor for more than 20+ years. David has always applied an enthusiastic and diligent work ethic to his hockey coaching craft. He has represented Tucker Hockey with tremendous integrity and professionalism. In addition, he has shown a strong caring approach towards his students and fellow on ice instructors.
The following parent testimonial “best sums up” his coaching body of work!
“I am sure that you are aware of how fortunate you are to have an instructor like Dave Mahoney. It is rare to find an individual who represents his employer as if he owned the business himself. I really can’t say enough about Dave, a quality guy.”
David Mahoney
Since 2020, this Tucker Hockey Award will be issued each year to the on ice head instructor who exhibits many of these outstanding qualities within the Tucker Hockey Team as well as improved personal growth and development.
Coach Rex selected Mike Proudley as the 2023 David Mahoney On Ice Head Instructor Award Recipient.
Congratulations Mike!
Mike Proudley and David Mahoney
More about Mike:
• Tell us a little about yourself.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, so naturally a tried and true Jets and Bomber fan. I played my minor and midget hockey there before leaving home to play Junior in the MJHL and WHL for the Chilliwack Bruins. Highlight of mine was playing for Team West in the 2006 U-17 World Championships held in Saskatoon. Following Junior, my passion for travel was ignited when I took a year off to backpack through Europe.
Later I attended the University in Winnipeg to complete my Business Degree. Since then, I’ve been somewhat of a nomad in my current job having lived in Boston, Edmonton, and now Calgary.
I once set a Calgary Stampede record; having attended the grounds 14 days in a row (self proclaimed).
I love any and all activities, especially the outdoors!
• What sports do you participate in?
Nowadays it’s just leisure activities; snowboarding, mountain biking, tennis, and getting on the ice from time to time. Also, I just recently took up Extreme Lime/Bird scooting, so if you’re ever on 17th Ave, look out.
• What does Mike like to do for fun?
I really enjoy being active outside any chance I get. Whether it’s snowboarding, swimming in a lake, or trail riding in the summer, that’s where I prefer to be. Also, you can occasionally find me floating down the Bow River with a Yeti mug in hand.
• How has hockey influenced your life?
I’ll always revere hockey as an integral part of my life, I’ve made so many amazing memories and friends because of it. Some of my fondest childhood memories are going on family road trips to play summer hockey. A lot of the guys I played with, we still chat and get together to this day. But above all, I think hockey really imbues successful values for personal development. Work ethic, camaraderie, accountability, dedication, communication, etc., these are traits hockey helps hone for each individual entering the real world. It really is more than just a sport.
• What’s the best part about hockey for you?
The camaraderie and friendships that come with it; I’ve made so many great friends and memories throughout my hockey journey that will sustain a lifetime. It’s not so much the wins and awards but rather the laughs and the jokes that always come to mind first.
• What other things interest you, outside hockey?
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world post hockey, so any opportunity to experience a new culture in a foreign country, sign me up… I’ve camped in the Amazon forest and scuba dived in Indonesia, but my favourite country is Nicaragua! I also really enjoy reading anything related to health and fitness.
• What is the most enjoyable part of instructing for you?
As someone who was fortunate enough to have their University paid for through the game of hockey, I feel it’s important to always give back. I think that’s what makes our game so unique, everyone who has been apart of it has had their lives enriched one way or another. I think it’s only natural to want to contribute and maintain the sanctity of our sport.
• What is your favourite age group and skill level?
That’s a tough one. I love different aspects of each group.
The smaller kids bring such joy and enthusiasm when they’re on the ice that it’s contagious. Hockey can be a serious environment at times, so their smiles are always a great reminder of what the sports all about.
For the mid-age and more serious groups, watching their progression and mastery of a skill is very gratifying. Whether it’s over a course of a week or month, seeing their committed efforts be rewarded, that is just awesome.
The adult groups are always so inquisitive and trying to understand the game, I love it! I also draw inspiration and commend anyone who takes up hockey or a new skill at a later stage in life, it takes courage and dedication.
• When and how did you first become acquainted with Tucker Hockey?
Summer of 2018.
• What, if anything, has instructing for Tucker Hockey taught you?
Being present & prepared; and I mean that in the sense of, every child or adult has made a sacrifice and commitment to be at the rink for an hour to develop. Understanding and recognizing that as an instructor, you want to be just as committed to each individual’s development.
• What can be the most discouraging thing about instructing on the ice?
When you’re demonstrating a drill for a group of 20 kids and you ring a snapshot off the crossbar into the stands when it’s supposed to be a low wrist shot on goal. But yah never know who is watching, am I right?
• What advice would you like to offer hockey coaches, parents and players about the importance of skating, and why they should invest the time and money towards quality skating instruction?
There’s no magic formula for development. It happens at different ages and stages for everyone, so you have to be patient, but you also have to put the work in. With that said, skating is the most fundamental skill someone can work on. Understanding the proper skating mechanics and edge work is absolutely critical in order to progress, especially with how the game continues to only get faster. Off the ice, there are various drills for players to develop quick hands, shot accuracy, hand-eye coordination, but there’s no substitute when it comes to stride technique, edge balance, and transition skating then actually being on the ice with instructors to help.
• Any favourite skating drills that come to mind?
Anything edges! With how quick the game is today, having “strong edges” and “being evasive” makes all the difference in the world.
• What areas of instructing would you like to branch off into in the foreseeable future?
I’d like to get into more 1 on 1 coaching and tailoring programs based on individual skill sets.
• What does the future hold for Mike?
Great question! No GM has called or texted me in a decade, so for now, I’m just going to keep putting my pants on one leg at a time and see what happens.
Editor’s Note:
Thanks, Mike, for your Tucker Hockey Instructor Profile.
Mike’s passion and love for the game is especially apparent when he handles the puck with his silky-smooth hands! He is quite gifted!
Coach Rex will often joke with him! “Did you soak your hands in Palmolive soap liquid today?”
Mike connects well with the participants in our hockey development programs and demos skills really well.
He continues to hone his coaching craft and has developed into a “top quality” head on ice instructor.
Since 2018, his Tucker Hockey contributions have now broadened to include: Evasive Skating / Puck Control & Battles / Compete;
Conditioning / Prep for Evaluation, Strategic Shooting & Offensive Tactics, Semi Private and P.D. Programs.
Coach Mike has great future being an on ice head instructor!
Mike, I have truly valued your contributions to Tucker Hockey over the 6 years.
Look forward to getting back on the ice in the New Year with you and having some fun!
Take care. Best wishes.
~Coach Rex.