2021 David Mahoney On Ice Head Instructor Award Recipient:
Sheila Kelly
Published June 16, 2022
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 18 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 Sheila Kelly as the 2021 David Mahoney On Ice Head Instructor Award Recipient.
Congratulations Sheila!
Sheila Kelly
Here is more about Sheila:
- Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Growing up, my two older brothers used me as a goalie in hockey and that’s how I got my start. I played hockey in the winter and soccer in the summer. As I got older, I played ball hockey in the summertime. I was a rink rat growing up. If I wasn’t playing, I was coaching, timekeeping, or refereeing. At the age of 17, I attended St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia on a hockey scholarship graduating with Bachelor degrees in Science in Human Kinetics and Education. I then moved to Calgary to pursue work as a Physical Education teacher.
- Tell us a little about your interest in the sport of hockey.
My interest in hockey started at a young age. I grew up watching my older brothers play and knew I wanted to play as well. I started skating at the age of 2 and playing ice hockey by the time I was 4. I always enjoyed watching hockey and studying the game, but nothing is as exhilarating as lacing up the skates and playing yourself.
- What’s the best part about hockey for you?
The best part about playing hockey is the rush you get with those first few strides. There’s nothing like it. I also appreciate all the teammates and friendships I have made over the years through hockey.
- How has hockey influenced your life?
Hockey has been a major influence in my life as it has taught me such life skills as teamwork, cooperation, leadership, commitment, work ethic, and time management. Hockey has taught me that life isn’t always fair and I’ve learned you have to make the best of all situations. Hockey has opened many doors for me including a scholarship to university. Most importantly, hockey has lead me to some life-long friendships. I’ve met some of my best friends through hockey and continue to foster these great friendships all across Canada and throughout the world.
- When and how did you initially get involved with Tucker Hockey?
I first became acquainted with Tucker Hockey in 2011. I have always enjoyed coaching and was looking for a program in Calgary where I could help kids learn to play hockey. I became acquainted with Rex Tucker, a good Newfoundland boy. We connected right away and I’ve been involved with Tucker Hockey ever since.
- What is the most enjoyable part of coaching/teaching players?
The most enjoyable part of instructing is working with the kids and seeing the “light bulb” go on when they finally get the skill they have been working so hard on. Coaching kids, seeing the smiles on their faces, and watching them have fun really invigorate me.
- What is your favourite age group and skill level?
I enjoy coaching the younger age groups. You really see the joy they have for learning the game and you often see a lot of improvement in a short time. They just soak everything up like little sponges.
- Any favourite skating drills that come to mind?
My favorite skating drills are the edge control skating drills. It is an underrated skill that kids are learning more and more these days. I believe it is leading to more dynamic and better overall skaters.
- Being a Tucker Hockey Instructor – what has the “Tucker Hockey Way” / being a part of the on ice instructional team taught you?
Tucker Hockey has taught me many things. It has rejuvenated my love for coaching hockey and passing on my knowledge of hockey. It has also taught me how important the basics of skating and skills are. When you are a young player, you don’t realize how small aspects of your skating and skills can make you such a better and more complete player. Instructing at Tucker Hockey has fine-tuned my ability to help players with the specifics of skating strides and basic skills.
- 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?
Love the game and the game will love you back. Hockey is about having fun. I think it’s important for coaches, parents, and players to come to the rink with a positive attitude and make sure they enjoy playing the game. Skating is the foundation of hockey. Investing in a quality skating program will cure bad habits, and set the foundation of proper technique that will lead you to being a fantastic skater. The better skater you are, the easier it is to develop your other hockey skills.
- What other things interest you, outside hockey?
I like to be an active person. I obviously enjoy playing and coaching hockey. Outside of that I participate in ball hockey and golf. I also like to hike, get together with friends, and workout at the gym.
- What are your future goals or aspirations?
I don’t know what the future holds, but whatever it is, it will be fun.
Editor’s Note:
Thanks Sheila for completing a Tucker Hockey On Ice Instructor Profile. You have been a very valuable member of the Tucker Hockey Team. It certainly helps that you are a fellow Newfoundlander! It’s hard to believe 12 years have passed!
Sheila, I admire the way you teach the younger players – ages 5 and up – new skills and instilling the love of the game within our power skating and hockey development programs. You have a very calm and pleasant coaching approach / demeanour – the best on the team! Yes, love your fun skating drill – “toilet tag”!!
Thanks again for your contributions over the years as an assistant and in later years as a head instructor. We hope to see you on the ice for more fun times soon. Enjoy your Summer break from teaching! Take care.
~Coach Rex