ALLIANCE Hockey is pleased to announce that Ryan Best (Tecumseh, ON) has been named the recipient of the 2019-20 ALLIANCE Hockey Coach of the Year award.
COACH OF THE YEAR - RYAN BEST, PEEWEE MAJOR
Ryan Best was the Head Coach of the Major Peewee AAA Sun County Panthers team this past season. The team finished second after the West Division regular season with a 21-7-4 record earning a first-round bye into the Playdowns. In the second round of the playdowns, the team eventually lost to the East Division regular season first place finishers, the Waterloo Warriors.
Over the last three seasons, Coach Best has overseen the much-improved 2007 birth-year Panther squad. He led the team from a 9-15-8 finish in the 2017-18 season to a second-place finish with a 22-7-3 record in the 2018-19 season.
Coach Best places importance on developing all players and incorporating team building into the season. He is often described as a “player’s coach” who provides lively practices and promotes team cohesion through a variety of activities such as team dinners and extra-curricular events.
“My son was very proud to be a part of Coach Best’s team and we couldn't be happier about his experience with this team,” said a parent from the 2019-20 squad.
His coaching philosophy includes providing fair ice time and ensuring that all players have an opportunity to participate on special teams play. He encourages defensively responsible play with a focus on structure.
Best also has a background as a player and has been a Trainer on numerous teams throughout his years of volunteering.
"Coach Best is always positive and strives to do better. He takes a professional approach to his commitments, is well-regarded among his peers and is absolutely great with the kids. Sun County is proud to have Coach Best recognized as the 2020 ALLIANCE Hockey Coach of the Year," noted Mike Dobrich, Sun County Panthers Director of Coaches & Player Development.
Watch the video presentation here.
Thank you and congratulations Coach Best!
