This season marks the ninth year of the OMHA Coach of the Month presented by The Coaches Site. We asked for nominations of deserving coaches and after much deliberation, Curtis Shelswell of the Orillia U13 A team was selected as the Coach of the Month for February.
Know someone who should be Coach of the Month? Click here to nominate them.
Here's his story as told by his nomination:
Curtis Shelswell, head coach of the U13A Orillia Terriers, exemplifies what it means to lead with passion and purpose. Having coached the team for the past two seasons—and with prior experience behind the bench—Curtis brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the game of hockey.
His commitment goes far beyond the rink. Curtis invests countless hours into planning and sharing detailed practice plans with players, ensuring they are prepared and confident. He fosters an environment where athletes feel comfortable approaching him, creating a strong sense of trust and respect within the team.
What makes Curtis truly remarkable is his ability to balance it all. Alongside his coaching duties, he manages a full-time job, runs a family farm, and prioritizes time with his family—all while showing up for early morning practices at 6:30 a.m. every week. His dedication and energy set an incredible example for his players and the entire hockey community.
Curtis also emphasizes the importance of character and community. Under his guidance, the Terriers have actively participated in initiatives such as food drives, Christmas toy collections, sponsoring a family during the holidays, and volunteering at the local fall fair. These efforts teach players the value of giving back and being leaders off the ice.
Driven by a desire to see his players succeed both in hockey and in life, Curtis encourages his team to strive for excellence and competitiveness while maintaining sportsmanship and teamwork. His passion, energy, and positive influence make him a truly deserving recipient of Coach of the Month.
What is your background in hockey and coaching this team?
I grew up playing competitive hockey from the age of 9 through to the age of 21. From starting with Oro Thunder to moving over to Orillia Terriers then on to North Central Predators, I enjoyed the game of hockey, the competitiveness and friendships that were gained. At the age of 17, I joined the Penetang Kings Jr. C. organization and finished out my competitive career.
Now a parent of three, I continue to be involved in the game. I have been a head coach with the Orillia Hawks, assistant coach with the Barrie Sharks, and the past two seasons as a head coach with Orillia Minor Hockey organization. Last season, I started at the U12 level and stayed with the group through the U13 season. As a coach, I lead by example and ask that my players bring a strong work ethic, respect each other, and come to the rink prepared and ready to learn. I am a firm believer in strong work ethic and ensure that my team understands the importance of team-first culture. I like to push the players so that they can reach their full potential each time they are on the ice.
I feel lucky because I have had a great group of parents, players, and bench staff that makes my job easy and enjoyable. I feel it is important at this age level to build up their confidence by providing them with opportunities to grow and gain confidence that can assist them and the team. Coaching isn't just running the group through drills at practice or guiding them during a game. I feel it is crucial as a coach to be able to communicate with your players and the parents to make sure they are aware of your coaching philosophy and expectations. Players have to be comfortable coming to the rink and talking to the coach regardless of the situation.
In what areas has the team improved in the years that you’ve coached them?
Over the season, I believe they have developed a stronger work ethic and understand the meaning of team play. Their effort on ice has increased and become more consistent. I also see a great improvement in their team game; the puck movement has helped elevate their play. Hockey is a team game, and I feel very strong about ensuring we play that way.
Why are community initiatives so important for your team?
Being involved within our community is important to this team and it is a good way to give back and support others. We rely on sponsorships to help fund extra activities for the team, so it is important that we do our part to support others within the community. This year the team has been involved in a food drive to support the local food bank, prior to Thanksgiving, during a home game, families/spectators from both teams had the opportunity to donate food and/or cash for the local food bank. The team participated in a second food drive, partnering up with the local detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police and our team sponsor, players and family members went door to door within the community while others set up outside a local grocery store to collect food and cash donations for the Orillia Sharing Place/Food Bank. The team filled a side by side and police cruiser. Just prior to the Christmas break, during one of our home games the team organized a toy drive in conjunction with the Orillia Fire Department and Simcoe Muskoka Paramedics, both teams donated toys to the cause. We also sponsored a family for Christmas, our team donated funds, players were provided a list of items and the team went gift shopping!
How do you keep hockey fun at this point in the season?
As we head down the stretch, I feel it is important to continue to keep things positive, introduce new ideas with on-ice drills/skills so that the team remains focused and enjoy their time with the team. It always puts a smile on my face when I hear a player shout out "Can we run that one more time." It is great seeing the players enjoy the time they spent together, the bonding and friendships will create memories that last a lifetime.
