Cormier remembered as a mentor to many
Former minor hockey coach leaves lasting impression on ice
A sombre mood swept over the ice as the Shane Cormier Memorial meltdown hockey tournament kicked off on Saturday morning, with the novice A players paying tribute to their former coach at Credit Union Centre in Kensington. Crystal Cormier says the memorial hockey tournament, named in honour of her late husband, pays tribute to his memory and dedication to the Kensington and Area Minor Hockey Association. “Shane was a loving family man. He was very involved with our son Oliver’s life and sports. From the moment Oliver started playing hockey four years ago, Shane was involved, and always with the team. He became an assistant hockey coach, and then moved to head coach for the last three years. “This tournament would mean so much to Shane. He would be very, very honoured and pleased that this is going on. And it’s pretty amazing to see this event,” said Crystal, with tears in her eyes.
Dedicated member
Cormier became an active and dedicated member of the Kensington and Area Minor Hockey Association as a volunteer board member, and as a coach. He believed in the importance of young players valuing teamwork, sportsmanship, and – most of all – having fun. Last year, Cormier coached the Kensington Vipers’ novice A team, which won the third annual Meltdown tournament. It was his proudest coaching achievement.
“When Shane was first asked to take the position of head coach, he was pretty nervous and wasn’t sure how he would get on with the kids and if they would respect him. But within a month he loved it and all the kids, and they really loved and respected him too,” said Crystal. “This tournament means a lot, and what minor hockey is doing here to keep Shane’s memory alive. It’s pretty amazing.
“Oliver’s team, which
“Shane was what anyone would have wanted for a great coach. He was always fun, but hard-working too, with a fair-play (approach) to everyone. This tournament was actually started four years ago, and Shane loved the tournament. Last year, his team won, so it was only fitting that the event be named in his honour for this year and going forward.” Kensington Area Minor Hockey president Derek Folland
Shane coached last year, won this tournament, so it was a pretty proud moment for him.”
Cormier’s teaching philosophy was that his team never lost – they either won or they learned.
He passed away suddenly in July 2017 as a result of a brain aneurysm.
“Shane was kind, loving, respectful and just a great allaround guy,” said Crystal. “And I have found gratitude in everything that Shane and I built together. I am thankful and grateful for our families, friends, co-workers, the community and the support has been amazing. I cope by being thankful and grateful for what I have.” Kensington Area Minor Hockey Association president, Derek Folland said: “Shane was what anyone would have wanted for a great coach. He was always fun, but hard-working too, with a fair-play (approach) to everyone.
“This tournament was actually started four years ago, and Shane loved the tournament. Last year, his team won, so it was only fitting that the event be named in his honour for this year and going forward.”