INTRODUCING OUR U11 A/AA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-2026 SEASON
COURTNEY MCCRACKEN
Getting to know Coach Courtney:
What inspired you to become a hockey coach?
From a young age, I had a tendency to teach once I became proficient at a skill. Whether it was soccer, basketball, figure skating, hockey, or water skiing, I always found myself stepping into a coaching role. That passion for teaching led me to pursue a full-time career as an educator. After a decade of teaching and training experience, I sought more excitement and became a firefighter—but I quickly realized how much I missed coaching.
Last season, I volunteered as an assistant coach for the U10BB Hawks, and it reignited my passion. I knew right away that I wanted to take the next step and return to a head coaching role. Coaching allows me to pass along my knowledge and experiences to young players eager to learn. When I’m on the ice, everything else fades away—it’s a rewarding experience to teach a skill, practice it together, and then watch it successfully come to life in a game.
How do you foster team culture?
Team culture starts with connection. We’ll focus on team-building activities both on and off the ice to create a strong bond. As a team, we’ll define what we want to be known for and how we want to be remembered.Players will be consistently recognized for acts of teamwork, big or small, to reinforce our core values.
I also hope to enter an early-season tournament to help the players get acquainted quickly and build chemistry right from the start.
What does it feel like to be coached by me?
If you’re coached by me, I hope you feel supported and challenged.
You should feel safe to ask questions, be creative, and make mistakes—because that’s how we grow. My goal is for players to come to the rink excited to learn, put in their best effort, and immerse themselves in the sport as both a passion and an outlet.
What do you want your players to learn or take away from this season?
I want my players to understand that they are contributors—on and off the ice. My hope is that each player builds a name for themselves, takes pride in their sport, their teammates, their arena, and their jersey.
Beyond skills and wins, I want to help develop independent, respectful, and hardworking young people who recognize the value of teamwork and dedication.
Who is your favorite NHL team?
The Toronto Maple Leafs
Who is your favorite retired player? Favorite current player?
My favorite retired player is Bobby Orr. My favorite current player is Sidney Crosby
2025 Stanley Cup Champs are...
I’d love to see Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers raise the Cup this year!
Who is your favorite music artist?
Chris Stapleton and Cody Johnson.
Away from the rink you will most likely find me...
If I’m not at the rink, I’m outside—hiking, gardening, canoeing, waterskiing, swimming, snow skiing, or snowmobiling. Most importantly, I love spending time with my family: Jason, Logan, Jaxon, and Piper.
Stick Taps for sharing
Looking forward to seeing Coach Courtney and the U11 A/AA Cambridge Hawks in action in 2025-2026
For 2025/2026 programming information, including prep skates and evaluation information - please contact the CMHA Office at [email protected]