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INTRODUCING OUR U12 B/BB HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-2026 SEASON
MIKE DE FELICE
Getting to know Coach Mike:
What inspired you to become a hockey coach?
I have always found fulfillment in helping others succeed. As a leader in the workplace for over 20 years, I’ve gained valuable experiences that translate seamlessly into coaching. My involvement in coaching youth began when my children started playing sports, and I’ve loved every moment of guiding and watching young athletes learn and grow.
Hockey has been a lifelong passion of mine, and I truly believe the sport offers invaluable life lessons. Through the game, players develop responsibility, respect, and a strong work ethic - qualities that shape them into not just better athletes, but better people.
How do you foster team culture?
To me, culture is defined by the behaviors people choose to contribute - not just because they have to, but because they want to. While rules provide structure and boundaries, a strong team culture is built when individuals are motivated to exceed expectations for their team and themselves.
My role as a coach is to provide the knowledge, tools, and training necessary for success while fostering an environment that promotes positivity, encourages learning from mistakes, values hard work, and celebrates achievements. By creating this kind of culture, players develop a deep sense of accountability and a drive to grow both as athletes and individuals.
What does it feel like to be coached by me?
Being coached by me means knowing that effort is the top priority. I set high expectations for focus, hard work, and a willingness to learn, and in return, I provide an environment where players can develop at a pace that works for them.
I believe in "hiring the right person and teaching the skill". For me, attitude and effort matter more than raw talent. Players who give their best - so long as they give it their all (and sometimes all that someone has to give is 60%) - will always have a safe space to grow, improve, and gain confidence under my guidance.
What do you want your players to learn or take away from this season?
The greatest lesson I want my players to learn this season comes in three parts:
1. If you truly want something, it’s yours to achieve - but you have to want it.
2. The biggest rewards often come from putting the team first.
3. Success isn’t just about the outcome - it’s about feeling proud of your effort.
Players will only exceed their own expectations if they choose to. No amount of pressure from parents or coaches can drive them beyond the bare minimum. Our role as coaches is to create a safe, supportive environment where they feel empowered to push themselves - not because they have to, but because they want to. And when they focus on helping the teammate next to them, they’ll realize just how much it benefits them in return.
Winning is fun, but it’s not everything. Some people win endlessly without ever learning something meaningful. True growth comes from embracing both victories and losses and recognizing the lessons in each.
Regardless of the outcome, my players will learn that effort has no substitute. At the end of the day, they’ll be able to look in the mirror with pride, knowing they gave everything they had - not just for themselves, but for their teammates as well.
Who is your favorite NHL team?
This is an easy and tough question for me to answer, but simply:
- I'm a Leafs fan born and raised
- I'm an Oilers fan by choice from about the age of 16
- I'm a Caps fan because Ovi is my favorite player
Who is your favorite retired player? Favorite Current Player?
Favorite player is the Gr8 Alexander Ovechkin - it was always a non-popular opinion that I would prefer Ovi over Sid on my team 
Love the combination of a super skilled player who is not scared of contact, and if fact has dished out some huge highlight reel hits along with his highlight reel goals.
Grew up being a big fan of "Killer" Doug Gilmour, as well as his teammates and former Leafs Wendal Clark, Felix Potvin and Curtis Joseph (I was/am a goalie as well) - in fact I still use my 25 year old Itech Pro with a custom Cujo paint job to this day!
Favorite retired non-Leaf was Mike Modano - always had to have the Modano curve on my road hockey sticks.
2025 Stanley Cup Champs are...
Go Leafs Go! but also, Dallas is sneaky good...
Who is your favorite music artist?
I listen to multiple genres, but you'll most often catch me listening to Lincoln Park, Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, Post Malone, or 30 Seconds to Mars, and Zac Brown Band, Zach Bryan or Dallas Green (City and Color).
Away from the rink you will most likely find me...
At the rink, haha. When I'm not coaching, I'm typically at the arena playing. I am currently in three Men's Leagues and in the summer I also toss in ball hockey. So if you're looking for a spare! 
Aside from that, it would be my preference to be on a lake in front of a fire.
Stick Taps for sharing
Looking forward to seeing Coach Mike and the U12 B/BB 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]