INTRODUCING OUR U16 AAA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2026-2027 SEASON
KEVIN CLANCY
Getting to know Coach Kevin:
What inspired you to become a hockey coach?
I was inspired by a few coaches that I had growing up. I felt that I also wanted to provide similar guidance to athletes both in hockey skills and life skills.
How do you foster team culture?
Habits make culture, they translate values and beliefs into behavior. In simple terms: culture is “how we actually do things around here,” and habits are what make that real.
Habits turn values into action. values like accountability and teamwork mean very little unless they are lived daily.
Value: Accountability
Habit: Players consistently own their mistakes in video review instead of blaming others.
Over time, that repeated behavior becomes the culture.
Habits create consistency, Culture is built through repetition, not speeches. When positive habits are practiced consistently, Expectations become clear, Standards become non-negotiable, Players don’t have to wonder how to act the habits guide them.
Habits shape identity
We become what we repeatedly do. If a group consistently practices habits like: Arriving early, Competing hard in drills, Respecting teammates, Preparing properly
Habits are contagious. Good habits become “the way we do things.” and this is Culture.
What does it feel like to be coached by me?
This is a program where we provide many details on getting to the next levels in the sport we love. Within this the athletes are encouraged to take complete ownership of their own journey and this can be daunting. Our staff helps provide the guidance thru these times. We demand a lot from out athletes and they in turn get a lot out of our staff. Full partnership.
What do you want your players to learn or take away from this season?
We have learned a valuable life lesson in adversity. Whatever is thrown at you, you keep working through it. The marathon is never won in the initial stages. It takes resilience to keep pushing and never stopping. Likely the best life lesson of all.
Who is your favorite NHL team?
Detroit Redwings
Who is your favorite retired player? Favorite Current Player?
Steve Yzerman - character, respected and complete team player
The Florida version of Brad Marchand. No letter on his jersey, No spotlight, 3rd line player who competes night in and night out. 31 teams in the NHL wishes they had him.
2026 Stanley Cup Champs are...
Dallas Stars, team defense wins championships. Their goaltending tandem and d-core are solid.
Who is your favorite music artist?
Various, but Gord Downie is at the top of my list with his friends from Kingston
Away from the rink you will most likely find me...
Likely at a different arena
Anything else you want people to know about you?
I am a married Father of 4 kids that have now grown into hard working adults. Having coached all of them at some point they have lived under the rules of Dad at home and Coach at the rink. I have had unreal experiences with all of them from going to Japan with the 2008 Cambridge Hawks, to Provincial Championships (2) all the way to just spending those formative years with them as they developed. I like to Coach to provide all of the things I wish my kids had as they grew up. To provide the experiences and life lessons that hit home. I am so excited of the Program we have continued with over the past few years along with a great staff that make me proud to be part of Cambridge Minor Hockey
Stick Taps for sharing
Looking forward to seeing Coach Kevin and the U16 AAA Cambridge Hawks in action in 2026-2027
For 2026/2027 programming information, including prep skates and evaluation information - please contact the CMHA Office at [email protected]