For more than two decades, Steve Sanderson, Head Custodian at Pioneer Park Public School and Director of Panther Hockey, has dedicated his free time to running a volunteer hockey program.
In addition to Panther Hockey, Steve has created a volunteer initiative called Junior Coaches.
This initiative is for Grades 7 and 8 students from Doon Public School and various secondary students. It gives Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) students the opportunity to learn important skills such as coaching, leadership, and public speaking, while fostering a sense of community and service that lasts a lifetime.
Kaydence, a student at Doon PS, has participated in the Panther Hockey program since Kindergarten. More recently, she has become a Junior Coach volunteer.
Kaydence shares, "Being a Junior Coach has changed my life. It has helped me see how much I mean to others. I love helping the little ones, and I love the friendships that have come along with it."
Participating secondary students who volunteer earn community service hours.
What sets this program apart is the impact it has on many secondary students. For them, Junior Coaches isn't just about meeting a graduation requirement, it is about giving back to the next generation and believing in the purpose of the program. Many have stayed on and continued to volunteer.
"Panther Hockey is where I found my love for hockey," said Owen, a student at Huron Heights Secondary School (HHSS). He has also participated in the Panther Hockey program since he was in Kindergarten. As a current Junior Coach volunteer, he "wants to help give other children that love."
Steve has also welcomed back adult volunteers who once participated in the Junior Coaches program. "I'm very proud of the success of the program. It is very satisfying seeing them grow as coaches and young adults," shares Steve.
As the current hockey season comes to a close, Steve looks to the future.
He has three Grade 6 students who have started their training to become Junior Coaches next fall. They have taken on leadership roles and demonstrated hockey on-ice drills to Panthers Hockey participants.
Junior Coaches is a free, after-school hockey program based out of Sportsworld Arena in Kitchener. It receives support from organizations such as the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA).
We are so grateful for Sanderson's leadership and the time all the Junior Coaches give to this fantastic program, which contributes to increased student learning through engagement. This generosity allows so many students to experience the sport and spirit of hockey, creating champions on and off the ice!
