We are proud of Jim Forrest, who was named Coach of the Year at the CGHL Annual Dinner last night. CGHL Board Member and our very own Bill Greim presented the award. Bill's introduction says it all: 

When we think of a great coach, what comes to mind?  Helps their players succeed? Supportive, regardless of if the team wins or loses? Shows the team enthusiasm and passion? Develop people first, athletes second? Operates under the belief that gameplay is linked to effort in practice? Values and rewards integrity? Develops players to be the best they can on and off the ice? Makes hockey fun? Goes the extra mile?

Jim Forrest is that coach. He grew up in East Haven, where he played youth and high school hockey. When his daughters expressed an interest in the sport after getting rollerblades, Jim started thinking about hockey again. A little reluctantly, he enrolled his two daughters in the Shoreline Sharks Learn to Play Clinic. They loved it, and so did he! Of course, and soon the girls were placed on travel teams, and Jim jumped wholeheartedly into coaching.

For the past four years, Jim has coached BOTH girls' teams, alternating between assistant and head year-to-year. 

One of his favorite parts of coaching is the change in self-confidence once the players realize they can accomplish things they thought possible. Seeing that sense of empowerment and confidence is rewarding, attributes transcend the hockey rink.

Although his focus is on the players and their development, Jim believes he has grown equally. He's energized by the girls, feeling their victories like they're his own. He has become a more patient person, realizing that players must learn at their own pace and through their own experiences. Those "aha" moments make coaching worthwhile.

Congratulations to Coach Jim Forrest. We thank him and our dedicated team of 40+ coaches who selflessly devote their time and energy to our daughters, using the game of hockey to develop, empower, and inspire!  Go Sharks!