2020 Lyle Hanna Memorial Award – On Ice Assistant Instructor Recipient: Jim Hepburn

Published: June 3, 2021

This award was created in memory of Lyle Hanna who taught Rex Tucker his first coaching course (NCCP Coach Level) back in the Fall of 1991. Some 12 years later in 2003, Lyle now having retired, joined the Tucker Hockey Team as a part time on ice instructor. Yes, indeed “The Circle of Life”!

Lyle was a very valuable member of the Tucker Hockey Team from 2003 to 2009. Lyle was a very pleasant man, who certainly loved hockey! He enjoyed sharing his wealth of hockey knowledge and helping others learn and enjoy the game. Lyle often said the measure of his success would not be if his players made the NHL but whether they still loved and played the game for the rest of their lives. He was a gentle man who was very generous with his time and valued highly the virtues of good sportsmanship.

Lyle was a true friend, a valued supporter and special coach mentor. He was a man of great integrity and truly a team player. He helped pioneer, cultivate and grow “The Tucker Hockey Way”. Coach Rex will always be grateful for his early contributions to help build Tucker Hockey.

Lyle Hanna

Since 2020, this Tucker Hockey Award will be issued each year to the On Ice Assistant Instructor who exhibits many of these outstanding qualities within the Tucker Hockey Team as well as improved personal growth and development.

2020 Lyle Hanna Memorial Award – On Ice Assistant Instructor Recipient:

Jim Hepburn

Jim Hepburn

Here is a bit about Jim:

  1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a true Albertan; I was born in Edmonton and moved to Calgary 40 years ago. I am married to Barb, a great lady, and have two children, Kelsea and Casey, and a small dog. I truly enjoy being with people.

  1. Tell us a little about your interest in the sport of hockey.

I’ve played hockey as a kid and coached both my children. Played it as an adult and taught it for 25 years.

  1. What’s the best part about hockey for you?

It’s a great Canadian tradition, a popular form of recreation for both men and women of all ages, and it’s also an excellent way to exercise.

  1. How has hockey influenced your life?

Hockey has influenced my life by meeting all sorts of people and being able to communicate to them the skills to be able to enjoy the sport.

  1. When and how did you initially get involved with Tucker Hockey?

Rex started coming out to our Hockey North America Beginner Program as a Guest Power Skating Instructor in 2003, giving the HNA beginners a sample of power skating and what Tucker Hockey could offer them. Rex saw me work with the Hockey North America beginner players and liked my rapport with the players and thought that my skills would be a good fit for his programs. I started in 2005 working with Tucker Hockey Minor and Adult groups.

  1. What is the most enjoyable part of coaching/teaching players?

I like to see the sense of accomplishment from the players who are under my care. Working one on one with the students can be very gratifying because they get individual attention and immediate feedback to enhance their progression.

  1. What is your favourite age group and skill level?

Adult groups are my favourite to teach as you see in most cases instant success. However the minor groups are so much fun as they are so eager and fearless to learn and progress to the next level.

  1. Any favourite skating drills that come to mind?

I don’t have a favourite skating drill as all skating drills serve a purpose as they are the groundwork which hockey is based on.

  1. Being a Tucker Hockey Instructor – what has the “Tucker Hockey Way” / being a part of the on ice instructional team taught you?

There are many challenges when teaching different age and skill levels, and many ways of addressing and teaching skating and hockey skills.

  1. What advice would you like to offer hockey coaches, parents, and players about the importance of skating, and why they should invest the time and money towards quality skating instruction?

Spend time to teach the proper skating technique. The game today is based on speed and agility. Teach first without a puck then with a puck. Passing and shooting fall into place once you are confident with your skating. Game sense and hockey IQ follow that. Remember that “Skating is the Foundation of Hockey”.

  1. What other things interest you, outside hockey?

I am an avid golfer and have played slo-pitch, water sports, skiing, racquetball, and squash over the years.

  1. What does the future hold for you?

I will continue to work on my coaching techniques. I feel my strengths are my people skills and my outgoing personality. I hope that the players I have taught will be able to succeed in their future endeavours, whatever they may be. I have often been called “Mr. Care”. During my many years of coaching Ringette, I have told my Ringette players “The game is for you girls, not for me”. I have coached three teams in one season, and I genuinely do it for the girls.

Editor’s Note:

Coach Jimmy has been a loyal Tucker Hockey Instructor for over 16 years. Gentleman Jim brings a wonderful personality and fun loving attitude to the rink. He is truly a people person with a “genuine caring” and “pay it forward” approach to teaching hockey skills. Jimmy is a brother on and off the ice; yes a brother from a different Mother. He is a true lifelong friend. Can’t wait to get back on the ice this Summer with you brother and have some fun coaching experiences within the sport we both truly love and miss! See you in August!

~Coach Rex