TORONTO, ON — The Greater Toronto Hockey League is proud to congratulate Michael Cooke of the Under-14 Parkwoods Stars, the recipient of the 2026 Rob Silc Memorial Community Coaching Award.
Established in 2018, the Rob Silc Memorial Community Coaching Award recognizes a long-time, committed house league hockey coach. The award is presented by the GTHL to a house league coach who best exemplifies a long-term commitment to grassroots hockey, player enjoyment, and community spirit.
Rob Silc was a long-time volunteer coach with the Scarborough Hockey Association (SHA). He passed away unexpectedly while doing something he loved more than anything — coaching his son’s hockey team. This award is presented in his name to recognize his commitment and dedication to the game, his community, and his family.
Cooke has spent 10 seasons coaching with Parkwoods Hockey League, the same league he grew up playing in. Currently the Head Coach of the U14 Select Parkwoods Stars, Cooke also assists with U10 Select, U9 Select, and multiple house league teams, helping support the next generation of Parkwoods players and coaches.
From a winless first season, Cooke helped develop the team into North York Hockey League (NYHL) champions in 2023. The group went on to become championship runners-up in 2025, followed by an undefeated fall season, a tournament championship, and an undefeated playoff run in 2026 at the time of nomination.
Those who nominated Cooke highlighted his technical knowledge, preparation, and dedication to player development. He spends countless hours reviewing game film, planning practices, and seeking out mentorship and coaching development opportunities to help his players grow.
Beyond wins and losses, Cooke’s coaching philosophy is rooted in building life skills through hockey. His team environment emphasizes grit, perseverance, teamwork, discipline, and accountability. He is also known for creating a culture where players and families feel supported, included, and valued.
“Select hockey is about more than just winning games,” Cooke shared with parents when the team was first formed. “I want to develop them over the long term, and help them learn the skills they need not just to be good hockey players, but to be successful in life.”
That commitment has had a lasting impact across the Parkwoods community. Cooke has built close relationships with players and families, supported athletes of different backgrounds and needs, and helped create an inclusive team environment. His care has included adapting communication for players, advocating for schedule changes to support players’ religious commitments, and helping ensure hockey remains accessible to families.
His mentorship has also extended to younger Parkwoods teams, where he has supported new coaches, attended practices and games, helped families understand the Select program, and contributed to the growth of U9 and U10 teams. His leadership has played a major role in developing and sustaining programs within Parkwoods Hockey League.
Cooke was recognized during the 2026 GTHL Awards Gala presented by Nothers The Award Store on June 4 at the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Silc family presented the award to Cooke on stage. As part of this year’s GTHL Awards Gala, Esso also provided each recipient with a $250 gas card to help further fuel their journeys.
“It’s an amazing honour to receive this award,” Cooke shared in his acceptance speech. “My journey in coaching started about 10 years ago. I got into it Saturday mornings during learning to play sessions with my oldest son Noah.”
Cooke reflected on how coaching became one of the most meaningful parts of his life.
“At some point between then and now, coaching hockey became the thing that I probably love doing more than anything else,” Cooke said. “It’s the thing I’m most passionate about. It’s what I spend just about all of my free time doing.”
For Cooke, coaching is about helping young athletes develop habits that extend beyond the rink.
“Competitive sports are, to me, the best place to learn the type of habits that will set you up for a lifetime of success,” Cooke said. “To get the opportunity to coach a team — or in my case I coach three teams — and to get to spend a decade working with these kids trying to drill in habits that will help them win over time, it’s an amazing opportunity.”
Cooke thanked the GTHL, event sponsors, the Silc family, the Parkwoods hockey community, the players, parents, assistant coaches, managers, grandparents, siblings, and everyone involved in the teams he coaches. He also gave special thanks to his family, including his wife Danielle and children Noah, Ryan, James, and Sydney, for supporting him throughout the season.
The GTHL congratulates Michael Cooke on a well-deserved honour.
To stay up-to-date on all things GTHL Awards presented by Nothers The Award Store, click here.
