Richard Brewda has been a non-parent volunteer coach with the North Toronto Hockey Association for the past seven seasons. Brewda, who served behind the bench at the 2016 Midget All-Star Festival, has helped develop a pool of long-time North Toronto players from within the local community. His efforts have yielded back-to-back Kraft Cup championships for the 1998 team, at the Midget Jr. A (2014-15) and Midget A (2015-16) levels.

“Rich maintains an excellent balance of promoting competition while keep it fun,” wrote Blair Robinson of the NTHA. “He also is an advocate for his players, constantly trying to ensure a memorable and fun experience while acknowledging the challenges of secondary school.”

Brewda, who aims to teach his players to be well-rounded people in addition to good hockey players, had a unique assignment for his squad during one memorable game at Forest Hill Arena. Instead of a pep talk during intermission, Brewda had his players skate with a banner that read, “Laura, will you marry our coach?”

His team delivered – she said yes and the couple now have a two-year-old son, Tyler.