Written By The Ontario Minor Hockey Association
NORTH MIDDLESEX – A long-time volunteer with the North Middlesex Minor Hockey Association (NMMHA) is being recognized with the 2024 Excellence in Development Award from the Ontario Minor
Hockey Association (OMHA).
Melissa Hendrikx‘s dedication, care and loyalty to player development, combined with her years of coaching and behind-the-scenes work as an executive administrator, has provided years of fun, development and safety for the Jr. Stars. She has spent countless hours as a coach and a trainer putting in the effort to ensure every player’s individual needs are met, that the kids are safe on the ice and that everyone has fun while learning important skills. As Player Development Coordinator, she treated all the players as equals and also served on the Coaching Committee and Player Evaluator.
“One thing about Melissa, when she’s on the ice, she’s always smiling with the kids. She’s always encouraging them to push it and find that next level. But really, it’s about having fun, said Casey Wall, President of NMMHA.
The Excellence in Development Award was established to recognize and honour individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to hockey development programming in minor hockey in the OMHA. Nominees can be from any area of hockey development, including player development, Coaching, Officiating, Safety, and Program Administration.
“She was instrumental in creating the position of Player Development with our executive,” said Steve McLinchey, former NMMHA Vice-President. “Part of that role is bringing in specialized training sessions like goalie sessions, power skating, all things that are awesome for our kids and that we continue to use today and develop and build on.”
Known for always having a smile on her face, Hendrikx was valuable in ensuring that drills were age-appropriate and was always there to help the players. She’s still used as a resource despite not holding an active role on the executive.
