Maurice Hamlin

A long-time resident of Tsawwassen, Maurice Hamlin has been coaching for the past twenty five years, including the last eight in juvenile, which is designated for 18 to 20 year olds who are no longer pursuing the Canadian dream or trying to impress the junior scouts. The players are usually involved in post-secondary education or full-time work. It may not be considered a glamour division as most of the players drive themselves to the rink, however, Maurice cannot think of a better level of minor hockey to be coaching in.

He considers his players to be playing hockey for the most honest and right of reasons. Maurice Hamlin takes pride in coaching players who have been moved around in midget and junior ôBö hockey and forming them into a cohesive and unified team.

His dedication as a coach in providing his players a meaningful hockey experience is reflected at practices where they are extremely well organized and attended. It has led to much success on the ice. His Richmond Blues team has qualified for the Provincial Championships for eight consecutive years. The past four years have been truly remarkable, winning it all by compiling undefeated records of 6-0. The roster includes a mix of South Delta and Richmond players. Prior to 2010, South Delta players previously had no team to play for.

The awards have continued for Hamlin as he was recognized in 2010 for his outstanding achievement by receiving the Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy as the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey AssociationÆs Coach of the Year. The award is emblematic of the coach who best exemplifies the coaching experience of teacher and leader in amateur hockey. Also in 2010, he was awarded the Ernie Gare Memorial Trophy, representing the BC Hockey Coach of the Year. The attention and recognition is appreciated by Hamlin, however, the accolades do not mean as much to him as being confident that he is offering a positive experience to young men as well as maintaining their interest in hockey.

Two of his teams have remained intact and now are playing in a senior menÆs league out of the Richmond Ice Centre. Maurice has also mentored other players to become interested in coaching and taking their own teams at younger age levels. A major part of his success has been the importance of teaching discipline, where his teams have always demonstrated this quality in their style of play.

We welcome Maurice into the Delta Sports Hall of Fame.