Coach of the Year
The 2022-23 AJHL Coach of the Year is Whitecourt Wolverines General Manager and Head Coach Shawn Martin. The Whitecourt Wolverines are second in the Viterra AJHL North Division Standings entering the final weekend of play – the highest position they have finished since the 2016-17 season. This is Martin’s second nomination for coach of the year and first-time taking home the prestigious honour. Martin, 45, also surpassed 400 wins behind the bench this year.
(Shawn pictured with his son Wyatt)
Shawn first joined the Wolverines in 2017-18 and prior to served as an assistant coach with the St. Albert Steel, Grande Prairie Storm and Sherwood Park Crusaders.
Wolverines Assistant coach Bryson Traptow had this to say on his coach’s award recognition. “Shawn is very deserving of the Coach of the Year Award, personally he has been a great mentor to me in my first year coaching in the AJHL. His attention to detail along with the passion he has for the game and his players has proven to be a big reason why we have had success this year as a team.”
Owner Craig Kibblewhite had this to say. “Shawn is a great leader and a great teammate. He is invested in the players and finds a way to elevate each of their games to create a winning culture. He is consistent in his approach and continually strives to educate himself on his craft through experience and hard work. Success at this level requires dedication, determination and Shawn exemplifies these qualities. The fans, players, staff and ownership are incredibly proud of Shawn on this accomplishment.”
- 2022-2023 Award Finalists: Mario Pouliot – Bonnyville Pontiacs, Shawn Martin – Whitecourt Wolverines, Ryan Papaioannou – Brooks Bandits, Tyler Deis – Okotoks Oilers
The entire Wolverines organization would like to congratulate Shawn on this huge accomplishment. Any questions can be directed to Wyatt Zieger 780.394.6319