Former NHLer McCosh settling in as Jr. Sun Devils coach
Shawn McCosh first came to Arizona when he was playing for the Phoenix Roadrunners pro team that was the top affiliate for the Los Angeles Kings.
Now, he’s come full circle by having spent the last several years coaching youth hockey in the Valley, including the 2019-20 season with the DYHA Jr. Sun Devils.
“I have been friends and teammates with (Jr. Sun Devils hockey director) Brad McCaughey for a long time and I like the coaching staff and people he has surrounded himself with at DYHA,” said McCosh, who coaches the 12U AA Maroon team and his son Masen this year. “I am also a fan of the skills coach Jason Wright and what he is doing here.
“It has been a great experience as both the kids and parents have been very appreciative of the things I am teaching, and they have understood and embraced a positive culture and atmosphere that shows development.”
Originally from Oshawa, Ont., McCosh played four years of junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League and then enjoyed a 10-year pro career that included nine games in the NHL with the Kings and New York Rangers.
“I think about how fortunate I was to have a long playing career and all the great coaches and players I played with,” McCosh said. “I feel fortunate that I was taught from some of the best coaches and players what it takes to win and how to create a strong winning culture. I learned later in my career the nuances of being on a winning team and what kind of culture, compete and details that great coaches and players pay attention to.
“I learned every day from a lot of great players and coaches and feel fortunate looking back to now being able to pass that on to the kids I coach.”
Once his playing career ended after the 1999-2000 season, McCosh knew he wanted to stay involved in the game. That’s where the youth game came into play.
“I have always liked teaching, as I have been a middle school history teacher for the last 14 years,” said McCosh. “I like teaching kids who are appreciative and willing to learn the nuances in hockey that can help them grow as a player and good teammate. The kids I coach this year have been so appreciative and willing to learn everything presented. I have enjoyed teaching kids how to compete and do the things that will help them be successful. Teaching kids the nuances and the aspects of being a good teammate and professional is rewarding, as you see them understand how to win through culture and being good pros.
“Being a good pro and understanding the role that culture plays in this sport are two traits that every high-level coach looks for and can be the difference between playing for a bit and playing for a long time. I think it is never too young to teach these aspects of the game and ingrain them into their personality.”
McCosh also noted that being a part of the DYHA program has meant being immersed with “some good coaches and good people here.”
“They are an organization that treats their coaches well and has a vision to keep growing in ways to develop kids and create a positive culture,” said McCosh. “Brad has been very good to me personally and has trusted my ability to create a culture and atmosphere that represents DYHA in a very positive way.
“DYHA has been a positive move for my family and the development of my son. I am looking forward to coaching here and having another productive year in 2020-21.”
— Matt Mackinder
(Feb. 24, 2020)
