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MYHA Coaches/Manager of the Year

By MYHA, 05/12/25, 11:00AM EDT

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Celebrating the people that make MYHA what it is

Celebrating Excellence On and Off the Ice

Being an exceptional head coach or team manager at MYHA requires a unique blend of leadership, organization, passion, and compassion. These roles are not just about managing line changes or schedules—they are about shaping the team experience for players, families, and the entire MYHA community. A great coach inspires growth, teaches with patience, and models integrity both on and off the ice, while a strong team manager ensures that every detail behind the scenes runs smoothly, allowing the team to focus on the game. Together, they create a positive, structured, and inclusive environment where players can thrive, families feel connected, and the values of teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship are reinforced every day. Their impact goes far beyond wins and losses—they help create lifelong memories and a lasting love for the game.

After an exciting and successful season, we are proud to announce the 2024–2025 MYHA Cleveland Howard Coach of the Year and Team Manager of the Year award recipients. These outstanding individuals went above and beyond their roles, creating a memorable experience for players and families alike—an effort that has left a lasting impact on their teams and is deeply appreciated by the entire MYHA community.

Thank you to every single individual who coached, managed, and helped all of our teams across house and youth and girls travel this season. Our program is the best in the DMV because of individuals like you! We know each of you will undoubtedly again give it your all during the 2025-2026 season and we are grateful and fortunate for that.

Cleveland Howard Coach of the Year - House Jared Hautamaki - 12U Team 6 & 14U Team 3

Coach Jared has been named this year’s Cleveland Howard Coach of the Year - House and it’s easy to see why. The MYHA House Program is rooted in the goal of developing all players in a fun, inclusive environment—and Coach Jared exemplifies this mission in every way. A strong role model with a calm, in-control presence, Jared goes above and beyond to ensure that each player not only enjoys the game but also understands it deeply. He takes the time to break down skills and drills, often supplementing practices with videos and detailed explanations so players can better connect the concepts to their performance. His personalized approach, from watching game footage to providing thoughtful feedback tailored to each player’s growth, reflects an unmatched level of dedication. Even through early-season struggles, Jared remained encouraging, pushing his team to improve while building their confidence and love for the game. His passion, effort, and care have left a lasting impact on both players and families, making him a truly deserving recipient of this year’s award.

Please join us in giving Coach Jared a warm congratulations on receiving this award and on a fantastic job leading his teams this season. 

"Throughout the season, Coach Jared took time to explain different skills and drills he was working on with our kids, and would send videos and examples so the kids could better understand what they were working on. He really helped tie things together for the team. In addition, he got to know the kids individually and provided recommendations and tips for them. When we asked Coach Jared if he had any feedback on ways our son could improve, he went back and watched game film, provided a thoughtful response with practical tips, including video clips so we could show our son. His passion and dedication are unmatched, and we're so grateful our son has had the opportunity to learn from Coach Jared." "Great role model. Always in control. Gives great feedback."

"Jared's incredible dedication to hockey shows up in the time he donates and the hockey traditions he shares with the kids. The team had a lot of struggles early in the season and he always gave advice on how to improve, and he pushed the kids to be their best."

 

Cleveland Howard Coach of the Year - Girls Travel Emily Summers - 12U AA

For the second year in a row, Coach Emily has rightfully earned the honor of MYHA’s Cleveland Howard Coach of the Year - Girls Travel—a reflection of the lasting impact she continues to make on her players, their families, and the MYHA's girls’ program as a whole. Emily is far more than a coach; she is a role model, mentor, and source of inspiration for every girl who laces up her skates under her guidance. Her passion for the game is matched only by her dedication to helping each player grow—not just as athletes, but as confident, resilient, and connected teammates. Emily is known for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every player feels seen, valued, and challenged to be their best. Her sense of humor and approachable personality create a joyful atmosphere, while her fairness, knowledge, and genuine care ensure that each player is given the tools to succeed. She builds team camaraderie, welcomes new players with warmth, and brings out the very best in everyone she coaches. Emily’s unwavering energy, encouragement, and commitment to her team make her a true leader in the MYHA community, and this well-deserved recognition is a testament to the incredible difference she makes year after year.

Please join us in congratulating Coach Emily once again and thanking her for her continued dedication to help develop the best girls in the DMV.

"Coach Emily is amazing! She made sure to get to know every player on the team. She developed me so much as a player and was confident in me. Coach Emily has a great sense of humor and made every player and parent on the team laugh. My favorite thing she would say is “Raise your hand if you’re not here.” She is so welcoming to new players on the team. Coach Emily made this my favorite season ever!"

"She is a female who inspires girls to be their best. She is a role model who loves the sport, builds team camaraderie while also challenging girls to be their best in a supportive environment."
"She is positive and encouraging and takes the time to make sure every single player is developing into the best player and teammate they can be."

"Emily is inclusive, fair, understanding, knowledgeable, and fun!"

"She cares about the players so much and brings them energy and happiness to be on the ice. She creates a good team energy and helps create lasting relationships so the team has connection and is happy to be together. Her passion for hockey helps the individual players become better players and teammates. Her dedication deserves to be recognized because she works hard to give players the best hockey experience possible."

 

Cleveland Howard Coach of the Year - Youth Travel Andrew Horos - 12U Lower A

Being an exceptional youth ice hockey coach requires far more than just knowledge of the game—it takes patience, leadership, strong communication, and a genuine commitment to developing each player both on and off the ice. Coach Andrew embodies all of these qualities and more, which is why he is incredibly deserving of this year’s Cleveland Howard Coach of the Year - Youth Travel award. His deep love for hockey is evident in everything he does, and that passion inspires his players to work hard, grow, and love the game as much as he does. Andrew’s ability to bring out the best in every athlete—tailoring his coaching to fit individual needs while building a cohesive, high-performing team—is a testament to both his skill and his character. Under his leadership, the team thrived this season, not only dominating on the ice but also building strong relationships and lasting memories. Andrew’s calm demeanor, professionalism, and unwavering positivity earned him the respect of every player and parent, and his thoughtful, encouraging approach created an environment where kids could truly succeed. As someone who grew up in MYHA and now gives back with such passion and care, Coach Andrew has left a lasting impact on his players, their families, and the entire organization.

On behalf of MYHA and its community, congratulations to Coach Andrew on a job well done!

"Coach Andrew is clearly a skilled hockey player and fan with great knowledge of the sport. With him as coach my child improved immensely over the course of the season, as did every other kid on the team. The progress was undeniable, as the team dominated this season. Coach Andrew also was amazing under pressure, he handled any issue that arose swiftly and with care and kindness and with professionalism. Additionally, Coach Andrew was always encouraging, supportive, and he brought all the families together and really enjoyed spending time with everyone- which is not a necessity, but was a delightful to witness and be a part of. I never once heard him raise his voice and yet he held all the kids respect. He was a fantastic coach and deserves recognition! I wish we could keep him next year!"

"Brings a great attitude to the rink everyday that kids feed off of. Loves the game and it shows."

"Coach Horos has been an excellent coach for those fortunate to have him as their MYHA Travel Hockey Coach.   We have been lucky to have Coach Horos two of the last three years.  He is patient with the kids, conducts great practices, which are hard but extremely helpful especially to get the team trained for the rigors of a long season.  Andrew does his best to keep all families engaged with the team.  It has been a wonderful season playing for MYHA and a lot of that is due to having Coach Horos coaching our kids."
"Coach Andrew is an amazing coach who is more than deserving of recognition as the Youth Travel Coach of the Year. I have had the privilege of witnessing many years of Andrew using his talents to build strong relationships with his teams, always bringing out the best in them, not only as players but as young people. Under his leadership and driven by his passion for the sport of hockey, Andrew serves as an example to his young players always promoting teamwork, drive, effort and positive sportsmanship. Who he is as a coach and a person is what makes his players and their families have a long lasting connection with him that extends beyond a single season. I have never met anyone who’s been a part of one of his teams, player or parent, who has anything but compliments and positive experiences to share about Coach Andrew. He is always willing to go above and beyond as someone who grew up in the MYHA organization who now loves to give back to a sport that means so much to him and his family. For all these reasons and many more, I think Coach Andrew is very deserving of this honor."

"He has strong hockey knowledge, is a great teacher, and operates with patience and positive communication."

"Encouraging communication, cares about every player's growth, adapts to what each kid needs to learn, acts promptly when necessary and has patience when its called for."

 

MYHA Team Manager of the Year Alex Aschenbach - 12U Lower A

Alex is unquestionably deserving of this year's Team Manager of the Year award, recognized by her team not only for her exceptional organization and communication skills but for the unwavering dedication and heart she brought to the role. A truly great team manager is someone who keeps everything running behind the scenes—coordinating logistics, supporting coaches, communicating with families, and fostering a sense of unity—and Alex did all of this and more with grace and positivity. Throughout the season, she made even the most complex tasks look seamless, all while balancing the demands of her own family. She was always available, approachable, and committed, ensuring every family felt informed and included, especially during travel and team events. Her ability to create a welcoming, supportive team environment left a lasting impact on everyone involved. Without question, her contributions have been nothing short of legendary in the eyes of her team and this recognition is more than well-earned.

Congratulations Alex on winning this year's Team Manager of the Year award and leading the team in such a fantastic way.

"Alex Aschenbach is the greatest manager we have had in MYHA thus far. Period and end of story. Alex is the best manager you could hope to have on your team. She took everything in stride, made it all look seamless while juggling managerial duties and gracefully wrangling 4 kids. She had the most positive attitude, helped to create an atmosphere of inclusion and of extended hockey family. She is the GOAT and she 1000% deserves this recognition."

"Alex has been an amazing manager all year for us.   She is great keeping our team together, always communicating with us as needed and ensuring all families are engaged when traveling out of town.  Alex, it's been great having you as our manager this year!"
"Alex is very deserving of the Team Manager of the Year award thanks to her dedication, organization and commitment to the team throughout the season."

"Organized and great communicator! Always available, friendly, dedicated!"

"She's super organized and had awesome communication throughout the season."