Recognizing KGHA's Finest!

The Kanata Girls Hockey Association relies on the time, care, and commitment of its numerous parent volunteers - from coaches, managers, trainers, on ice staff, and parents. Every team has that one parent and special person who quietly (or not so quiet) becomes the steady heartbeat of the season.

For the Kanata Ranger players, that person has been Mike Lacey, known to all of us as Coach Mike.

After more than 10 years of early mornings at the rink, late-night practices, long tournament weekends and countless car rides filled with talks about wins, losses, and everything in between, this season marks Coach Mike’s final year behind the bench. As he hangs up his whistle and officially retires his famous ‘Pink the Rink’ suit and cowboy hat, it will be hard to imagine the Rangers’ bench without him.

Coach Mike did not just teach systems and drills, he taught our Kanata Rangers what it means to be accountable; how to show up on time, how to shake hands after a tough game, and how to push through when they were tired or frustrated. He made practices fun when needed but focused. Coach Mike expected effort, not perfection, and when a player was struggling, he noticed. Those lessons and the impact he had on the players will last far beyond the rink.

As a parent, Coach Mike gave the Kanata Ranger players far more than his time. He offered patience, provided constant encouragement, and a steady presence players could rely on. He challenged them to grow, helped build their confidence, and reminded them to enjoy the game.

The hope is that when players look back, their favourite memories will not just be about goals scored or the wins and losses, but about tournament weekends, locker room pep talks, and the familiar helmet taps before the start of each period.

Behind the scenes there were schedules to juggle, ice times to coordinate, and gear to haul. Coach Mike did it all quietly, not for recognition, but out of a genuine love for the game and a deep commitment to developing young players.

If you asked Coach Mike about his years coaching minor hockey, he would say how fortunate he was to not only coach his daughter but to also coach so many Kanata Rangers, more than a few over multiple seasons, and to form lasting friendships with fellow coaches and parents. He would be quick to credit the incredible support of the assistant coaches, trainers, managers, on ice staff and parent volunteers who helped make each season meaningful and a memorable experience.

Coach Mike closes out his minor hockey coaching ‘career’ wearing various hats: coach, manager, and treasurer. Along with several success’ over the years, this final season he led the U18A Rangers to win the 2026 Eastern championship and is now heading with the team to the 2025/2026 Provincials.

As the final buzzer sounds, the KGHA, players and parents want to thank Coach Mike for every practice plan (and there were plenty), every calm word (and some funny anecdotes), and every helmet tap. Your dedication and commitment in helping shape young athletes has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for building more than a team. You built confidence, friendships, and a lasting passion for the game.

To Coach Mike, the Kanata Rangers players and the association are grateful for all the years you gave.

Wishing you nothing but the best in this next chapter.