U13AA Timberwolves head coach Joel Litt-Jukes has agreed to follow a detailed action plan developed by the Cochrane Minor Hockey Association (CMHA) that includes a series of consultations, counselling, mentorship and workshops.

CMHA says the 24-year-old coach has no history of misconduct and has decided that assisting him coach in a constructive manner is the best course of action in addition to the three-game suspension issued by the South Central Alberta Hockey League (SCAHL).

"We believe in second chances and would extend the same opportunity under similar circumstances," states the information submitted to both the South Central Alberta Hockey League (SCAHL) and Hockey Alberta.

"We appreciate the coach's dedication to the team. However, the incident has raised concerns about the impact of stress and pressure on behavior. To ensure a healthy and positive coaching environment, we have devised an action plan for the coach," it states.

SCAHL president Tom Wilkins has supported the plan.

"I can stand behind the action plan and I will support no further action from the league as I think this has been well thought out and effectively laid out," he states in response to the report.

Hockey Alberta officials have acknowledged receipt of the information and will reach out if any further questions arise.

Litt-Jukes has made a sincere apology to the referee involved and to anyone else affected by the outburst, including players, parents, and the association. He has also taken the time to reflect on the incident and to consider the impact of such behavior on the team's overall atmosphere.

The referee involved, who's in his 50s and not a youth as originally stated on social media and in the news, has accepted the apology.

"Upon the referee's return from Ontario, he will meet in person with Joel to receive an in-person apology and to discuss a plan moving forward, ensuring Joel has a better understanding of appropriate conduct," states the communiqué.

Other steps include:

Mental Health Professional Consultation:

1. CMHA has arranged for Bob Wilke, from I Got Mind Inc., to work with the coach and team. This consultation is weekly and mandatory.
2. The mental health professional will provide strategies for managing stress, enhancing emotional regulation, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Counseling Sessions:

Ensure the coach attends regular counselling sessions to address any underlying issues that may contribute to emotional outbursts. These sessions will be confidential and aim to provide necessary support for effectively navigating challenges.

Coach Mentorship:

CMHA will encourage the coach to engage in mentorship with an experienced coach. This mentor can provide guidance on effective communication, leadership, and stress management within the coaching role.

Educational Workshops: 

CMHA requires the coach to participate in workshops on sportsmanship, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence. These workshops will contribute to his personal and professional development as a coach.

Minor hockey will conduct regular self-assessment and feedback sessions for the remainder of the season to monitor the coach's progress and address any new challenges that may arise.

"Our goal is to create a positive and constructive environment for both the coach and the players," it concludes. "By taking these steps, we believe the coach will not only enhance his coaching abilities but also contribute to a healthier team dynamic. Our aim for the coach is to provide him with all the tools necessary to be a successful minor hockey coach for many years to come, a goal we firmly believe is achievable."

Part of a larger minor hockey initiative

Minor hockey has been deliberate in providing a proper response to the situation, and that's been aided by other mental wellness initiatives they've been incorporating into their entire organization.

"It's trying to show to our community and our association that even out of crappy situations, positive things can come from it, if things are done the right way, and people will carry themselves with dignity and class, take the emotion out of it, reflect on it, and take appropriate actions," explains Ashley Raabis, CMHA vice-president of operations. 

"This is a learning experience and everybody's coming out better for it, so that's what we want to reflect to our community is that truly strong people in life, the true leaders in life, don't lash out. They have compassion and they dig deeper to find the story on all sides. And then work to bridge the gap and make the situation right, not add fuel to the fire and try and burn somebody down."

It also serves a valuable for lesson for players that you must own your mistakes, accept the consequences, and grow from them.

While this may be an extreme example, the reality is, friction does occur between coaches and refs. Minor hockey has been striking out to improve these relationships as part of a larger, far-reaching program.

"We started an initiative last spring where we brought in the head of officiating for our area, and our goal is to have a symposium or session where the refs and the coaches could all come together," he explains, "because then everybody's a person, not just somebody under a helmet or someone behind the bench."

They've also recruited mental health professionals to lead sessions and work with players, parents, coaches and other league officials to make hockey a healthy experience for all involved.

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