Jonathan Fine has been recognized for his dedication to the sport of hockey.
Fine, the current coach of the Toronto Aeros Midget A hockey team in the Greater Toronto Hockey League, has been named Ontario Coach of the Month for December by the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO).The midtown resident plans on retiring at the end of this season after coaching hockey for almost 40 years. His team is currently on a winning streak with a record of 17 wins and no loses.According to a press release from the CAO, "Jonathan works to keep his athletes focused so that they can fully develop their hockey and social skills. He is also a big advocate of proper nutrition for his athletes. Among the values coach Fine strives to instill in his players are those of respect for others, punctuality and mind and body conditioning. Jonathan is an excellent role model to the point that even parent behaviour has been excellent throughout the years. The coach motivates the team and teaches players that hard work and commitment are not only necessary for the sport, but in life itself." Over the years, Fine has collected funds for players who's families are struggling financially.He also organized a GTHL tournament in honour of his player Mark Woszczyna, who died suddenly in December 2006."This coach is a special human, so amazing that only meeting and knowing him can allow a person to appreciate how far and beyond he will go," said hockey parent Ed Silveria.The Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards recognizes outstanding coaches and their contributions to both their sport and athletes in Ontario. The annual award is based on a coach's unique contribution to sport through coaching over a period years in Ontario.