Local volunteer sports coach Matt Estabrooks has been honoured as a Hockey Canada Champion.

Sackville born and raised, Estabrooks started volunteering with local childrens’ sports teams straight out of high school.

Fellow volunteers and parents nominated him without his knowledge for his nearly 30 years of involvement in childrens’ sports.

With his help, kids’ hockey has remained a semi-normal constant in children’s lives during COVID-19.

Working both with the kids and behind the scenes, Estabrooks says his goal is to teach players character as well as hockey.

Here’s Meg Cunningham in conversation with Estabrooks:

Estabrooks will continue to hit the ice during orange level restrictions, with socially distanced practices, to provide kids with a sense of normalcy and community during COVID-19.