A fitting tribute to Coach Forbes at centre ice

The Manitoba High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) AA Hockey Provincials officially got underway February 26–28 at the Carberry Community Arena, but before the first puck dropped, the spotlight belonged to a coach whose impact and dedication has spanned a quarter century.

The arena was filled with players, coaches, family members and fans as teams lined the blue lines for the Opening Ceremonies. The six teams stood proudly, the stands were packed, and a sense of anticipation hung in the air. It was a moment of gratitude and recognition that truly set the tone for the weekend.

Glenboro School principal Ryan Diehl called Coach Corey Forbes, his wife Leanne and brother, Terry to centre ice for a special presentation honouring his 25 years of dedication to high school hockey. After more than two decades behind the bench, Forbes is hanging up his jersey and whistle, closing a chapter that has influenced countless student-athletes both on and off the ice.

Corey Forbes didn’t just help start the Wildcats program, he has served as head coach since their inaugural season in 2001 when Treherne and Glenboro competed together in Zone 4 under the MHSAA banner. A few years later, the Wildcats joined with Carberry and Baldur as part of the Westman High School Hockey League. From the very beginning, his commitment to the program set the standard.

“During the first few years, Corey resided in Brandon, driving 135 kilometres to Treherne for early morning practices. It also wasn’t uncommon for him to arrive in Glenboro at 1 a.m., or for the janitor to turn on the staff room lights and find Cory catching a few hours of sleep before the school day began,” stated Glenboro Collegiate principal Ryan Diehl.

Principal Diehl also reflected on how much the program has meant to local youth. “It has given hundreds of kids the opportunity to play hockey in their home community and rink. This has given players a sense of pride in representing their school and community.”

It is not only a quarter century of commitment and leadership, it is also more than a thousand games, thousands of hours on buses, and countless practices on and off the ice. “During all that time, Corey also coached multiple Minor Sports teams in Glenboro across a variety of age groups. He’s helped with hockey schools. He is co-president of the Westman High School Hockey League.” When Corey joins something, he is in it for the long haul. Diehl added, “Forbes has also served for many years as president of Glenboro Minor Sports.”

As Forbes stepped forward, the crowd rose in applause, a gesture that spoke volumes about the respect he has earned throughout the hockey community. Colleagues joined him on ice, shook his hand and presented him with a framed Wildcats jersey along with photos of the first and final teams he has coached as well as a plaque recognizing his dedication.

Over 25 seasons, Forbes has witnessed the growth of young athletes into confident adults, and the building of a program rooted in discipline and teamwork. While wins and banners are part of any coach’s résumé, those who know him best say his true legacy lies in the life lessons instilled in the dressing room accountability, perseverance and pride.

Wildcats captain, Tucker Forbes and Major Pratt Trojan captain Nathan Miller had the honour of the heading to centre ice for the ceremonial puck drop by Coach Forbes. The puck was inlaid with the Wildcats logo etched on one side and the provincial event on the other.

With the ceremony concluded, attention shifted back to the ice as provincial play began and Corey headed to the box where he coached the Wildcats as they took on and defeated the Major Pratt Trojans from Russell. Long after the final buzzer sounded on this year’s championship, the impact of Coach Corey Forbes’ 25 years of service will continue to echo through the halls and rinks of the Wildcats program for many years to come. Although he is a man of very few words, the words he chooses will be forever remembered by all he has coached.

The Wildcats have long been a team to contend with, bringing home gold in 2024, bronze the year before, and another bronze this season. But this medal holds a deeper significance, as it marks the final chapter of head coach Corey Forbes’ career shared in his son Tucker’s graduating year; a father and coach finishing together on the podium.

PHOTO CAPTION: Wildcats secretary Stacey Myers (left) along with Leanne Gates present Coach Forbes with a framed jersey, and a photo of the first and final Wildcats team he has coached along with a plaque honoring his 25 years of dedication.