For the love of the game: investing in the future of the game from casual players to professionals

For Mahesh, coaching hockey in British Columbia is more than just strategy and skill development; it’s about sharing his passion for the sport he grew up with and inspiring young athletes. He recognizes the importance of representation and sees his role as a way to empower players from diverse backgrounds.

Mahesh is from Vanderhoof, British Columbia and is the younger brother of Abbotsford Canucks assistant coach Harry Mahesh. Harry was an inspiration to Gary, who followed in his older brother’s footsteps as a player and then as a coach.

Growing up with few South Asian role models in hockey, Mahesh also found inspiration in pioneers like Gary Toor and Manny Malhotra, and now strives to be the same beacon of opportunity for young players.

“The game owes us nothing,” says Mahesh, “but we owe it everything. It has given me so much to my family and it is our responsibility to give it back.”

“There is a large (South Asian) hockey community that can identify with our path, our culture, and we can kind of combine the two.”

Gary played junior hockey in Alberta, British Columbia and is a two-time BCIHL champion with Trinity Western University. After entering the workforce after his playing career, he coached sideline players and his hockey contacts continued to reach out to him, asking if he could get more involved.

“The rink has always been a second home. Our parents worked a bit, my dad was in a sawmill, my mom was in a restaurant, and as a child I was either at school, at the stadium, or in my mom’s restaurant and it was like a different home. I just felt very good in the arena. Is there any chance that I have, every time someone reaches out and says, “Hey, can you come out and help?” Or maybe you want to train? it was nice to get back to it,” Mahesh said.

He has coached junior hockey for the past decade and is currently in his third season as an assistant coach for the Langley Trappers of the Pacific Junior Hockey League. Mahesh was part of the 2021-2022 Trappers team that won the Cyclone Taylor Cup Provincial Championship, capturing the PJHL regular season championship and the PJHL playoff championship.

He believes that to get the best out of people, you have to let them be themselves, and for hockey players, that means playing to their strengths.

“It’s about connecting with players as individuals,” he said, emphasizing how each player’s needs shape his approach. If he notices that an athlete may need different coaching support or a different approach, he uses his contact list to help get the best out of his athletes.

“You can’t be a one-size-fits-all coach. It is important to have a mindset of continuous learning and networking and using holidays to gain knowledge,” he said.

Additional information

Growing up, hockey was central to his family’s bond and provided them with special, cherished memories over the years. Last weekend was a significant moment for Mahesh and his family, who came together for the first time in 20 years to attend the Abbotsford Canucks home opener to support Harry. It was a weekend celebration that also celebrated their father’s 75th birthday.