The ex-NHL'ers I've seen (with a couple exceptions) are terrible coaches. Swearing, throwing water bottles, yelling at the refs like it's game seven of the Stanley Cup finals. More youth coaches should aspire to the Jack Parker school of coaching by teaching and acting in a professional manner.
I think it depends a little on age but my experience has been NO for many reasons but primarily because they struggle to teach things in a way that kids can understand & consume.
I was thinking the same thing. If they weren't a powerhouse but just mediocre , I would still love my kid to play for him. Denehey seems cut from they same cloth
a good youth hockey coach needs to have played competitive hockey but not at the highest levels. Its more important to be an effective educator and communicator. At the squirt and peewee level, it's also important for the coach to be able to demonstrate the drills/ skills he expects from his players. I've seen too many coaches who do not correct fundamental skating, stick handling issues because they, themselves are simply not aware and don't recognize it.
my son had coaches like that at the breakers and the practices were painful to watch. They also got rid of the guy who ran the skills and the skills are terrible now