Kip McKenzie - Nishnawbe Aski Police Service
Showcasing his remarkable leadership on and off duty, Kip McKenzie is a four-time Police Hero nominee.
I had the opportunity to dispatch Sergeant Kip McKenzie of the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) during his posting in Mattagami First Nation and have since been fortunate to work alongside him in the community as Team Manager for the West Nipissing Minor Hockey Association (WNMHA) U11A Sting, where serves as Head Coach.
Kip currently volunteers extensively with WNMHA, serving as Director of Property and Equipment, U15 Convenor, and U11A Head Coach, while dedicating countless additional hours as a referee, tournament volunteer, and trusted support wherever needed. His commitment ensures that the West Nipissing community continues to have access to organized sport and positive opportunities that may not otherwise be available.
When Kip was approached about taking on the role of Head Coach, he carefully considered the responsibility and has since exceeded every expectation. He thoughtfully selected his assistant coaches and trainer to ensure their values aligned with his own: community, discipline, inclusion, and personal growth. Together, they provide youth with the tools and opportunities needed to become confident hockey players and responsible community members. Under his leadership, 17 young athletes are learning far more than the game itself.
Kip actively promotes physical and mental discipline by fully engaging in practices and off-ice training, encouraging positive mental health, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, and fostering an open-door policy built on trust and respect. He instills the importance of community involvement by organizing team food drives for the local food bank, leading community clean up initiatives, and promoting diversity and inclusion through participation in First Nation, Franco-Ontarian Day and other community events. He makes a point of showing up, attending players’ school concerts and being present in their daily lives on and off the ice.
Through his actions, Kip teaches resilience in the face of adversity and encourages patience, kindness, and compassion toward teammates and community members alike. These lessons, while sometimes small, are deeply impactful. The seeds he is planting will continue to grow long after the season ends, inspiring the youth he mentors to become community role models themselves—just like Coach Kip.
