2024-2025 COACHES
Questions for the coaches or about the upcoming season can be sent to one of the following board members.
Jeff Flaro (President)
Michael Redenbach (VPHockeyOps)
Jamie Smith (Development)
To email, use the email alias in bold followed by @gloucesterrangers.com
Hockey Background:
I started my career playing AAA hockey for the Halton Hurricanes and later for the Toronto Young Nationals and the Toronto Red Wings. At 15 I played Junior hockey in Kitchener for the Dutchmen. I was rated in the top 5 of the OHL draft that year but elected to go to the College route and signed with The Ohio State Buckeyes. After a short stint there I came to Ottawa and played 3 years for the Ottawa 67s. After my first season with the 67’s I was drafted to the Carolina Hurricanes and participated in 2 final NHL camps. After not catching on with the Hurricanes I went to Europe and played 9 seasons.
Coaching Philosophy
Last year was my first year as Head Coach for the Rangers U9. It was a great experience, and I really enjoyed working with the kids. Having fun, playing with integrity, LISTENING, teamwork and working hard will be the most important parts. I will really focus on skating and skill development while having fun doing it.
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- Capital Fall Classic - November 1 to 3, 2024
- Showdown in Bellevegas (Belleville) - February 21 to 23, 2025
Hockey Background:
I was born and raised in Ottawa and came up playing competitive hockey for the Nepean Raiders. After minor hockey, I made the jump to Junior B where I played 4 years with the Ottawa West Golden Knights. I have spent the last few years coaching my kids at the IP level and am passionate about teaching and developing kids of this age.
Coaching Philosophy:
My goals as a coach this year will be to educate, entertain and inspire the kids. For the coaching staff to be able to do that, the kids must want nothing more than to come to the rink. Happy and motivated kids make for better practices and games. This is why I will try and make most of our interactions, on and off the ice, positive.
I believe that great teaching means taking complex concepts and making them as simple as possible. Kids are more likely to retain and apply when they can relate. I aim to help them develop as complete athletes with our pre-game warm ups and fast-moving and engaging practices.
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- Capital Fall Classic - November 1 to 3, 2024
- Bradford Blue & Gold Tournament - January 24 to 26, 2025
Hockey Background:
Born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, I began playing competitive hockey at the age of 10 in Canterbury/South Ottawa, which later became Ottawa Sting. Subsequently, I played AAA hockey with the Outaouis Express. My passion for the sport continued into my university years, where I had the opportunity to play for Carleton University during the early stages of their hockey program as a competitive club working towards OUA/CIS acceptance. My coaching experience began with IP 4 through with spring AAA and has continued with the Gloucester Rangers in 2022-2023 as one of the U9 Assistant Coaches / Trainer & the Head Coach of the U9 Rangers Gold team during the 2023-2024 season.
Coaching Philosophy:
My coaching philosophy is based on fostering a rounded approach to player development / fun, emphasizing not just athletic ability but the complete individual. I prioritize the success of fundamental motor skills, with a strong focus on agility, balance, coordination, and speed, ensuring a strong foundation for future excellence. Recognizing the evolving nature of hockey, I advocate for early commitment to essential skating techniques, puck control in tight spaces, and the importance of teamwork and respect on and off the ice. I'm passionate about instilling a sense of self-motivation in each player, encouraging them to continuously work to realize their fullest potential. Above all, my measure of success is making sure players find a passion for the game, their continuous skill improvement, and having the ability to ascend to the next level if they choose.
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- Capital Gold Rush - September 27 to 29, 2024
- Guelph PowerPlay - November 22 to 24, 2024
- Bell Capital Cup - December 29 to 31, 2024
- Oakville Rangers Winter Classic - January 16 to 19, 2025
Hockey Background:
I grew up playing minor hockey in Nepean and South Ottawa. I was selected first overall to the CJHL and played a season with the Smith Falls Bears Jr. A hockey club. From there I spent 4 seasons with the Ottawa 67’s, serving as assistant captain and captain in my final two years. I spent the following two season representing Team Canada internationally including a Spengler Cup win. The following two seasons I signed with NHL teams (Minnesota and New York Rangers) and played in their minor league systems (IHL and AHL). When I decided to retire from professional hockey, I decided to play for the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds while obtaining my accounting degree.
I have been an assistant coach on several Ranger teams in the past including non-parent volunteer coach for U13 and parent coach at U9 and U10.
Coaching Philosophy:
In youth hockey, I believe good coaches work to develop every player on the team, delicately balancing the individual development of players with what’s in the best interest of the team. Having fun learning the game and cultivating a love for playing the game are largely grounded in the relationships players develop with their teammates and what they can contribute to the team’s season experience.
Coaches and parents should encourage players to be creative, constantly working to improve skills, and above all to be disciplined ― that is, to be both teachable and display self-control. Players who present a strong work ethic, sense of fair play, who set and achieve goals, who direct or follow good leadership, who are respectful of opponents, judges and supporters are kids building solid character through hockey.
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- Capital Gold Rush (Ottawa) - September 27 to 29, 2024
- International Silver Stick (Northumberland) - November 29 to December 1, 2024
- Bell Capital Cup (Ottawa) - December 27 to 31, 2024
- Josh Bailey Classic (Clarington) - February 13 to 15, 2025
Hockey Background:
I grew up in the West end of Ottawa playing for the Ottawa Valley Titans Hockey Association. I continued my passion for hockey and became a skills instructor soon after my minor hockey career. I have been teaching skills and coaching hockey in both boys and girls associations, at many different levels. I am well versed at teaching hockey skills through progression.
Coaching Philosophy:
I will strive to create a fun learning environment for the players. Primary focus for the team will be on skill development, with an introduction to team play, through small area games. The expectation will be to bring a strong work ethic, willingness to learn and a positive attitude to the rink. I want players to be excited to come to the rink.
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- Capital Gold Rush - September 27 to 29, 2024
- South Simcoe Storm Classic – October 4 to 6, 2024
- Guelph Power Play – November 22 to 24, 2024
- Bell Capital Cup – December 27 to 31, 2024
- Kingston Canadians Tournament Series – January 31 to February 2, 2025
Hockey Background:
I grew up playing AAA in the Niagara region, then went on to play junior for several years before finishing my playing career in USports with Queen’s University. I began coaching in 2007 and have experience coaching players from IP to U16 AAA in Canada and the USA. This will be my fourth-year coaching with the Rangers having served most recently as the Head Coach of U10 White in 2023-2024. I was proud to be named Rangers ‘Coach of the Year’ for my efforts last season.
Coaching Philosophy:
I aim to create a fun environment for hockey and personal development. While it is important to begin to introduce some systems and positional play at u11, practices will have a strong focus on skill development and skill application in small area games. I emphasize learning, work ethic, competition, and teamwork. Most importantly, players should be excited to play and have fun.
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- September 20 to 22, 2024 - Pat Larock Tournament AAA (Peterborough) – Hotel Rooms reserved at Beachwood Resort
- November 8 to 10, 2024 - Kanata Blazers AAA Shootout (Ottawa)
- December 28 to 30, 2024 - Bell Capital Cup AAA (Ottawa)
- January 16 to 19, 2025 - Oakville Winter Classic AAA (Oakville) – Hotel Rooms reserved at Hilton Garden Inn Oakville
Hockey Background:
Growing up in Saskatchewan, my hockey career started very young and culminated with playing competitive hockey at the highest levels for my age group; this passion continues today. Additionally, as a young multi-sport athlete, I competed at the highest level in many different sports during my young sports career, including many provincial-level teams representing my province at the national level.
Coaching is ever-evolving; there are always things that can be learned, and it has been through these experiences that I have learned so much. I have experience in various roles (Coach, Assistant Coach, On-Ice Assistant, etc.) over the last 9+ years within the Gloucester Rangers and Leitrim Hawks organizations. This past season, I had the pleasure of being the Head Coach for the U11A Rangers.
Coaching Philosophy:
My coaching philosophy can be summed up as follows: I want to create a safe and respectful environment to enable these young athletes to have fun and learn about being part of a team (all aspects) while continually developing the fundamental skills of the game they need to compete, succeed, and enjoy the great game of hockey for a long time no matter the path that is taken.
Some key themes emerge from this philosophy, which include:
IT MUST BE FUN!!! The team should have fun and should want to be excited about showing up to the rink every session. Kids are willing to listen and work harder when excited to be at the rink. Coaching and sports, in general, should focus on the kids. Keeping this in mind, I will ensure all individuals develop as athletes and, more importantly, as good teammates.
DEVELOPMENT. This is the key for these young athletes; I am committed to developing a comprehensive development plan (on and off ice), including practice plans in conjunction with Hockey Canada guidelines that emphasize technical skills and individual tactics while introducing team tactics and team play. Part of this plan is an off-ice component to assist with developing these athletes' speed, power, agility and strength. Hockey is a development sport where we keep adding layers yearly; the development should always continue, as each athlete's skill level is unique.
TEAM GAME. Expectations are high in terms of playing a TEAM GAME. Respect, commitment, and playing the right way are the foundation of a Team Game. As a team, we will respect our teammates, coaches, parents, opponents, referees, rink attendants and all others. Playing the right way includes allowing the athletes to learn and develop, with the proper focus on the longer-term objectives, which will then translate to overall team success. As the Head Coach, I take this responsibility seriously, ensuring we are prepared for all games and practices; I expect the same from all players and parents regarding commitment on and off the ice.
WE WILL COMPETE. Playing competitive sports demands commitment and dedication. As a team, we will compete during every practice, game, and session, but at the same time, we will have fun doing so while respecting our competition. I expect the team to come to the rink prepared to give 100% regardless of the situation. I take great pride in hearing from opponents that our team is “hard to play against” and is “well-coached,” which is done through the commitment to compete hard in all three zones while at the same time playing the right way, with integrity and respect.
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- Capital Gold Rush - September 20 to 22, 2024
- Halton Hills Best of the Best - October 11 to 13, 2024
- Northumberland Silver Stick - November 29 to December 1, 2024
- Bell Capital Cup - December 28 to 30, 2024
- Toronto Aeros Winter Challenge - January 16 to 19, 2025
Hockey Background:
Having grown up on the outskirts of the Ottawa area, I started my hockey career playing for the Metcalfe Jets at a young age then moved onto the Gloucester Rangers AA, the highest level of hockey within those boundaries. During my draft year I was selected to play for the Owen Sound Attack and had an opportunity to play for their Junior A affiliate team, however I chose to remain in the Ottawa area to play with the Ottawa Junior Senators who had selected me first overall in the CJHL draft. I played 5 years in the CJHL with the Ottawa Junior Senators and also the Cumberland Grads. During this time in the CJHL I had the opportunity to try out for U17 team Ontario. After my time in the CJHL I finished off my career where it all began with the Metcalfe Jets Junior B team.
My coaching started with the Metcalfe Jets Jr. B team as a Defensive Coach for 3 years. I then coached at the IP level in 2017 and have been apart of several minor hockey teams as a Head Coach (Metcalfe Jets) and Assistant Coach (Gloucester Rangers).
Coaching Philosophy:
With having such a great hockey career I was able to experience a wide variety of coaching methods that will allow me to give my players the confidence they require, which will allow them to succeed with their own hockey careers. In order for them to gain this confidence I will work on player development on an individual skill set and team play. As a coach I will set guidelines for players to respect coaches, peers and officials as this is an important life skill as they develop their careers and above all to have fun and enjoy the game.
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- Capital Gold Rush - September 20 to 22, 2024
- Mississauga Early Bird - October 4 to 6, 2024
- Pembroke Silver Stick - November 15 to 17, 2024
- Paul Coffey Tournament - November 29 to December 1, 2024
Hockey Background:
Born and raised in Orleans, my passion for hockey has led me to occupy a variety of roles in which I was able to develop personally and professionally. I played two seasons with the Gloucester Rangers as a goaltender (2013-2014, 2015-2016). Unfortunately, injuries prevented me from competing at the junior level. I was an official for D9RA (2016-2018), a trainer for Laurentian University Men’s Hockey team (2019-2020) and a residence hockey league organizer for Laurentian University (2020-2022). Given my past experiences, my coaching journey naturally gravitated towards goalies – which I still enjoy to this day. However, being generally passionate for the game of hockey, I have transitioned to team coaching. I am grateful for the experience I’ve gained as assistant coach for the U16 Gloucester Rangers during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, led by Terry Lemieux. I was also fortunate for the opportunity
to be video coach for the uOttawa Gee Gees Men’s Hockey team last season, which even led me to a short stint as assistant video coach with the Ottawa Senators in late April/May.
Through these experiences, I was able to acquire important knowledge and skills to ensure a safe, positive and memorable sporting experience favourable to athletic and individual development. I am excited to work with the U14 Gloucester Rangers group this upcoming season.
Coaching Philosophy:
I aim for athletes to develop healthy and consistent playing habits, but also emphasize the importance of developing creativity and critical thinking skills that are required to perform in today’s game. I believe this can be achieved through reinforcement of a “compete mindset”. I want my teams to
practice and play with high-pace offensively and defensively. As such, I want to lead a supportive environment where athletes should not fear making mistakes and should consistently celebrate successes. I expect skill development (i.e., physical literacy) to be at the forefront of our season’s efforts, especially in practice. My pursuit of excellence continues through a values-based philosophy: striving to connect with others while continuously learning how to be a more effective leader.
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- Capital Gold Rush - September 20 to 22, 2204
- London Jr. Knight's Fall Classic - October 25 to 27, 2024
- Sudbury Regional Silver Stick - November 28 to December 1, 2024
- Oshawa Cup - January 10 to 12, 2025
Hockey Background:
Hockey Background: After starting my coaching career just a few years ago, I have worked with several different associations in a variety of roles. Associations such as the Castor River Canucks as a goalie coach and assistant coach, Gloucester Rangers as on ice-assistant/goalie coach, Upper Canada Cyclones as Defence coach, and Osgoode Township High School Varsity as forward coach, defence coach, and co-coach.
In this past season, I also expanded to scouting, in which I have since done scouting work for teams in the NOJHL, OJHL, GOJHL and Usports.
All of these experiences have allowed me to expand my skills in player development, strategic planning and finally the growth of players both on and off the ice.
Coaching Philosophy:
My coaching philosophy surrounds hard work, commitment from the players, and ensuring the players are improving on and off the ice. As well, all athletes, no matter the sport, must work hard and be committed to their sport in order to be successful. I also believe that the players need to understand what they're doing, rather than just doing it. This allows them to expand their hockey IQ, which is a key to moving on in the higher levels. As competitive athletes, it is also important to establish a safe and positive team culture. I want to ensure that players enjoy coming to the rink, and never dread it.
From Day 1, my expectations are clear. I want the players to be committed to the team, constantly give 100% effort, and treat everybody with respect.
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- Capital Gold Rush - September 20 to 22, 2024
- Ajax-Pickering Best of the Best - October 11 to 13, 2024
- Pembroke Silver Stick - November 20 to 22, 2024
- Toronto Aeros Winter Challenge - January 16 to 19, 2025
Hockey Background:
I am looking forward to returning to the Rangers Organization this upcoming season with my non-parent Coaching Staff. I have been lucky enough over the course of almost two decades as a Coach to have gained so many different experiences behind the bench from Minor Hockey to Junior Hockey. Listening and being open to continuous learning has provided me the opportunity to grow as a Coach and develop a style that combines only the best of what I have learned over these years. I have a deep appreciation and respect for playing with key systems defensively and letting players be creative offensively.
Coaching Philosophy:
If all this time behind the bench has taught me anything, it has taught me that Coaching is not about me. Understanding what it takes to make each player play their best, give 100%, buy-in to our key systems, and having fun while achieving these goals is the key to a successful season. Our Coaching staff will bring out the best in every player, but only if that players is open to learning, ready to push themselves and trusts that we have their best interests and the team’s best interests in mind when we stand behind that bench.
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- Capital Gold Rush - September 20 to 22, 2024
- Columbus Day Classic (Utica, NY) - October 11 to 14, 2024
- Northumberland Silver Stick (Cobourg, ON) - November 28 to December 1, 2024
- Capital Winter Classic - January 3 to 5, 2025
Hockey Background:
Coaching Philosophy:
2024-2025 Tournaments:
- November 1 to 3, 2024 - Capital Fall Classic
- November 8 to 10, 2024 - Mississauga North Stars
- November 28 to December 1, 2024 - Pembroke Silverstick Regional Qualifier
- December 12 to 15, 2024 - U18 Ajax/Pickering Winterlude Classic
- January 3 to 5, 2025 - Capital Winter Classic