Hockey Background:

Born and raised in a remote area a couple of hours north of Quebec City, I developed a passion for hockey and baseball at a young age. At the age of 12, I made the tough decision to focus solely on competitive baseball, gravitating up to the LBJEQ level while continuing to play hockey at a lower level. Despite a busy military career with CANSOF, where I was embedded in the world of athlete performance and small-team deployment, I remained connected with the game of hockey throughout the years. Recently retired, I have dedicated my time to developing hockey skills and coaching over the last few years, from IP to U9 level.

Coaching Philosophy:

My focus as a Rangers U9 head coach this year will be to motivate, educate, and mentor individual player development within a team construct. At the U9 level, integration to the competitive level requires adjustment and guidance. The priority will be to establish an overall fun but structured environment in which every kid can relate and is eager to dedicate energy, time, and focus. I am a firm believer in a team-driven message, while also using a tailored individual approach, as individuals at different stages of development have varying levels of maturity and learning attributes. In child development, finding the proper way to deliver a message is paramount for players to understand and eventually master the skills, including knowing how to apply them within a game setting.

Involved in hockey for over 30 years, I was born and raised in Orleans, Ontario.   I grew up playing as a goaltender for the Gloucester Rangers minor hockey system.  I played three years of Junior A hockey for the Cumberland Grads, followed by four years of NCAA Division 1 hockey for the Robert Morris Colonials, where I also completed a master's degree.  My professional hockey career included playing in Texas (CHL), the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom (British Elite League).  I also served as the Ottawa Senators' practice goalie for the following 3 years. 

I have spent the last four years coaching my son’s hockey at the IP level and most recently served as an assistant last year for the U9 Rangers team.  

I’ve learned a great deal over my career, and now I look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion for the game with these kids.

Coaching Philosophy

As the head coach of the U9 team, my primary goals for this year are to ensure the kids are having fun playing the game while improving their hockey skill development, learning about sportsmanship, making new friends, and acquiring new life skills.

To achieve that, I will ensure to select other positive coaches to help me create a positive and safe environment for everyone.  Respect and integrity from players and coaches will be the top priority.

I want to coach, encourage, and motivate kids that are teachable, willing to work hard, respect their opponents, and dedicated to becoming better players and better individuals.

I look forward to building relationships with every single player on the team and working with each of them to reach their fullest potential. 

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.

2025-2026 Tournaments:

Gloucester Rangers Capital Gold Rush
September 27-29, 2025
Ottawa, ON

Bell Capital Cup
December 27-31, 2025
Ottawa, ON

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.  

2025-2026 Tournaments:

TBD

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 in teaching hockey skills through progression.

My coaching Philosophy

I will strive to create a fun learning environment for the players. The team's primary focus will be on skill development, with an introduction to team play through small-area games. Players are expected 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.

Tournaments

• Capital Gold Rush – September – Local Tournament
• South Simcoe Storm Classic or Peterborough – October – Away Tournament
• Silver Stick Northumberland – Dec 5-7 – Away Tournament
• Bell Capital Cup – December (holidays) – Local Tournament

NOTE: Tournaments are subject to change.

Growing up on the outskirts of Ottawa, I began my hockey journey with the Metcalfe Jets at a young age. As I developed, I progressed to the Gloucester Rangers AA—the highest level of hockey within our region at the time. During my draft year, I was selected by the Owen Sound Attack and also had the opportunity to play for their Junior A affiliate team. However, I decided to stay close to home and continue my development with the Ottawa Junior Senators, who had selected me first overall in the CJHL Draft.

I spent five seasons in the CJHL, playing with both the Ottawa Junior Senators and the Cumberland Grads. During this time, I was honoured to be invited to try out for Team Ontario's U17 squad, a valuable experience that further shaped my growth as a player.

I concluded my hockey career where it all began—returning to play with the Metcalfe Jets at the Junior B level, bringing my journey full circle.

Coaching Philosophy

Having had the privilege of a fulfilling hockey career, I was exposed to a wide range of coaching styles and philosophies. These experiences have equipped me with the tools to help my players build the confidence they need to succeed in their hockey journeys.

My focus as a coach will be on individual skill development as well as team play, ensuring each player grows both personally and within the group. I will establish clear expectations around respect—for coaches, teammates, and officials—as this is not only essential on the ice but a valuable life skill that extends far beyond the game.

Most importantly, I want my players to enjoy the game, have fun, and develop a lifelong love for hockey.

With over twelve years of experience as a professional hockey player and NHL draft pick, along with extensive coaching experience, I take pride in my ability to communicate effectively with players, coaches, executives, and media personnel. As head coach, I will leverage my skills from my hockey background and business leadership to contribute to the success of the U12 AA Gloucester Rangers hockey team. My coaching philosophy is dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive team environment where players can develop their skills, understand the importance of teamwork, and grow both on and off the ice.

My hockey experience includes coaching roles with the U11 Rangers AA, U10 Gloucester Rangers AA, and U9 Gloucester Rangers AA, as well as running my own hockey school after retiring from the game. I take pride in improving team performance and developing kids for life!

Our team core values will be:

• Having Fun
• Serving others
• Performance
• Inclusion
• Personal Development (Commitment to getting better and wanting to play at a higher level)
• Open Communication

Tournament for the year:

• Gloucester Rangers Cup September 22
• Capital Fall Classic October 24^th (Bell Sensplex)
• Bell Capital Cup: December 27th
• Oakville Winter Classic Jan 16th

Hockey Background/Coaching Experience: 

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.   

On the hockey coaching side, I have enjoyed being involved with many great coaches and learning significantly along the way. I am passionate about coaching and have created long-lasting relationships with many great hockey families. 

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 10+ years within the Gloucester Rangers and Leitrim Hawks organizations. This past season, I had the pleasure of being the Head Coach for the U12AA Rangers. 

Coaching Philosophy

Playing sports, especially team sports, has benefits beyond the game itself. It assists these young athletes with foundational life-building blocks, including confidence, work ethic, teamwork, relationship building and character building. Many lessons can be learned to help these young athletes develop and grow into young adults. This is why sports, particularly hockey, is such a great game!!! 

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. 

DEVELOPMENT. This is the key for these young athletes; I am committed to developing a comprehensive development plan in conjunction with the Rangers Association High Performance Development Plan. 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.  

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. 

TOURNAMENTS: 

1. Rangers Capital Gold Rush (Ottawa) - September 19th to 21st, 2025

2. Halton Hills Best of the Best (Toronto) - October 10th to 12th, 2025

3. Bell Capital Cup (Ottawa) - December 28th to 31th, 2025

4. Oakville Rangers Winter Classic (Toronto) - Jan 15th to 18th, 2026

Note: Tournament schedule is subject to change.

Experienced and competitive hockey coach with a 12+ year background in player development (IP to U13AA).  I bring valuable playing experience, including two years at the Junior B level with the Perth Blue Wings and a history of competitive minor hockey in the NMHA. My passion for coaching continues to grow, and I am focused on developing skilled, disciplined, and successful players.

Coaching Philosophy

I am dedicated to providing a positive and motivational coaching experience. My approach involves implementing structured skill development programs, fostering a collaborative team environment, and emphasizing the importance of respect and sportsmanship. Hard work is the driving force behind our team. By committing to consistent effort in practices and games, players develop resilience and discipline. This dedication not only sharpens their skills but also creates a winning culture where success is earned through collective effort.  A winning culture doesn’t just mean trophies—it means every player thrives, feels proud of their contributions, and enjoys the journey.  By blending structured development, teamwork, respect, and relentless effort, we create an environment where players are motivated to grow, compete, and have fun. Together, we’ll build memories, skills, and a lifelong passion for hockey.

Biography:

I played for the Gloucester Rangers for 6 years, but injuries ended my hockey career. Then, I moved on to play competitive tennis for several years and was ranked in the top 5 in Canada, of which I also competed at the Junior Orange Bowl in Florida. I was offered an NCAA scholarship, which I declined to pursue in favor of staying closer to home and starting my own business as a general contractor.

After a short stint coaching junior hockey for the Vanier Thunder for a season at a young age, I realized I missed the sport of hockey.  Until I had boys of my own who also loved the sport of hockey, I got back into coaching. I’ve coached at many different levels, including as an assistant for the Brockville Braves U20 prep and Jr. A team a few years ago, and helped with their camps and draft.

I also started my own spring and summer development group, called the LLCR Wolfpack, ten years ago, which has had tremendous success, including taking teams to France and is soon to travel to Finland. Coaching is my passion, and there’s nothing more satisfying than watching your players develop to the next level. I have several players from the CHL, CCHL, EOJHL, and the US that I helped develop over my ten-year span, and I look forward to having many more over the next decade.

Philosophy:

There are as many philosophies and approaches to coaching, leadership, and management theories as there are coaches, leaders, and managers. The fact remains that the fundamentals are all the same: Hard work, preparedness, and discipline that come together in an environment that promotes teamwork, learning, and pleasure of personal and team success. And on that note, not all success can be measured on the scoreboard.

The one thing hockey taught me is that the lessons learned on the ice, in the locker room, from other players, and most notably from my coaches, have served me well in everyday life over the many years. My philosophy is that leadership starts at the top with the coaches, and players will play like they are coached. Being a good coach is being a good communicator, a strong leader and most of all a great example. Give them goals to achieve, and show them what is in the art of the achievable. Inspire them, but also be inspired by them.

Tournaments:

• Sept 19-21 Gloucester Rangers Gold Rush
• October 23-26 Peterborough AA Tournament
• October 31-2 Capital Fall Classic by Silver Seven
• November 27-30 Sudbury Silver Stick (TBC)

Background:

The 2025-26 seaon will mark the 40th year of coaching hockey for Brian. Born and raised in Newfoundland, Brian got his start in coaching while studying Physical Education and Education at Memorial University.

During his 8 years teaching physical education Brian continued to coach high school and minor hockey, but also coached many other school sports. Upon moving to Ottawa he resumed his coaching with Leitrim Minor Hockey
befoer moving to the Gloucester Rangers where he coached from 2004 to 2009. Since 2009, Brian has coached AAA hockey with the Ottawa Jr 67s, Eastern Ontario Wild, Ottawa Myers, Navan Grads and Rockland Nationals.

In addition to coaching Brian also works as a coach developer with Hockey Eastern Ontario and Hockey Canada and holds the position of Coach Development Coordinator with HEO.
Brian is a Hockey Canada skills coach and works privatley in placyer and coach development through his development company Brian Gillam Hockey.

Philosophy:

Player development is the primary objective of every coach and effective development results from learning environments that are athlete centered, representative and safe.

Athletes require the safety & freedom to explore and discover within the leaning environment, to make mistakes, to self-evaluate, and to collaborate with coaches to form a
learning relationship. Through this approach we optimize skill acquisition, learning, ownership, and enjoyment.

To maximize skill acquisition, players require learning environments that represent the game. Decision making, problem solving, perception & action coupling and game transfer
develop only when athletes train in environments and activities that replicate elements of the game.

We have a responsibility to develop not just the athlete but also the person. Holistic and athlete-centered approaches ensure that we allow our athletes to develop life and
character skills they will carry with them during and after the game of hockey.

Tournaments:
Sep 19-21 Capital Gold Rush
Oct 24-26 London Jr Knights Fall Classic
Nov 14-16 Waterloo Memorial
Jan 15-18 Oakville Rangers Winter Classic

Background

I graduated from the Royal Military College (RMC) and served 12 years as an Army Logistics Officer. During that time I received the NATO Medal for Kosovo, Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal, and the Canadian Forces Decoration. I then pivoted 180 degrees and did my PhD in Consumer Behaviour at the University of Alberta: I have been Marketing professor at the University of Miami and the University of Manitoba prior to joining the University of Ottawa in 2021. My areas of expertise are in identity and motivated goal pursuit.

I have developed my coaching philosophy through my collective experience as an Army officer, competitive athlete, hockey/baseball/CrossFit coach, and university professor. My guiding principal is this: as a Coach, I am a leader and mentor who must simultaneously challenge and support my athletes.

U18 Rangers Philosophy

HEO U18 AA is a Developmental league that produces players who move on to Junior B and Junior A leagues (and beyond).

The landscape of hockey is changing. With few exceptions, NCAA (Div I and III) and USports teams are not recruiting players under 21: College hockey is now a league for 21-24 year olds. Consequently, Junior A and B leagues are filled with 19-20 year olds, and in Junior leagues players under the age of 18 struggle to find ice time, much less be influential in the game. The downstream consequence is that hockey development is shifting to U18 AAA and AA.

The 16 and 17 year olds on this team are 4-5 years of development away from College hockey. They are not the same players now that they were at 12 years old, and they have an incredible opportunity to develop much more before they turn 21.

My goal is to prepare every U18 Ranger for Junior B/A. Whether a player chooses to play Junior is up to them, but I believe that every athlete on the U18 Rangers has the tools to play Junior. My goal for each player is for them to have the option, and by season’s end to have the habits they need to make the jump to Junior B/A.

Philosophy

I follow three Coaching principles, which apply across every sport.

• We Practice with Intensity. I design my practices to be more demanding than games: they are intense with physical adversity and mentally challenging situations.

• We Communicate with Each Other. To succeed, we must pull together. So, all Players, Parents, and Coaches need to know our plan (strategy) and understand how we will get there (tactics).

• We Believe in Ourselves and Each Other. People need a positive team culture to develop. Our Culture is simple: We are Strong and Confident.

Strong: We have the physical and mental strength to perform.

Confident: We believe in our ability to perform under pressure.

Tournaments

• Capital Fall Classic – 31 Oct – 2 Nov 2025 (confirmed)
• Mississauga North Stars – 7-9 Nov 2025 (confirmed)
• Mississauga Rattlers – 5-7 Dec 2025 (confirmed)
• Capital Winter Classic – 2-4 Jan 2026 (TBC – 1^st on Waitlist)
• Leo Boivin Showcase – 26-29 March 2026 (TBC – Registration not yet open)

We are waitlisted on Silver Stick Regionals as well.