Meet the Team

Hockey Department Staff

Ben Maxwell, Director, Hockey

Ben grew up in North Vancouver and first hit the ice at the North Shore Winter Club when he was just five years old. From those early days until age fourteen, the NSWC was his hockey home—and the starting point of a journey that would take him around the world. After rising through junior hockey, Ben went on to enjoy a 15-year professional career, playing in the sport’s top leagues: the NHL, KHL, SHL, AHL, Switzerland’s NLA, and Finland’s Liiga.

Since hanging up his skates, Ben has stayed deeply involved in the sport, sharing his knowledge through coaching and hockey operations. A lifelong competitor with a passion for mentorship, he’s driven by helping young athletes grow—both on and off the ice.

Ben and Ana are proud parents to Oliver and Evelina. After ten years living abroad, they returned to North Vancouver in 2023. Now back on the North Shore, Ben is enjoying time in the mountains with his family and giving back to the same hockey community that helped launch his career.

Ben can be reached at bmaxwell@nswc.ca or 778-588-9492

Josh Walls, Hockey Coordinator

Josh has a strong connection to the North Shore Winter Club, having played minor hockey here from the ages of 13 to 17. During his time at the Club, he competed at a high level, representing the Winter Club across North American and contributing to the team’s success, including a victory in the Midget AA U18 Cactus Cup in Arizona.

After his time at the NSWC, Josh advanced to the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL), where he played for the Kamloops Storm. Following his junior hockey career, he transitioned to academics, earning a Bachelor of sport Management degree from Brock University.

Josh’s passion is to help young athletes navigate their minor hockey journey, fostering their development both on and off the ice. While playing hockey, Josh focused on his leadership capabilities, and his IQ for the game which he will share with other hockey players at the NSWC so that they are able to take their game to the next level and push themselves on and off the ice.

Josh can be reached at jwalls@nswc.ca or 778-383-7393