Coaching Staff
Fabio Walkerdirector of racquets
Fabio Walker was born and raised in North Vancouver. In the years 1984 to 1988, Fabio reached seven Canadian National Championship finals, winning four times – three singles and one doubles. From 1986 to 1988, Fabio was the number one ranked junior in the country and represented Canada in many international tennis events including Jr. Wimbledon, the US Open, and the French Open. He also won a gold medal for British Columbia at the 1989 Canada Games. In 1988, Fabio received a full tennis scholarship to Texas Tech University, a NCAA Division 1 school located in Lubbock, Texas where he played position one in singles and doubles. After graduating in 1993, Fabio decided on a career coaching tennis and competed in the local Tennis BC Men’s Open tennis circuit. Again, he achieved a number one ranking in both singles and doubles. Fabio worked as an assistant tennis pro at the Nautilus Racket and Fitness Club in Lubbock, Texas (1992 – 1993), at the New Westminster Tennis Club (1994 – 1995), and at the West Vancouver Tennis Club (1996). Fabio was the Head Tennis Professional at the Richmond Country Club from 1997 to 2012 and has been the NSWC Tennis Director since 2012.
Evan Richardsoninterim director of hockey
Evan grew up playing his minor hockey in Nanaimo, BC, on Vancouver Island. Following his minor hockey career, he went on to the BC Major Midget League, where he led the league in scoring, He then moved on to play 3 years in the BCHL, where he spent 1 year in Victoria and 2 years in Powell River. During that time, he won 1 World Junior Championship Gold medal in 2012, and 1 Silver Medal in 2013. Evan then went on to play his freshman season of NCAA Div 1 college hockey at Boston College, before transferring to finish his final 3 years at the University of Connecticut.
After his NCAA career, Evan then went on to play 3 professional seasons in the ECHL (Tulsa Oilers), England (EIHL), and France (Ligue Magnus).
Evan has now taken on the role of Hockey Coordinator at the NSWC, and wants to help as many players as he can achieve their highest levels of success, not only in hockey, but in life. His biggest strengths as a player were his passion for the game, and his skating, which he plans to share and help improve on everyone he meets and works with while on the ice.
Garth Prousedirector of fitness
Garth is an industry veteran with extensive expertise training private clients, coaching teams, and teaching a variety of fitness classes. With over twenty years of experience in the fitness industry, he has helped clients of all ages attain their maximum physical potential and overall health goals. Garth’s approach to strength and conditioning has helped enhance the performance of his varied clientele, not limited to but including professional and junior athletes, children, teenagers, expectant mothers, business professionals, and seniors.
Garth is a former member of Canada’s National Rugby Team, as well as a BC Junior A Hockey alumni. His time in the BCHL with the New West Outlaws, Surrey Eagles, and Trail Smoke Eaters taught him resilience, discipline, and patience, as did competing amongst some of the fittest in the world as one of the first Canadians to attend the CrossFit Games. Now retired from competitive sport, Garth carves out time to serve as the head coach of the Capilano Rugby Club. His experience with high-level athletics lead him to develop a unique training method, focused on proper mechanics, balanced programming, and encouraging clients to reach their desired levels of physical performance through safe and consistent progress.
As the Director of Fitness at the NSWC, Garth oversees all fitness operations, providing leadership for team and group classes as well as personal training. Garth manages the strength and conditioning for hockey, tennis, and swimming, whilst creating and coaching new class formats and generating a fantastic culture and environment for all fitness users.
Nicole McLennanhead of junior development
Nicole McLennan is Tennis Canada High Performance Coach 3 Certified and was selected to enter the Tennis Canada High Performance Mentorship Program, which she completed in 2017. Along with NSWC Coach Sarah Kadi, Nicole created a girl’s group initiative that aims to provide an environment that matches the needs of young girls in sport. Nicole has also spent time working with the CAC/CAAWS Female Coach Mentorship Program. Currently, Nicole is working in U14 development at the NSWC and travelling with players as a Tennis Canada U12 National Tour Coach and Tennis BC Provincial Coach. Nicole was the 2014 Tennis BC High Performance Coach of the Year and has a BA in Psychology from the University of British Columbia.
Emily Allenhockey operations coordinator
Sven Butenschondevelopment coach
Sven Butenschon played seventeen years of professional hockey, having played one hundred and fifty games in the NHL with four organizations. This included the Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders and the Vancouver Canucks.
Since being drafted in 1994/95, he has earned tremendous respect in the game for both his work ethic and outstanding skill set. Not only did he have a remarkable professional hockey career in the NHL, he also played in the DEL as one of the top defenseman for seven years. He was given the opportunity to play for his birth country, Germany in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, as well as the 2009 and 2010 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships.
Sven is currently the coach and general manager of the UBC Thunderbirds, where he has turned the program around in a few short years, which includes two back to back trips to nationals, being awarded Canada West Coach of the Year.
Sven’s focus is cultivating complete athletes on and off the ice. This includes D-skills, techniques and strategies on body contact, utilizing the off season to prepare for training camp, and the mind body connection to become an elite athlete.
With a wide range of skills, adaptability and experience, Sven is looking forward to meeting each individual player’s needs.
Josh Wallshockey faculty administrator
Karen Kosdevelopment coach
bhk (ubc), ma (queen’s university)
For the past 22 years, Karen Kos has owned and operated her own Technical Skating business, overseeing program development and working with players in the minor, junior, collegiate and professional hockey ranks. Karen’s approach to technical power skating is unlike any other skating programs in that she applies her extensive educational background and expertise in the field of biomechanics to develop strong skating technique in her students. Throughout her sessions, players gain understanding as to how to move their body efficiently and effortlessly across the ice, implementing key concepts which maximize overall body movement, foot speed, and power. Specific emphasis is placed on breaking down, rebuilding, and fine tuning players’ skating techniques utilizing core principles of biomechanics. With this scientific approach to skating, these hockey specific sessions ensure players develop superior skills on a much higher level and at a faster pace. Karen’s unique style, quality of instruction, and passion for improving players skating skills brings out the best in all her students in a fun and energetic learning environment.
Karen’s knowledge, reputation, and work ethic has placed her in high demand with many minor hockey associations, hockey academies, and hockey schools in the Lower Mainland. Currently Karen is the High Performance Skating Coach at the NSWC as well as the Power Skating Coach for the Prince George Cougars (WHL), the North Vancouver Wolfpack (PJHL), the Vancouver Northwest Hawks, Greater Vancouver Canadians and Cariboo Cougars (BCMML), as well as BWC’s Elite 15 and U18 Prep Academy teams (CSSHL).
Kiana Watsondevelopment coach
Kiana started hockey at the age of 5, playing various levels until U18 which she spent 2 years playing U18AAA for the West Coast Avalanche (now the Greater Vancouver Comets). Kiana moved on to playing junior in the JWHL for Northwood School in Lake Placid NY where she received a few NCAA offers for the following season. After narrowing down her options and deciding on Boston University, Kiana was unfortunately unable to follow through because of multiple concussions, subsequently ending her hockey career.
Throughout Kiana’s playing career, her U18AAA team won the JWHL Challenge Cup in Washington, DC, and she was given the opportunity to play at the BC Winter Games on the U16 team.
Currently, Kiana is finishing up her BSc in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise Science, and a minor in Nutrition and hopes to complete a Masters in Physical Therapy one day. Through her academics and experience, she excels in finding ways to optimize athletic performance in each individual.
This will be Kiana’s 4th season as a Head Coach with the North Shore Winter Club female program and she is very excited to continue to be a part of it!
Hockey has been Kiana’s life for 20 years now and she feels extremely lucky to have played with and coached some exceptional players. Kiana strives to ensure the girls are given every opportunity to succeed, reach their goals and see that there is a path for them in the hockey world.
Bob McCuaigdevelopment coach
Amy Walkertennis pro
As a junior, Amy Walker was a top ranked player in Texas and was ranked nationally in the US, her highest national ranking being #4 in doubles. Amy earned a full tennis scholarship to Texas Tech University and played on the women’s tennis team for four years. After graduating with a BBA and MBA, she moved to British Columbia. Amy played in the local Tennis BC Women’s Open tennis circuit for 10 years, won the Senior BC Doubles Provincials in 2005, and was undefeated in the Division 1 league in 2017. Amy was the assistant tennis pro at the Nautilus Racquet and Fitness Club in Lubbock, Texas (1993 – 1994), the New Westminster Tennis Club (1994 – 1995), and the Richmond Country Club from (1997 – 2012). She has been with the NSWC since 2012. Amy is a certified Tennis Canada Tennis professional, USPTA Tennis Professional and also a USAPA Pickleball Certified Coach.
Adrian Oziewicztennis pro
Adrian grew up in Toronto, Ontario where he was a top open level player in singles and doubles and was a member of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues tennis team from 1993 to 1997. In 1997 he graduated with a degree in Applied Science and Engineering and moved to B.C. Adrian is a Tennis Canada certified Level 2 Coach and Club Pro 2. He is also a member of the Tennis Professionals Association of Canada. In November 2009 he also became certified by the United States Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR).
Adrian was the Head Pro at Great West Fitness and Tennis Club in Abbotsford from 2004 to 2019 and has been teaching tennis since 1998. He also taught at the Whistler Racquet Club, Delta Whistler Resort and the Jericho Tennis Club in Vancouver. He is also the Head Tennis Pro at Sunshine Hills Tennis Club in Delta, BC
Adrian teaches players of all ages and abilities and over the last couple of years has worked with a number of national level juniors who are now attending universities in the United States on tennis scholarships. He believes getting children excited about tennis at a young age is important as they will be the future of our sport. Adrian brings a commitment to making the North Shore Winter Club the best place to play tennis in Vancouver.
Lynne Schweitzertennis pro
Lynne Schweitzer grew up in Burnaby and attended the University of Texas – El Paso on a tennis scholarship. She completed her undergraduate degree at SFU where she played on the soccer team. While working on her Masters in Exercise Science at Northern Arizona University she coached the NCAA Div 1 women’s tennis team.
Lynne has worked at several country clubs in the past including being the Athletic Director at Jericho Tennis Club, the Head Tennis Professional at Richmond Country Club and an assistant tennis pro at Hollyburn Country Club. Lynne is a certified Tennis Canada Professional.
Luke Tullyu18 a1 coach
Sarah Thonu18 female coach
Christian Reaumeu13 a3 coach
Mike Stewartu13 a2 coach
Chris Cusanou11 a3 coach
Ted Evertonu11 a2 coach
Ben Paynedevelopment coach
Ben Payne is from the Vancouver lower mainland in British Columbia, originally from Maple Ridge. He has experience playing hockey at the junior (British Columbia Hockey League), University (NCAA) and European semi-professional levels. Outside of playing, coaching, and development experience in Canada, Ben spent 6 years in Europe (2014-2019) as a semi-professional player, a team coach at youth and junior levels, and was primarily involved in skill development as a private instructor. Ben head coached regional U16 and U18 European teams and developed players from the U8 to U20 and women’s professional level as a skills coach in countries such as France, Germany, Austria and Italy.
Ben is a Hockey Canada Certified Skills Coach and has certified specializations at the Advanced Level in skating, puck skills, shooting and scoring, developing defensemen, creating offense and small area games.
Ben developed a program model called Skating That Translates™️ (name Trademarked in Canada) in 2018, which falls in line with the Hockey Canada Advanced Skills Coach Curriculum.
Skating That Translates is a program designed in 3 phases, with skating and edge work as only the foundation.
For questions about the Skating That Translates model, please contact Ben himself.
Amy Walkerpickleball pro and coordinator
Amy began playing pickleball in 2018 in Palm Desert, California. She competed in the Desert Pickleball League Division 1 for two seasons and in her final season was undefeated on Court 1. Amy teamed with daughter Angie to win Silver at the USA National Qualifier Women’s Doubles in Idaho in 2019. Amy went on to compete in the Margaritaville Pickleball National Championships in California and win Gold with husband, Fabio, in the Kelowna Open Mixed Doubles Championships. Amy looks forward to coaching and passing along her love for the game to players at the NSWC! Amy is a Certified USAPA Pickleball Coach.
Irene Mahpickleball pro
Irene Mah is one of the top ranked female players in B.C. Irene’s addiction to pickleball tournaments began in 2015. Irene has competed in the Canadian Nationals, US Nationals and Grand Canyon State Games. In the Grand Canyon State tournament Irene won Gold in Women’s Doubles. She is an IPTPA Certified Pickleball Instructor that loves the game and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others. Irene is kind and patience and “ready to unleash the Pickleball Beast in you!”
Barry Mahpickleball pro
Barry Mah is one of the highest ranked senior pickleball players in B.C. Barry’s latest tournament achievement was winning Gold in the Senior 5.0 level Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles at the Grand Canyon State Games in Arizona. Barry is an IPTPA certified pickleball instructor with an incredible eye for the game. He is ready to assist you in learning everything you need to play pickleball successfully.
Jon Woodyarddevelopment coach
After finishing his career in junior hockey, Jon turned his attention to training and has worked in player development for the past fourteen years. He has trained players on and off the ice from minor, junior, college, and professional levels.
In his sessions, Jon looks to find the skill limit in a particular area and push beyond it using drill progressions that get players to reach their next level. Enhancing skating stability and fluidity through assessment and adjustment allows players to increase the speed of game specific movements while maintaining puck control and peripheral vision. He often uses the aid of video to give players visual feedback on what they’re doing and on the changes they’re trying to make.
Jon also specializes in puck skills and has developed a system of enhancing puck feel, puck handling speed, range of motion, as well as step by step instructions of evasive maneuvers and fakes that can be applied and developed for various situations.
Aware that not everyone learns the same way, Jon works to understand what motivates and generates passion for individuals so he can engage players in their own learning process. He sees passion and enthusiasm combined with a player’s understanding of how they learn as key ingredients in the development process. Jon hopes to create an environment where a player has learned how they learn and loves doing it!
Tim Portnovtennis pro
Tim was born in Moscow, Russia, and moved to Vancouver when he was 9 years old. As a junior he won the U14 and U16 BC provincial titles and was ranked number one in the province in all junior age categories from U12-U18. He also made it to two National finals when he was 14 years old and was ranked number one in Canada for boys U14 in the summer of 2010. Tim went on to represent Tennis Canada at the Junior Davis Cup in Florida where Canada placed 4th overall. He also represented Canada in some of the biggest international junior tournaments such as Le Petits in France, Orange Bowl in Miami, and Eddie Herr in Bradenton, Florida. Tim had multiple shoulder dislocations and had surgery to fix his shoulder in 2013 before going off to play NCAA Division 1 college tennis for James Madison University in Virginia. Unfortunately his shoulder did not hold up and he was forced to transfer to The University of British Columbia where he finished the last two years of his undergraduate degree, majoring in Political Science.
Chris Steadtennis pro
Before joining the NSWC as the High Performance Coach, Chris was the Director of Tennis at the West Vancouver Tennis Club for twenty years. He served as a Tennis BC Provincial Team Coach for more than twenty years and as a Tennis Canada Touring Coach working and travelling with some of Canada’s top junior teams and players. In 2016, Chris was the recipient of the Tennis Canada Coaching Excellence Award. He has coached numerous National and Provincial Champions, Jr. ITF Champions, and players on the ATP Challenger and Futures Tours. Chris is Tennis Canada Coach 3 Certified and the highlight of his career was coaching Fabio Walker to the Gold Medal in the 1989 Canada Games!
Clint Colebourn
Clint began his minor hockey career at the North Shore Winter Club, eventually to graduate in bantam. Clint was later then drafted by the Kamloops Blazers and later that year represented Team BC U16 at the Canadian Western Branch Cup. Clint spent his midgets year playing for the BWC E15 academy and then would join the North West Giants the following two years. During that time in midget Clint would attend the Kamloops Blazer main camps in the summer and would eventually suit up for them and play a few pre-season games.
Unfortunately, Clint ran into some serious injuries and had to put hockey aside and is now attending Capilano University taking his Business Administration Degree. He will be transferring to Brock University in 2018 in which he will be taking their Sports Management Degree. Clint is now devoted to help grow young hockey players and to provide any guidance that could possibly need.
Tyson Mulockdevelopment coach
Tyson Mulock is a retired professional hockey player who had a long, successful career playing for the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). Tyson grew up playing hockey in Langley and Delta, where he won the Western Canadian Championships in his second year of Bantam. At age 16, he moved on to play for the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) and the Vancouver Giants, where Tyson scored the first goal in franchise history landing him in the Hockey Hall Of Fame. Tyson spent some time with the Regina Pats before moving to Germany for fourteen years.
Tyson won five DEL championships, garnering many league awards along the way, including top goal scorer, top forward, and MVP. He even scored 50 goals in 50 games in two seasons! During the off season, Tyson helped run various camps that focused on shooting, applying the stick handling theory’s and offensive zone tactics he’s learned over the years. Tyson is now sharing his wealth of knowledge at the NSWC, where his ability to connect with kids is recognized as a true gift.
“Over the two years I played with Tyson, his dynamic release and shot scored us many goals in big games and won us championships. Shooting is an under developed skill in the game of hockey and I would highly recommend Tyson Mulock for all areas in the offensive zone, especially shooting. Become a more confident hockey player and score more goals with Tyson! ” – Jeff Friesen, 15 year NHL player
Cody Campbellu11 a1 coach
Iverson Guantennis pro
Iverson Guan was originally from Beijing, China. He loved tennis back home and was inspired by Chinese player Li Na. He was a top ranked junior back in Beijing and played college tennis In 2013, 2014. Iverson led his College team and made the 3rd and 5th place in Beijing College Team Competition.
He made the move to Winnipeg in 2015 to continue his study in the University of Manitoba’s Recreation Management and Community Development. After graduating in 2018, Iverson took his talents to the Winnipeg Winter Club where he worked as an assistant pro from 2018-19. He then became a full-time tennis coach at Taylor Tennis Club in 2019 and was named the Club Head Pro at the Tennis Manitoba Hub @ Deer Lodge in the summer of 2021 and 2022. In the Summer of 2022, he was traveling with players as a Tennis Manitoba U12 National Tour Coach and assisted in training Team Manitoba for the 2022 Canada Summer Games. Iverson is a certified Tennis Canada Tennis professional (Club Pro 1). He was also the Tournament director for Tennis Manitoba since 2018, managing all Tennis Manitoba tennis tournaments all year round.
Fun fact about Iverson: His first name is technically Xinwei, but he said Chinese names are difficult to pronounce in English, so he wanted to go by something easier — Iverson. He also has a passion for basketball and with former Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson being his all-time favourite player, he decided to adopt the name.
Jared Engdevelopment coach
private lesson rate: $135 per hour
Jared grew up in North Vancouver playing for the North West Giants (BCMML). He is a former professional defensemen who played in Russia/China for the Kunlun Red Star Organization (KHL/VHL) and Björbo IF (Sweden). Jared played Junior A for the Coquitlam Express and Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) before moving on to SFU and Sacred Heart University (NCAA DIV 1). In addition to his career on the ice, Jared currently plays roller hockey for the Canadian National Team and has represented Canada five times at the World Championships.
As a skills coach, Jared works with forwards and defensemen on being innovative and detailed, developing skills that work in games.
He is the assistant coach for the U13 A1 team and is excited to continue developing players at North Shore Winter Club. Check out @JE_Hockey_Development on instagram to see some of Jared’s work!
Jason Lehoux
private lesson rate: $120 per hour
I played my Junior Hockey career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, which included a total of four years between Rimousky, Rouyn Noranda and Hull. I signed as a free agent with the New Jersey Devils, played 5 years in the AHL, attended 6 NHL camps, and then retired at the age of 27. After my playing career was over I decided to pursue coaching and became an assistant coach with Drummondville in the QMJHL for 2 years. For the last two decades I have had the chance to coach an array of players, ranging from three year olds to young professional adults. I am looking forward to being a part of the NSWC Development team and helping all our NSWC players grow and development.
Matt Korchmar
Matt played three years of Jr. A Hockey in Canada where he was awarded team MVP and Playoff MVP. He finished his career at the Alberta Junior hockey league Championship final.
Matt was forced to give up his opportunity to play NCAA after experiencing a career ending injury. This has allowed him to bring his experience and passion for development to goaltenders across British Columbia.
With 10 years of goaltending instruction experience, combined with his dedication and love for developing goaltenders at all ages, Matt has quickly established himself as one of the elite goalie coaches in British Columbia. Matt has worked closely with NHL and WHL goalie coaches, which gives him a wide range of new technical knowledge and a professional mind-set.
Matt is currently the Goaltending Coach for the MML North East Chiefs, he also previously coached for the BCHL Alberni Valley Bulldogs where they won the Island Conference. Matt also works yearly with the Okanagan Hockey School/Academy.
Matt continues to work on a daily basis with goalies at the Bantam, Major Midget, Junior A, WHL, NCAA and Pro levels. Matt and Sean Murray work together at the North Shore Winter Club and continue to find yearly success with our goaltenders moving onto the next level.
Lynden Sammartinogoalie coach
private lesson rate: $175 per hour
The Goalie Group Owner, Founder, Head Instructor | Victoria Royals Goaltending Coach & Manager, Goalie Development | UBC Men’s Goaltending Coach
For the past 20+ years, Lynden has been involved with goaltending either as a player, coach or mentor. Lynden started his playing career in Surrey, eventually moving on to play a year of Junior B with the Ridge Meadow Flames of the PIJHL. The following year, he played Junior A for the Yorkton Terriers and went on to win a league championship, break the SJHL shutout record, play for the All-Star Team and be named to the top 35 Terriers of all time. After finishing his last season of Junior, and considering many offers, he committed to attend SAIT in Calgary. As the season approached he decided to reconsider his decision to pursue his new passion of teaching goaltenders under the tutelage of GDI’s Ian Clark – now the highly acclaimed goaltending coach for the Vancouver Canucks. For the past 6 years he has worked closely with Brady Robinson (Philadelphia Flyers Goaltending Development Coach) teaching goaltenders at all-levels throughout British Columbia, as well as internationally. He is currently the lead goaltending coach with the Victoria Royals (WHL) and director of goaltending development.
Sam Hustongoalie coach
Growing up playing minor hockey at the NSWC, Sam moved on to the BCHL and the WHL, developing not only his goaltending skills, but also his knowledge of the game of hockey. He has now transferred his experience, skills, knowledge, and dedication to the disciplines of coaching and training. Sam specializes in player development, both on and off the ice, and also works as a personal trainer in the NSWC Fitness Centre.
Sheldon Baerggoalie coach
For over 17 years, Coach Sheldon has helped goalies of all levels sharpen their skills to improve their game and reach their full potential. Sheldon is passionate about hockey, and since his hockey starts at nine years old, he has experienced hockey at rinks throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. He brings what he has learned from these countries with him, along with the High Performance 1 accreditation, to create a personalized plan and approach for each goalie. Sheldon asks everyone he works with to be continual learners and he takes that advice to heart, he spends his off-ice time viewing film and researching coaching methodologies and taking further education courses. Sheldon has recently completed courses on Mental Toughness in athletes, and How to Coach Beyond the X’s and O’s.
Malcolm Goulddevelopment coach
private lesson rate: $135 per hour
Malcolm Gould grew up in North Vancouver and spent his minor hockey career at the NSWC. After his time at NSWC, he moved on to play in the BCHL for the Chilliwack Chiefs, from there he received a NCAA Div. 1 scholarship which brought him to Michigan Tech. Malcolm spent four years at Michigan Tech which resulted in league championships, NCAA tournament appearances and being named to all-conference teams on multiple occasions. From there he went on to play three years processional overseas and in NA (France, UK, ECHL). This year Malcolm is coaching the NSWC Atom A3 team as well as the North Van Wolfpack (JR.B). He is very excited to be back at the club back where it all started and to be working with such talented players at the North Shore Winter Club!
Andrea Benac
Growing up in Oakville, Ontario, Andrea attended St. Ignatius of Loyola High School. Andrea played her entire minor hockey from initiation to Junior (PWHL) with the Oakville Hornets. After graduating from junior hockey, Andrea played collegiately in the CIS for the University of Windsor.
Following university, Andrea returned to Oakville and began working on the development team at the Oakville Hockey Academy, running private skills sessions for both girls and boys of all ages. Andrea is currently the head coach of the Female Peewee C1 team at the North Shore Winter Club.
Victor Kraatz
Victor Kraatz is a hockey-specific skating and skills instructor. For the past three seasons he has been the primary skating and skills coach for the prestigious Jokerit Hockey club in Helsinki, Finalnd (2019-2022) coaching the U20, U18, U16, U15 & U14 teams. Prior to that, Victor was the main skating skills provider for the West Vancouver Permiere Sport Academy, CSSHL, the Valley West Giants, Major Midget Team as well as working as a personal skating coach with various NHL, NCAA and WHL athletes. Victor is level 3 certified by the Canadian National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP 3) and is also a Skate Canada certified CanPowerSkate instructor. Victor teaches advanced stride mechanics with a focus on technique and dynamic body alignment. His technique is based on over 40 years of international, World and Olympic success. He works with players invested in personal development and interested in maximizing their skating potential. This includes players in WHL, AHL, SM Liiga, KHL & NHL. More about Victor’s coaching references, work experience and articles can be found on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vkraatz/
Cody Campbelldevelopment coach
Andy Willigardevelopment coach
Andy Willigar grew up playing his minor hockey in Central Alberta, following his minor hockey career, he went on to the AJHL where he played for the Lloydminster Bobcats. Andy then played collegiately in the ACAC with the Concordia Thunder and the NAIT OOKS, winning the league championship in his final season at NAIT. After college Andy spent five seasons playing professionally in the SPHL with the Columbus Cottonmouths and the Huntsville Havoc, winning a championship in his final year with Huntsville.
Following his professional career, Andy transitioned into a development role at the Edge school located in Calgary. In this capacity, Andy led programs both in the gym and on the ice, catering to youth, junior, college, and professional athletes. His primary focus centred on defence, a constantly evolving and dynamic position.
Today, Andy brings this experience to his role as an assistant coach with the NSWC U11 A1 team. Andy’s passion for the game, combined with his extensive playing and coaching background, give him the opportunity to help make an impact on the next generation of hockey players.
Buzz Mallenderhead coach
- Favourite stroke: Freestyle.
- Favourite swimming distance: 200m.
- Favourite food/meal: Steak with mashed potatoes.
- What do you hope to accomplish with the Marlins: I hope to be a helpful coach who can provide knowledge and good tips for all swimmers.
- Best swimming memory: Winning seven gold medals at the 2014 BCSSA Provincial Championships.
- If you could have one super power, what would it be and why: Time control.
- Favourite quote or saying: “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success.” – Thomas Edison
Ryan Martincoach
- Favourite Stroke: Freestyle
- Best Swimming Memories: Relay events are always so exciting, although my favourite memories would have to be my finals at 2017 provincials. The competition was great and it made for some fantastic swims from all of us.
- Goals for the Season: I wish for the Mini Marlins to have a fun time this summer as well as improve on their swimming skills.
- Favourite Hobby: Listening, playing, or writing music.
- Non-Coaching Life: I am graduating high school and will be attending university in the fall. I am interested in law and I intend to pursue that in the coming years.
Leah Abbottcoach
Sam Hustonfitness coach
The primary focus of Sam’s training is assessing and addressing his clients’ strengths and weaknesses in order to find ways to challenge them to get stronger each and every day. Their goals are his goals, plain and simple! Sam creates a demanding and engaging training environment and concentrates on areas pertaining to the specific requirements of an athlete and how they relates to sport and life. This includes balance, foundational strength, functional and dynamic movements, core activation, s.a.q (speed agility quickness), power, flexibility, and body maintenance.
Nick Riccardifitness coach
Nick has been working at the NSWC since 2013, training a variety of clients including those returning from injuries to various groups of dry land hockey players. He has spent many years rehabbing his own serious injuries and has always come back stronger and smarter. Because of this, Nick focuses on prevention and maintaining a balanced, focused program tailored specifically to each of his clients. Nick has played hockey since he was a child, spent many years training in martial arts, teaches self defense, and coaches soccer professionally. Whatever sport, Nick can help!
Kai McDonalddevelopment coach
The Goalie Group Partner, Lead Instructor | Victoria Grizzlies Goaltending Coach | Victoria Royals Goaltending Consultant
Previously a student of both Lynden and Brady, Kai has been involved in the game of hockey both as a goaltender and as a coach. Kai began playing his minor hockey in Coquitlam, finding success in the BC High Performance Programs alongside the provinces top goaltenders. He went on to be recruited by the Penticton Vees, eventually playing his rookie season in the KIJHL and spending time with the Trail Smoke Eaters. In the following season he was recruited to play on the east coast with the Amherst Ramblers and Summerside Capitals. At 19, Kai shifted his athletic pursuits to lacrosse, winning a Junior A National Championship with the Coquitlam Adanacs before attending McGill University where he competed as a student-athlete. Through his experiences as a dual-sport athlete, it helped him understand what it takes to navigate the world of competitive sports. Kai currently works with Lynden as a goaltending consultant with the WHL’s Victoria Royals goaltending development team, and is the head goaltending coach for the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL.
Francine Rattrayfitness coach