Our Coaches
2024-2025 Season Rep Coaches
CMHA is excited to announce that Jason Mann, an experienced and dedicated coach, will be leading the U11 A1 team for the 2024-25 season. Jason has been involved with Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association (CMHA) for the past decade, serving as an on-ice service provider and coach and we are very excited that he returns in this new role. His extensive background in hockey includes being an alumnus of the British Columbia Hockey Junior League (BCHJL) and the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL).
Jason's credentials are impressive: He is a Certified High Performance Coach 1, a BC Hockey Field 1 Evaluator, and was honored as the PCAHA Coach of the Year for the 2020-2021 season. His coaching career spans from U7 to U18, where he has not only coached, but also served as a Coach Coordinator, providing mentorship and guidance to other coaches. Last season, Jason was one of the very few coaches who led his team to the Provincials in the U18 A1 division.
Jason's on-ice strengths are in power skating and agility, as well as conducting hitting clinics. His expertise in these areas helps players develop crucial skills that enhance their performance and confidence on the ice. With his extensive experience and commitment to player development, Jason Mann is set to make a significant impact on the U11 A1 team, fostering a positive and growth-oriented environment for all his players.
Ben Doucet brings a wealth of experience and passion for hockey development to the U11 A2 team. A CMHA alumnus, Ben played from Hockey 4 through his first year of Midget, gaining first hand experience in the association’s rich hockey culture.
Ben began coaching at the young age of 15 with Inside Edge Hockey, where he had the privilege of learning under the mentorship of Ryan Bremner. Since then, he has served as Head Coach for multiple spring teams with the Jr. Steelers program, a role he has held from 2018 to the present. When COVID-19 paused traditional hockey seasons, Ben took the opportunity to deepen his commitment to player development, completing all available Inside Edge programs to refine his coaching knowledge and skills.
Ben's coaching career includes significant experience with competitive teams:
- 2021-2022: Associate Coach for CMHA’s U15 A1 team under mentor Jason Mann, who had also coached Ben during his playing years.
- 2022-2023: Associate Coach for the U15 A1 team, which achieved a remarkable provincial championship victory.
- 2023-2024: Associate Coach with PoCo’s U18 A1 team, helping guide the team to a fifth-place finish at provincials.
Ben considers himself a lifelong student of the game, with a particular passion for teaching the tactical side of hockey. His coaching philosophy is grounded in creating a cohesive and accountable team environment, emphasizing strong forechecking, winning battles, and minimizing mistakes. He is deeply committed to player development and fostering a hard-working yet fun atmosphere where athletes play for the logo on the front of the jersey rather than the name on the back.
With his blend of experience, tactical expertise, and dedication to teaching, Ben is excited to lead the U11 A2 team this season and contribute to the continued success of CMHA hockey.
CMHA is delighted to announce the return of Ryan as the U13A1 coach for the upcoming season. This marks Ryan's fifth year with the association, solidifying his reputation as a highly respected coach in the Lower Mainland region. Throughout his coaching journey, Ryan has honed his skills and expertise by guiding teams in various associations, leaving an indelible impact wherever he goes.
Currently involved with the BC Blackhawks AAA Spring program, Ryan's passion for coaching shines brightly. His unwavering dedication to the development of his players and his relentless pursuit of propelling them to higher levels of the game are the cornerstones of his coaching philosophy. When Ryan speaks about hockey, his profound experience and knowledge become instantly apparent, captivating all those who listen. His infectious enthusiasm for the sport ignites a fire within his players, setting the stage for a season that promises to be truly exceptional.
Beyond his role as the U13A1 coach, Ryan will also be entrusted with providing skill development throughout the season. This additional responsibility underscores his commitment to enhancing the abilities of every player under his guidance. Furthermore, Ryan's invaluable mentorship will extend to coaches within the association, as he selflessly shares his wisdom and expertise, fostering a community of growth and learning.
The anticipation surrounding Ryan's return is palpable, as the CMHA community eagerly awaits the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on the U13 program. With his vast experience, unwavering dedication, and contagious enthusiasm, Ryan is poised to create an unforgettable season for his players. As he steps onto the ice once again, his presence will undoubtedly elevate the level of play and inspire a new generation of hockey enthusiasts.
CMHA is honored to have Ryan leading the U13A1 team, and his return is a testament to his commitment to the sport and his dedication to nurturing young talent. With his unparalleled passion and expertise, Ryan will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the association and shape the future of its players and coaches alike.
Nick Bruns brings an extensive and diverse coaching background to the U13 A2 team, honed over nearly two decades of involvement at various levels of competitive hockey.
Nick’s coaching journey began in the 2005-2006 season with the Ridge Meadows Midget AAA team, where he led the program for 10 years. During this time, he also spent five seasons coaching in the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) with the Ridge Meadows Flames, further solidifying his reputation for developing high-level players.
His coaching experience spans across associations and age groups:
- Burnaby Winter Club (BWC): Coached Atom hockey, helping young athletes build strong foundational skills.
- PoCo Minor Hockey: Coached the Bantam A1 team, focusing on high-performance player development.
- Saskatoon Blades: Served as Video Coach, gaining valuable insight into the tactical and analytical aspects of the game at a higher level.
Now in his second year with Coquitlam Minor Hockey, Nick also contributes to player development as an assistant with PH Development and Ben Payne’s development team, a role he has held for the past six seasons. His extensive experience working with elite-level players has made him a respected figure in hockey development circles.
Nick’s coaching philosophy emphasizes creating a structured, disciplined, and supportive environment where players can thrive both on and off the ice. He takes pride in teaching not only the technical and tactical aspects of the game but also fostering a strong team culture built on accountability, hard work, and respect.
With his wealth of experience and passion for development, Nick is excited to guide the U13 A2 team this season, helping them reach their full potential while instilling a love for the game.
A seasoned and passionate hockey coach, Dylan brings a deep-rooted commitment to player development and excellence, shaped by years of competitive AAA hockey experience in British Columbia. Having played at the highest levels through his teenage years, he carries a rich understanding of the game that he now shares with young athletes, guiding them to achieve their full potential both on and off the ice.
Dylan's coaching philosophy is anchored in skill development, team cohesion, and personal growth. He is dedicated to building well-rounded, disciplined players who possess a strong hockey IQ, refined on-ice habits, and an adaptable mindset—skills that are vital in today’s dynamic hockey environment. Beyond technical training, Dylan emphasizes mentorship, focusing on life skills that foster resilience, teamwork, and accountability.
Through a player-centered approach, Dylan strives to create a supportive, growth-oriented environment where athletes are empowered to thrive. Dylan continuously seeks out new methods and insights, committed to evolving his own knowledge and approach to best serve my players. Coaching is not just about winning games; it’s about nurturing confident, skilled, and principled individuals ready for success in hockey and beyond.
CMHA is pleased to welcome back Bill MacGillivray, a highly accomplished coach and mentor, as the U15 A1 Coach for the upcoming season. With a career spanning over 28 years, Bill has established himself as a prominent figure in the realm of high-performance coaching. His unwavering commitment to excellence has propelled him to remarkable achievements and recognition throughout his coaching tenure.
Bill's coaching journey began in 1995 when he first took on the mantle of coaching A1 minor hockey and leading elite-level spring hockey teams. Since then, he has consistently displayed his expertise and dedication, earning him the esteemed title of Coach of the Year in Cloverdale Minor Hockey and Semiahmoo Minor Hockey. This recognition is a testament to his outstanding leadership and ability to inspire young athletes to reach their full potential.
Beyond his coaching accolades, Bill boasts an impressive 30 plus years of experience in hockey schools. For 22 years, he owned and operated his own hockey school, leaving an indelible impact on countless aspiring players. His deep-rooted passion for player development has allowed him to refine his coaching techniques and cultivate a profound understanding of the game.
In recent years, Bill has lent his expertise to Coquitlam Minor, where he focused on skill development. Additionally, co-coached the U13A1 team last season, further cementing his reputation as a coach dedicated to fostering the growth and success of young athletes.
Bill's profound knowledge of the game is underpinned by an impressive playing career. As a student-athlete at Northern Michigan University, he excelled in NCAA Division 1 hockey for four years, majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Health. His exceptional skills and dedication led him to become an Allan Cup Canadian Champion in 2000 and earned him a coveted spot on Team Canada in the Nagano Cup in 2001. Bill's exceptional talent was further recognized when he participated in the reality TV show "Making the Cut" on CBC, showcasing the top 68 players not in the NHL in 2004.
With a wealth of experience as both a player and a coach, Bill MacGillivray brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the game to his coaching role. His commitment to excellence, coupled with his dedication to player development, has earned him the respect and admiration of the hockey community. As the U15 A1 Head Coach, Bill continues to inspire and guide young athletes, leaving an indelible mark on their hockey journeys and shaping their future success.
Growing up in his beloved hometown of Burnaby, Kyle Ponte developed an unwavering passion for hockey from an early age. The sport became not just a hobby but a way of life for him. His journey in the world of hockey began with early morning wake-up calls at 5:30 am, as his parents faithfully drove him to practice sessions. Sacrifices were made, with weekends filled with out-of-town tournaments, often missing birthdays, BBQs, and special occasions, all in pursuit of his passion.
Playing for esteemed teams such as the Burnaby Bulldogs, BWC, and Grandview Steelers, Kyle poured his heart and soul into the game. In his graduation year, he even contemplated moving away to play for the 100 Mile Wranglers. Eventually, his skills caught the attention of the Coquitlam Express, where he earned the distinction of becoming a prospect.
Through his hockey journey, Kyle also had the privilege of coaching and assisting in various aspects of player development. From power skating clinics and shooting sessions to edge control camps and powerlifting exercises, he eagerly shared his knowledge and expertise with young athletes. Kyle firmly believes in the power of hockey to unite individuals not only on the ice but also off it. He emphasizes the importance of great sportsmanship both in the game and in the classroom, fostering a well-rounded approach to life.
Kyle's personal experiences have instilled in him the value of hard work and perseverance in achieving one's goals. Having walked the path to the next level himself, he now seeks to guide and support young athletes in their own journeys. The decision to pursue coaching stems from his desire to give back and impart the lessons he learned throughout his years of playing the game he loves.
With a deep understanding of what it takes to reach the next level, Kyle aspires to be a guiding light for aspiring athletes, assisting them in their pursuit of their ultimate goals. He knows firsthand the dedication and determination required, and his aim is to provide guidance, support, and mentorship to the next generation of hockey stars.
Kyle’s commitment to coaching stems from his genuine passion for the sport and his belief in its transformative power. Through his guidance, young athletes will not only develop their hockey skills but also cultivate the qualities necessary for success both on and off the ice. With Kyle as their coach, these aspiring players will have a mentor who understands their journey and is dedicated to helping them achieve their dreams.
CMHA is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Dave Holmes as the coach of the U18A1 team for the 2024-25 season.
Growing up in Richmond, Dave honed his hockey skills at both Seafair and Richmond Minor Hockey. His early achievements include a 2nd place finish in the Midget AAA Provincials, where he faced off against Burnaby and the eventual National Champions, led by Cliff Ronning.
Dave's hockey journey continued with the Richmond Sockeyes in the BCHL, where his team finished as Provincial Runner-Up to the Penticton Knights, another eventual National Champion. His outstanding performance earned him an NCAA Division I scholarship to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he captained his team in his junior and senior years. In his sophomore year at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, the team won the NCAA Division I Independents National Championship. Post-college, Dave celebrated a USA Senior Men's National Championship and cherished the unique experience of playing against the Russian Red Army team in the early '90s.
Transitioning from player to coach, Dave began as a Graduate Assistant Coach at the University of Alaska under Don Lucia, a notable figure who later became a two-time NCAA Champion with the Minnesota Gophers, USA Junior Team coach, and current Commissioner of the CCHA. Dave also coached high school hockey and U15 A1 in Alaska before returning home to Richmond.
Since 2012, Dave has been a long-time coach at the Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association (CMHA), guiding teams across all levels from U9 to U18. Most recently, he led the CMHA U18 A1 team to a Final 4 appearance in the 2021/2022 season. Known for his dedication to player development, athletic growth, and character building, Dave Holmes is a cornerstone of the CMHA coaching staff, inspiring young athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the ice.
CMHA is pleased to announce Jake Wensley as the coach of the U18 A2 team for the 2024-25 season.
Jake brings a wealth of experience and a unique approach to coaching that goes beyond the ice. As a former captain of the Potomac Patriots in Junior A hockey, where he played near Boston and Washington, DC, Jake has a deep understanding of the challenges athletes face at the highest levels of the sport. His coaching philosophy is built on three key pillars: mental resilience, life balance, and fostering a positive mindset.
Over the course of his career, Jake has traveled to 48 states, leading week-long hockey camps and working with over 1,000 athletes and coaches. His coaching journey has taken him across the country, where he has collaborated with international pro athletes and coaches, allowing him to refine a coaching style that emphasizes mindset development alongside physical skill.
Jake is the founder of Jake Legacy Mindset Coaching, where his focus is on helping athletes build the mental toughness required to excel, not just in hockey, but in life. His holistic approach ensures that players are developing their mindset, managing life balance, and maintaining the mental resilience needed for success both on and off the ice.
Jake’s experience and unique coaching style make him an invaluable asset to the U18 program, where his commitment to athlete development will help guide players through this critical stage of their careers.
SPONSORS
Coquitlam Minor Hockey is very grateful for the assistance of their community sponsors.
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Please contact our Sponsorship Director for information and benefits of sponsorship.
