meet our 2026-2027 Season Rep HEAD Coaches!
CMHA announces Todd McKave as our U11 A1 Head Coach for the 2026-2027 season!
Coach Todd played his minor hockey locally before advancing to play four years of Junior hockey in the BCJHL and one year in the PCJHL. Following his junior career, he competed in two USA Senior National tournaments and was proud to capture a National Championship with the Alaska Gold Kings.
With more than 15 years of coaching experience within Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association, Todd has worked with players across multiple age groups and skill levels, helping athletes develop both on and off the ice. Over the past five years, he has also been an active member of the CMHA development team, contributing to player development initiatives throughout the association.
Todd is extremely excited for the opportunity to lead the upcoming U11A1 team and looks forward to helping the players grow, compete, and enjoy a positive and rewarding hockey season.
CMHA announces Robin Trainor as our U11A3 Head Coach for the 2026-2027 season!
Robin Trainor is a dedicated and player-focused coach with Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association, known for combining strong technical instruction with a supportive, team-first approach. Robin’s coaching philosophy is centered on building confident, hard-working athletes who understand the game, respect their teammates, and enjoy every moment on the ice.
With a steady presence on the bench and a passion for developing young players, Robin emphasizes skating fundamentals, puck awareness, and decision-making skills that translate into smarter, faster hockey. Robin is committed to creating an environment where players feel encouraged to challenge themselves, learn from mistakes, and celebrate progress—big or small.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Robin brings excellent communication, patience, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping kids fall in love with the game. Whether running structured practices, guiding players through game situations, or cheering on individual improvements, Robin exemplifies the values of CMHA: respect, growth, and community.
Robin Trainor continues to be a valued member of CMHA’s coaching team, helping shape not only skilled hockey players but outstanding young people.
CMHA announces Dylan Smail as our U13 A1 Head Coach for the 2026-2027 season!
Dylan Smail brings a strong background in high level minor hockey, having played AAA across British Columbia and competing at elite levels throughout his career. He now applies that experience behind the bench with a focus on developing young athletes at a key stage in their growth.
Now an emerging coach within the Hockey Canada development stream, Dylan is committed to delivering a modern, player-focused approach built on skill development, hockey IQ, and consistent compete level. He places a strong emphasis on detail, execution, and building the foundational habits that translate to long term success.
Over the past four years, Dylan has coached at the U13 AAA and AA levels, working closely with players in high performance environments. This experience has allowed him to develop a strong understanding of age appropriate development, skill progression, and how to challenge players to reach the next level while maintaining confidence to perform at a high level.
CMHA announces 
Nathan Thrift as our U13 A2 Head Coach for the 2026-2027 season!
Nathan brings a strong playing and coaching background to CMHA. His hockey journey began in Port Moody, where he played the majority of his minor hockey before advancing to U18 A1, followed by three seasons of Junior B and a season of Junior A hockey.
Over the past two seasons, Nathan has served as an Assistant Coach with the Port Moody U15 A1 program and currently works as a skills coach with RPM Hockey through the Centennial Secondary School Hockey Academy. This summer, he continues to be heavily involved in player development as a coach in RPM’s 3-on-3 program and as Head Coach of a U13 development team.
Nathan’s coaching philosophy is centered on developing well-rounded athletes both on and off the ice. He is passionate about helping players improve their skills, hockey IQ, confidence, and understanding of the game while creating an environment that promotes teamwork, accountability, resilience, and leadership.
His core values of **work ethic, honesty, and commitment** align strongly with CMHA’s vision for player development. Nathan believes that success comes from consistent effort, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude toward improvement every day.
CMHA announces Colton Kehler returning as our U15 A1 Head Coach for the 2026-2027 season!
Colton Kehler brings a wealth of elite hockey experience, technical expertise, and a player-first coaching philosophy to the Coquitlam Minor Hockey Association as the U15 A1 Head Coach. A former major junior, collegiate, and professional player, Colton has transitioned seamlessly into coaching with a strong focus on individual development, team accountability, and cultivating a high-performance culture.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes creating a positive, competitive environment where athletes are consistently challenged, supported, and empowered to grow both on and off the ice. Colton prioritizes communication, discipline, and structure while also promoting creativity, enjoyment, and independence—encouraging players to build the confidence to make quick, informed decisions under pressure.
Colton has coached across the U11, U13, and U15 levels and is known for his approachable and detail-oriented coaching style. He is a lead instructor with Inside Edge Hockey and has contributed to the MacGillivray Hockey School for several years, supporting both team systems and individual skill development. His technical instruction, game analysis, and player evaluation expertise have made him a respected figure in the local development community.
Colton’s coaching is enriched by his extensive playing career. He played over 200 games in the WHL with the Edmonton Oil Kings, followed by university hockey with the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, and later turned professional with the Idaho Steelheads in the ECHL. His first-hand knowledge of the game at high levels allows him to guide CMHA athletes toward long-term success—whether in junior, collegiate, or professional pathways.
As a U15 A1 Head Coach, Colton is committed to fostering a team-first culture rooted in respect, hard work, and excellence. His goal is to help every player maximize their potential while instilling the values and mindset that extend beyond the game.
CMHA announces Kyle Ponte returning as our U15A2 Head Coach for the 2026-2027 season!
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 announces Jake Wensley as our U18 A1 Head Coach for the 2026-2027 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.
Together we make the difference!
Please contact our Sponsorship Director for information and benefits of sponsorship.
