The Huron Perth Lakers would like to announce our coaches for the 2016-2017 season - thank you to all applicants.
Minor Atom - Kevin Nicholson
Bio - A resident of Mitchell, Kevin's coaching experience stretches back well over fifteen years. Previously he served as Assistant Coach, Manager and Trainer for the ’98 Huron Perth Lakers. He also coached in Mitchell and Elma Logan.
Kevin has a clear sense of direction as to the future of the 07 team: Develop players’ abilities throughout hard work, both in practice and games, he believes this is the best way to progress as players and teammates. To accomplish their goals he has identified that hard work, a clear focus and a commitment to thinking the game will develop both individual skills and strong team play. As a student of the game, he wants to instil knowledge and the love for the game within his players, thus empowering them to reach their full potential.
Major Atom - Chris Chessell
Bio - Chris returns with the Huron Perth Lakers 2006 Major Atom team. Chris has a lot of coaching experience in a variety of athletic fields. Chris wants to build on the individual skills these first year Lakers have gained at their local center and implement a team first concept. Chris hopes to bring a good work ethic with this team and mould them into hard working group.
Minor PeeWee - Jason Murray
Bio - Jason was an assistant coach for the past two seasons with the Huron Perth Lakers Organization. Previous to that he coached for two seasons in the Mitchell Minor hockey association. Playing experience includes seasons with the Stratford Cullitons, St. Mary's Licolns, Seaforth Centenaires and Senior hockey with the Monkton Wildcats.
Jason also spent four seasons as the General Manager for the Mitchell Hawks. Jason believes the keys to success is a high work ethic and team preparation.
Major PeeWee - Andrew Van Vliet
Bio - Andrew played eight seasons with the Huron Perth Lakers which led into four seasons with the Mitchell Hawks Jr. C hockey club and four seasons of Sr. AA Hockey with the Monkton Wildcats and Clinton Radars. Andrew believes the keys to team success is an entire team structure, team discipline in all three zones and one hundred percent effort and commitment. Andrew also believes in team first hockey, with hard work and focus.
Minor Bantam - Greg Smale
Bio - Greg has enjoyed 12 seasons as a head coach in the St. Mary's Minor Hockey association. He has also served as a director, and spent two seasons on the coaching selection committee, as well as a coaching mentor at different age levels. During his time with St. Mary's he was fortunate enough to have guided his teams to four Regional Silverstick Championships, as well as finishing as a finalist twice in the International Silverstick Championships. He has won an Ontario Championship as well as finished as a finalist in another.
This past season Greg was honored to have been hired by the Mitchell Hawks Jr C hockey club, and served as their assistant coach and General Manager.
Greg has a strong belief in skill development, accountability and team discipline. His teams have been known to be hard working on and off the ice. He is a big believer in communication with players as well as parents and believes it is in his best interest as a coach to teach hockey skills as well as life skills, and make the arena and the commitment to our hockey club a fund place to be, and a privilege to be a part of.
Major Bantam - Mike Carter
Bio - Mike has been involved in all aspects of hockey over the past 30+ years, including playing, coaching, training, managing and referring. As a player, Mike has junior experience with the Mitchell Hawks and Listowel Cyclones, along with Senior experience with the Milverton Four Wheel Drives. As a coach, Mike has experience with all age groups and levels of minor hockey.
Mike's philosophy on coaching is hard work, in a fun, team-first environment. He is looking forward to working with the 2002's this year.
Minor Midget - Dawson Smith
Bio - Dawson played 4 years with the Huron Perth Lakers and was drafted by the Mississauga Ice Dogs his Minor Midget year. He went on to enjoy 5 years of Jr. hockey with the Wingham Ironmen, Elmira Sugar Kings and Listowel Cyclones where he helped his team win a league Championship.
Dawson coached the 2001 Huron Perth Lakers last season and will be entering his fourth season as a head coach. He also has experience as an assistant coach with the Listowel Cyclones of the GOJHL. Dawson and his staff believe the keys to success are commitment, discipline, a good work ethic, and focus both on and off the ice. Dawson promotes a "Team-First" concept to ensure team and player success.
Major Midget - Terry McCutcheon
Bio - Terry played minor hockey in Brussels and Listowel and was drafted to Niagara Falls (OHL) from the Listowel Cyclones. Terry won 2 Sutherland Cup Championships as Captain of the Waterloo Siskins, leading the league in scoring both years. He played for and graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University where he earned an NHL tryout with the New Jersey Devils in 1987. He obtained his Masters degree of "Teaching and Coaching" from Ohio University before resuming his playing career in the ECHL, IHL, AHL, CoHL and British IHF (Division 1). Terry was the head coach of the OHA Kitchener Dutchmen from 1994-1997, and assistant coach/GM of the Waterloo Siskins from 2005-2007. Terry also coached several years of minor hockey, spring hockey and high school hockey. Currently he is the head of Phys Ed at Stratford Central.
Terry's coaching philosophy is to teach and develop team/player skills and knowledge through positive communication. His goal is to prepare players for the next level, while emphasizing the importance of team commitment.
Congratulations to all successful applicants and best of luck in the 2016-2017 season!