Coaching staff 2026-2027 season
Attached is a more comprehensive write up of all U18 coaching staff to give potential players and their families a better understanding behind the staff (Chad, Jason, Jared, Brent and Tanner) of the team and what their strengths, experiences and history in the game are.
If your family\player is interested in our program, please take the time to read to give a better understanding of who the staff are for the HPL U18 team. Registration opens April 1st, 2026.
Head Coach
CHAD SMALLEY:
With more than three decades of dedication to amateur
hockey, Chad Smalley has built a reputation as a leader, mentor, and
developer of elite players within Ontario minor and junior hockey.
Over 33 years of coaching experience at the Minor Hockey, U16/U18
AAA, and Junior “B” levels, he has played a key role in developing athletes who
have advanced to junior, collegiate, and professional hockey.
A milestone in his career occurred on January 3, 2026,
when he coached his 1500th career game, a testament to his longevity,
passion, and commitment to the game.
Throughout his career he has led teams to 8 league
championships and 8 appearances at the Ontario Hockey Federation
Championships, including capturing the 2024–2025 U18 “A”
Championship in New Hamburg under the banner of the Ontario
Hockey Federation.
Beyond team success, his greatest contribution has
been player development. Under his guidance:
- 42+
players advanced to the Ontario Hockey League
- 29+
players earned NCAA hockey scholarships
- 11
players progressed to professional hockey
His coaching résumé includes leadership roles with the
respected Huron Perth Lakers AAA program, where he coached Minor
Midget, Major Midget, and Major Bantam teams, and currently serves as Head
Coach of the U18 AAA team (2025–Present).
He has also been a long-time contributor to the Stratford
Minor Hockey Association, coaching multiple age groups including U16 AA/A,
U18 AA/A, Major Bantam, and numerous minor and major teams between 1993 and
2007.
In junior hockey management, he served as General
Manager of the Aylmer Aces (2000–2003) and Assistant General
Manager of the St. Mary’s Lincolns (1998–2000), helping guide young
athletes through the junior hockey development system.
He has also contributed to player advancement through
scouting for Western University.
Throughout his career, he has combined coaching
expertise, leadership, and mentorship to help hundreds of young athletes
reach their potential both on and off the ice. His influence on player
development and amateur hockey in Ontario has left a lasting legacy within
the game.
Coach JASON BRENZIL:
I bring extensive experience within the Stratford Minor
Hockey Association, having served as both a Head Coach (2017–2019) and
Assistant Coach (2006–2008, 2015–2017). Throughout my coaching tenure, I
focused on player development, structured team play, and fostering a positive,
accountable environment.
My coaching philosophy is shaped by my own playing
background, which includes Junior C hockey with the Woodstock Navy Vets and
Junior D hockey with the Seaforth Centenaires. These combined experiences have
provided me with a strong understanding of leadership, preparation, and the
importance of building a team-first culture.
Coach JARED LESOUDER:
I am bringing over a decade of experience in competitive
hockey as both a player and a coach. I spent four years coaching with Stratford
Minor Hockey, where I focused on player development, team structure, and
positive leadership, helping athletes grow both on and off the ice.
As a player, I developed through ten years with Stratford
Minor Hockey before advancing to three seasons of Junior C hockey with the
Mitchell Hawks. During my playing career, I was part of teams that captured a
Pollock Division Championship, an OHF Championship, and five Alliance
Championships.
These experiences have shaped a strong understanding of
teamwork, discipline, accountability, and high-performance environments, which
I continue to apply in my coaching approach.
Coach BRENT KRAHN:
I first coached with the HPL program as an assistant with
the U18 Huron Perth Lakers during the 2023–2024 season and have been involved
in summer skills development working with players from minor hockey through to
NCAA and OUA levels.
I’ve had the opportunity to take part in development
sessions with Joey Hishon Skill Corp, experiences that strengthened my
understanding of modern skill progression and player habits. I take pride in watching athletes grow on and
off the ice and in helping them build confidence, work ethic, and attention to
detail.
As a player, I competed in junior hockey with the
Mitchell Hawks, winning the PJHL Pollock Division Championship in 2021–2022,
and previously played within the Huron Perth Lakers program at the U16 &
U18 level. My background as both a player and coach shape my approach to
development, focusing on skill, character, and a team-first
mindset.
Video Coach TANNER DIETZ:
Tanner is a returning video coach for the U18 team. Tanner was a 8-year Laker player before joining
the Listowel Cyclones Jr B and becoming an integral part of their 2024 Sutherland
Cup Championship season. He played his
final season in Jr with the Wingham Ironman where he was able to suit up and
play alongside his brother. Tanner is completing
his first season with D3 Morrisville in the States and will be returning to
their program next season. He finds the
time to be our video coach remotely using our HUDL feed while playing and at
studying in the US.
Tanner is an offensively gifted player who also excelled
on the defensive side of the puck and brings that skill set to his video
breakdown especially related to PP and PK.
He has helped his dad coach at various levels, while playing, including
AAA