OUR TEAM
The Wheatland team is the foundation of our program. Our staff has been intentionally built with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, each bringing unique perspectives and strengths that complement one another in meaningful ways.
From hockey and athlete development to education, mentorship, wellness, leadership, and community building, every member of our team plays an important role in shaping the athlete experience. United by a shared commitment to growth, connection, and long-term development, our team works together to create positive, supportive environments where athletes feel encouraged to learn, work hard, take risks, build confidence, and enjoy the process—on and off the ice.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Coach Rich
Co-founder
Head Coach and Director of Advanced Development
Coach Rich brings a unique blend of expertise to Hockey Development, with a deep-rooted background in Education and Teaching. As a former High School Science Teacher, University Professor, and Vice Principal, he integrates his pedagogical skills into on-ice instruction, offering a methodical and relatable approach to coaching.
Rich has a profound love for the game and is passionate about developing players both on and off the ice. With experience coaching at the highest levels of U11 and U13 Hockey, he specializes in delivering Hockey IQ in ways that resonate with youth players, fostering growth, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the game.
Coach Ryan
Director of Foundational Development
Growing up in Winnipeg, Ryan’s passion for hockey began at an early age. While he may not have been the fastest skater or the most naturally gifted player, he built his game on consistency, reliability, and a strong work ethic—qualities that continue to shape his coaching philosophy today.
With five years of coaching experience in the APHA system, Ryan has developed a reputation for emphasizing strong fundamental skills, hockey IQ, and character development. He believes that successful players are built on a foundation of skating, puck control, positional awareness, and a commitment to team-first hockey. His coaching approach focuses on creating an environment where young athletes can develop confidence, accountability, and a lifelong love for the game.
As a coach, Ryan has experienced success at the elite youth level, helping lead his U11 winter team to championships at the Rob West Invitational and the Birchwood Cup, as well as his U11 AAA team to a Bronze Medal at the West-Can Summit. He takes pride in helping players understand not just how to play the game, but why certain decisions and habits lead to success on the ice.
In his role as Director of Foundational Development, Ryan combines his coaching experience with strong leadership and personnel management skills to support athletes, coaches, and families throughout their development journey. He is committed to building positive team cultures, mentoring coaching staff, and ensuring every player has the opportunity to reach their full potential both on and off the ice.
Ryan’s ultimate goal is to develop confident, resilient young leaders who carry the lessons learned through hockey into all aspects of their lives.
Rachel W.
Co-founder
Director of Operations and Personnel
Rachel plays an integral role in the day-to-day operations and growth of Wheatland Hockey Club, helping bring the vision of the program to life through leadership, organization, and a deep passion for youth sports. With a background in finance and investment management, she brings a thoughtful, strategic, and detail-oriented approach to the club both on and off the ice.
A lifelong sports enthusiast and former competitive athlete, Rachel understands the commitment, resilience, and teamwork that athletics can teach young people. She is passionate about building positive experiences for athletes and families and believes strongly in the power of community collaboration to create meaningful opportunities in sport.
Rachel’s energy, creativity, and dedication help shape the culture and direction of Wheatland Hockey Club, ensuring programs continue to focus on what matters most — development, connection, and a love of the game.
Desserts
10 Pie Recipes to Try This Fall
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Mains
A Pasta Hack That Will Transport You to Rome
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Drinks
The Health Benefits of Drinking Tea Daily
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Healthy
Creative Salad Ideas for the Veggie Lover
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Athletic Development, Mobility & Injury Prevention
Coach Avi
Coach Avi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our hockey academy, with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and a specialization in Athletic Therapy from the University of Manitoba. His deep understanding of biomechanics, athletic development and high-performance sports has earned him certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
With years of experience working with elite hockey teams such as the University of Manitoba Bisons, Port Alberni Bulldogs, Quad City Mallards, and Knoxville Ice Bears, Avi understands the demands of the game at every level.
His approach focuses on building strength, resilience, and confidence ensuring that every player is not only prepared for the game but also for life.
Grit and Dedicated Play
Coach Darcy
Coach Darcy is a dedicated assistant hockey coach with four years of experience coaching U7 and U9. A hardworking grain farmer by trade, Darcy brings a strong work ethic and team-first attitude to the rink. Since his son Mason began playing hockey, Darcy’s passion for the sport has grown tremendously — both as a parent and a coach.
Outside of hockey, Darcy is an avid golfer and former motocross racer, having competed for 14 years and reaching the local pro level. His diverse background in competitive sports helps him connect with young athletes and foster a fun, focused, and hardworking team environment.
HER. Programming, Fundamentals and Performance
Coach Taylor
Coach Taylor grew up playing minor hockey in Winnipeg. She played for the Shaftesbury Titans and the Balmoral Hall Blazers before playing in the NCAA for the Connecticut Huskies. Taylor graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2022 with a degree in Allied Health Sciences and a graduate certificate in Healthy Psychology. She then went on to play professional hockey for Modo in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. In the Fall of 2023, she was invited to the PWHL Toronto training camp.
Taylor has multiple years of coaching experience and was most recently an assistant coach for the AAA U15 Winnipeg Ice for the 2025-26 season.
HER. Programming, Fundamentals and Performance
Coach Morgan
Morgan grew up and played minor hockey in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She played for the Shaftesbury Titans and the Balmoral Hall Blazers before playing in the NCAA for the Connecticut Huskies. Morgan graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2022 with a degree in Health Science and a Certificate in Health Psychology. She then went on to play professional hockey for MODO in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. In the Fall of 2023, she was invited to the PWHL Toronto training camp.
She has many years of coaching experience including being an assistant coach for the AAA U18 Winnipeg Ice in the Manitoba Female Hockey League.
HER. Programming and Fundamentals
Coach Lauren
Lauren brings a strong foundation of playing, coaching, and instructional experience to the ice. She began playing hockey at the age of seven and spent 15 years in the game, competing primarily at the AA female level.
Lauren has coached a female U9 A1 team, officiated 3-on-3 hockey, and spent 10 years as an on-ice instructor with the Bruno Zarrillo Hockey Academy. With a background in education, she integrates effective pedagogy into her on-ice instruction, creating an inclusive environment where players feel confident taking risks, developing skills, and growing their love for the game.
HER. Programming and Spring Teams
Coach Milla
Coach Milla began playing hockey at just five years old, stepping onto the ice as a Timbits defenseman and quickly developing a lifelong passion for the game. After three seasons of AA hockey, Milla now competes at the highest level with the Interlake Lightning U18AAA program and also plays high school hockey with the Churchill Bulldogs.
In addition to her club and school teams, Milla has been selected to represent Team Manitoba at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in 2026 — an honour that reflects her dedication, work ethic, and commitment to the sport.
At Wheatland, Milla is passionate about giving back to the game by helping young athletes build strong skills, develop confidence, and discover their love for hockey. She is committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where players feel encouraged to try new things, support one another, and grow both on and off the ice.
HER. Programming and WHC
Coach Lily
Coach Lily is a dedicated and hardworking student-athlete who puts her full effort into everything she does. This past season, she played for the U18 AAA Interlake Lightning and had the honor of wearing the “A” as an assistant captain she also played high school hockey with the Oak Park Raiders
She has been involved in hockey since the age of five, beginning in Timbits and steadily working her way up through the levels. Through her years in the sport, Lily has consistently demonstrated determination, discipline, and strong teamwork both on and off the ice. She is passionate about creating a positive and supportive environment where young athletes can grow, learn, and reach their full potential.
She strives to help build a fun and encouraging atmosphere for all students and athletes. Having learned from many coaches throughout her hockey journey as well as having coached hockey and flag football in the past, lily understands that strong leadership and positive coaching play a major role in shaping a meaningful athletic experience. She hopes to continue growing within the sport of hockey and is deeply motivated to help those around her develop not only as athletes, but also as individuals off the ice.
HER. Programming and WHC
Coach Lola
Coach Lola is a dedicated student-athlete who brings a strong sense of commitment, teamwork, and character to everything she does. This past season, she competed at both the high school level and with the U18 AAA Interlake Lightning, where she continued to elevate her game. She was also honoured to serve as Captain of her high school team, a reflection of her leadership and the respect she has earned from teammates and coaches alike.
Having started hockey at the age of 9, Lola has developed her skills through years of hard work, determination, and resilience. Her growth as a player is matched by her strong character and motivation, which continue to drive her forward.
Lola is passionate about helping others develop and become the best versions of themselves—both on and off the ice. She is committed to creating a positive, inclusive environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow. With a natural love for working with others, she brings energy, positivity, and a team-first mindset to every group she’s part of.
She is focused on delivering a meaningful and motivating experience for athletes, helping foster confidence, connection, and a genuine love for the game.
Early Years and Fundamentals
Coach Rowan
Coach Rowan began skating at the age of four and quickly developed a passion for hockey, starting organized play at five years old. Over the course of his playing career, he competed at every level—from Squirt A through AA and AAA—before finishing his career at the high school level, where he proudly served as an assistant captain in his final season.
Hockey has given Rowan countless lessons, friendships, and memories, and he is excited to now give back to the game. His goal is to share the knowledge and experiences he’s gained over the years, helping the next generation of players develop their skills, confidence, and love for the sport.
Outside of the rink, Rowan is currently training to become a pilot. His dedication to learning, discipline, and precision in aviation mirrors the same qualities he brings to coaching—helping athletes understand the importance of preparation, focus, and perseverance both on and off the ice.
Defensive Skills and Power Skating
Coach Dustin
As an undersized defenceman, Coach Dustin learned early that skating would be his greatest asset. By prioritizing mobility and edgework, he worked his way up to Junior A and earned scholarship offers by the end of his junior career. Although injuries eventually forced him to step away from competitive play, they opened the door to a new path: coaching.
From power skating development with Robby Glantz to supporting local teams at home, he’s discovered a deep passion for helping young players chase their potential. The energy and excitement that kids bring to the rink is contagious, and he’s grateful to play a small part in their growth.
Coach Dustin believes that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. He’s committed to guiding the next generation of Wheatland athletes to learn, compete, develop, and have the best hockey experience possible.
Positioning, Goalie Development and Player Mindset
Coach Tanner
Coach Tanner grew up playing minor hockey in Winnipeg, where his love for the game started early and naturally carried into coaching. He’s been behind the bench since the age of 18, gaining experience across a variety of programs and teams while continuing to grow as a coach.
Over the past seven years, Coach Tanner has coached his son’s teams in both head and assistant roles and has recently expanded into goalie development—focusing on strong fundamentals while refining existing skills. He thrives in one-on-one settings, helping players build confidence alongside skill.
Known for his passion, loud voice, and the occasional holiday-themed outfit on the ice, Coach Tanner brings energy, knowledge, and a genuine love for the game to the Wheatland coaching team.
Fundamentals and Defence
Coach Bryan
Coach Bryan’s devotion to hockey began the way it does for many prairie kids—long afternoons on outdoor rinks in Winnipeg, playing until the lights came on and the cold finally won. That love for the game never faded, and today he’s still at the rink playing, coaching, and watching his own kids build the same connection to hockey.
Coach Bryan began coaching at just 14 years old and has spent decades behind the bench across hockey, soccer, and volleyball. His diverse coaching background has shaped a development-first approach grounded in effort, passion, and purpose. He believes that while skill matters, it’s work ethic and love for the game that allow athletes to truly thrive.
Head of Goalie Development
Coach Liam
Coach Liam as been passionate about hockey since he first stepped on the ice at 5. At 10, he discovered a love for goaltending and has never looked back. His playing career includes four years of high school hockey and three years in the MMJHL, where he won two championships with the Junior Canucks. These experiences, on both successful and struggling teams, have helped shape his understanding of the mental and technical challenges goalies face - valuable lessons he now shares with the goalies he coaches.
As a coach at the Icelab Goalie Training Centre, Coach Liam has worked with goalies of all ages and skill levels, helping them develop the tools they need to thrive in the net. He also brings experience working alongside current NHL goalies which gives him unique insight into what it takes to reach the next level.
His goal is to help young goaltenders build their skills, confidence, and game awareness, setting them up for success on and off the ice.
Goalie Coaching
Coach Zach
Coach Zach is a current Junior A goaltender, Zach brings recent high-level playing experience and a strong focus on the details that separate good goalies from great ones. Over the past year he has dedicated significant time to refining the small habits and techniques that make a meaningful difference in a goalie’s development, and he is passionate about passing those insights on to the athletes he works with.
Zach has loved hockey for as long as he can remember and was drawn to the goalie position after watching his older brother enjoy the role. He made the switch to the crease at eight years old and has never looked back. His playing experience spans A1, AA, AAA, high school hockey, and now Junior A, giving him a broad perspective on what it takes to progress through the game.
As a coach, Zach emphasizes purposeful practice and maximizing every minute of ice time. He works with athletes to build strong technical foundations, develop consistent habits, and approach their development with focus and intention.
Goalie Coaching and Spring Teams
Coach Liam W.
Coach Liam began playing hockey at age 7, but filled in for his team’s injured goalie at age 9 and fell in love with the position. Through his playing career, he started at the A3 level and played all the way up to high school and AA. Fortunate enough to win 2 city championships, Liam knows what it takes to win as a goaltender.
Liam understands the importance of quality goaltending instruction, as his coaches made a world of difference for him. Excited to give back to young goalies in his community, he brings a focus on skating fundamentals and confidence.
Off the ice, Liam is studying engineering at the University of Manitoba. He brings the same skills he was taught through hockey to the classroom: work ethic, discipline, and an obsession with getting better every day.
Operations, Community Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
Eleni W.
Eleni brings a strong mix of lived rink experience and community-focused leadership to the Wheatland team. A former ringette and hockey player—and now a proud hockey mom—she knows firsthand what families and athletes need both on and off the ice.
With a background in education, accessibility, and community engagement, Eleni plays a key role behind the scenes, supporting day-to-day operations while helping build meaningful partnerships that strengthen the Wheatland community.
Eleni’s passion for inclusion, connection, and thoughtful growth aligns deeply with Wheatland’s values, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of the team.
Registration, Recruitment and Operations
Rachel W.
Rachel is the driving force behind the scenes at Wheatland Hockey Club, ensuring everything runs smoothly off the ice.
With a background in finance and investment management, she brings a strategic, detail-oriented approach to the operations of the program.
A self-proclaimed sports fanatic, Rachel is passionate about supporting youth sports and believes in the power of community collaboration to achieve great things.
A newly minted “goalie mom” and former competitive athlete herself, she understands the commitment and dedication required to succeed and loves being part of the journey. Her enthusiasm and organizational skills keep our programs moving forward, helping players and families focus on what matters most: development and growth.