Ryan Fletcher
I am truly excited and honored to be
coaching the U9MD1 team this season. Hockey has always been a significant part
of my life, from growing up and playing in Dorchester to living here my entire
life. I’ve had the privilege of being an assistant coach with the U7 team and
previously serving as the head coach for U9MD2 Dorchester Dragons, which has
provided me with a wealth of experience working with young players.
In my playing career, I had the
opportunity to compete in Junior C hockey in Aylmer, which deepened my
understanding and love for the game. This experience drives my passion for
developing young players, teaching them not just the skills they need to succeed
on the ice, but also instilling the confidence to be the best players they can
be.
As a coach, my goal is to create a
positive team culture where every player feels included and valued, both on and
off the ice. I want our players to learn the importance of teamwork,
sportsmanship, and respect, while also developing their skills to reach their
full potential.
Additionally, I have served as president
of the Dorchester Men’s NBC Hockey League for 10 years, further demonstrating
my commitment to the local hockey community and the development of the game at
all levels.
I look forward to an exciting season,
building relationships with these young athletes, and helping them grow in the
game we all love!Mark John
Mark John is a Canadian hockey coach for
the U10A Elgin Thames 73's. Born in Oakville, Ontario, Mark is the first
Canadian-born member of his family, who originally comes from the Czech
Republic. Growing up with influences from both Canadian and European hockey cultures,
Mark has blended these philosophies into his coaching style.
After spending his first two seasons
with the Dorchester Dragons, Mark is excited to begin his third year, now in
the inaugural season for the Elgin Thames 73's. Mark’s coaching revolves around
creating an environment where players are inspired to grow, both on and off the
ice. He focuses on building strong relationships with his players, creating a
fun and engaging atmosphere that ignites their passion for the game and
excitement for coming to the rink.
As a head coach, Mark emphasizes the
importance of teamwork and teaches valuable life lessons through hockey,
preparing players for the challenges of advancing to the next level of
competition. His expectation for all players is to bring hard work and dedication
to every practice, with a focus on preparation for the upcoming games.
Practices are designed to reflect game intensity, with a focus on Energy,
Effort, and Execution.
Looking ahead to the
2025-26 season, Mark sees this as a key opportunity to not only grow as a coach
but also to continue teaching players the value of challenging themselves. He
is focused on helping players develop leadership skills and reinforcing the
mindset that hard work will always outpace talent.Rankin MacDonald
The 2025-2026 season will mark my third
year as head coach of the 2015 group and my ninth year involved in minor
hockey. I’ve been around the game nearly my entire life, having played hockey
since the age of four. Since 2017, I’ve served in a variety of roles, gaining
valuable experience and perspective at all levels of the game.
My coaching
philosophy centers around work ethic, attitude, respect, and a genuine love for
hockey. I prioritize skill development, strong team play, and building a
positive team culture on and off the ice. I believe in creating a competitive
and supportive environment where players can grow as athletes and individuals.
My goal is not only to help players succeed at their current level, but also
support their growth as lifelong athletes who carry lessons of the game with
them beyond the rink.Rob Belore
To say I am excited to represent the
U11B team in the inaugural season of the 73's is a understatement!
As a local employer I have seen the
benefits of hiring youth that learn from the involvement in sport the
importance of teamwork, dedication and the ability to take advice and
criticism.
This will be my first-year head coaching,
and I am eager to put together a coaching staff that will help kids to develop
skill sets and most importantly have fun. It’s important every child feels like
a valued member of the team and is excited to come to the rink. It’s all for
the children but I also understand the dedication it takes from the parents.
Building a positive parent and player atmosphere will bring together a winning
culture.
My goal for the team
is to build a hardworking culture that passes the puck well without fear of
making a mistake but learning from it. Strive to win but understanding how to
take a loss and represent your community in a positive way!Nathan Thompson
Nathan
is a dedicated minor hockey coach, this will be his 3rd season coaching the
2014 age group. He was the assistant coach in 2023/2024 and head coach last
season. Passionate about skill development, teamwork, and fostering a love for
the game, Nathan focuses on creating a positive and competitive environment for
players to grow both on and off the ice. Committed to continuous learning and
development, Nathan emphasizes strong fundamentals, hockey IQ, and respect for
the game.
Philosophy
Development
First:
My
primary goal is to help every player grow as a hockey player and as a person.
Skill development, hockey IQ, and fostering a love for the game are more
important than winning every game.
Compete
with Character:
I
teach players to play hard, play smart, and play fair. Effort, discipline, and
respect for teammates, opponents, officials, and the game itself are
non-negotiable.
Team
Over Self:
We
win and lose as a team. I emphasize unselfish play, communication, and
accountability. Every player has a role, and every role matters.
Positive
Environment:
Players
learn best when they’re confident and having fun. I create a safe, supportive
space where kids feel encouraged to take risks, make mistakes, and grow from
them.
Long-Term
Success:
My
coaching aims to set players up for success at the next level — not just this
season. That means building good habits, strong fundamentals, and mental
toughness that will last beyond U12.Nathan Rowland
My name is Nathan Rowland and I'll be
the inaugural head coach of the U13A Elgin Thames 73's. I bring over a decade
of experience and a deep passion for player development to the role. After
serving 11 seasons as an assistant coach at various levels within both the
Belmont and East Elgin Minor Hockey Associations, I'm very excited to step into
my first head coaching position — an opportunity I see as a chance to bring my
full vision for youth hockey to life.
All of my playing years were spent in
the Belmont minor system before moving on to play a couple of seasons with the
Jr D Bombers.
My coaching philosophy is built on three
pillars: teamwork, individual development, and inspiring young players to
become the best version of themselves—both on and off the ice. I believe that
when players understand their role within a team and commit to growing
personally, the entire team benefits and reaches new heights together.
Coaching Style
My coaching style is structured,
positive, and player focused. I believe that development comes from a balance
of accountability and encouragement. There will be an emphasis on
skill-building through purposeful drills, game-situation scenarios, and
consistent feedback—always with an eye on each player's long-term development.
I will encourage open communication and make
it a priority to build strong relationships with my players, earning their
trust and helping them feel confident in their roles. I am a teacher at heart –
patient, detail-oriented, and passionate about helping young athletes
understand not just what to do, but why it matters.
This season there will be strong
emphasis on character, teaching players how to handle adversity, work through
challenges, and support one another both in games and in the locker room.
Expectations for the Season:
Show up
ready to learn, work hard, and give your best effort every time you hit
the ice.
Support
your teammates, communicate openly, and always put the team first.
Take
responsibility for your growth—both as a hockey player and as a person.
Represent
Elgin Thames Minor Hockey with pride, respect, and sportsmanship.
Most
importantly, have fun, enjoy the journey, and embrace every opportunity to
improve.
I am committed to helping every player
on the U13A team grow their skills, strengthen their character, and walk away
from the season with lasting memories and a deeper love for the game.
Go '3's!!!Jamie Harwood
Hockey has been a passion of mine from
my minor hockey days to my Junior C and Senior A years. I’ve not only enjoyed
playing the game but have also valued the many opportunities I’ve had to coach.
I have over 12 years’ experience coaching a variety of minor hockey teams
ranging from Timbits to Junior C and have been General Manager of the Aylmer
Spitfires Junior C team since the 2022-23 season.
My goal is to ensure
both team and individual player growth throughout the season and I expect
players to make the most of their time on the ice to achieve this. I believe
effort and dedication are essential for player development and building a
successful team. I look forward to helping players develop into well-rounded
athletes and aim to instill values such as sportsmanship and respect.Derek Stead
I love the game of hockey. I have been
playing hockey since I was a young boy, and I have over 20 years of head
coaching experience. As a coach, I am continually trying to grow and learn new
ways to guide my players in the development of their skills, while promoting a
positive and engaging environment.
Two
of my core values are commitment and teamwork. I expect players to show up
prepared, ready to give their best effort, and be great teammates and people on
and off the ice.
I am excited to be
working with the 2012 age group, and I am looking forward to a great inaugural
season with the Elgin Thames 73s! Wade Fitzgerald
Wade is excited
to join the 2025/2026 inaugural season with Elgin Thames Minor Hockey
Association. Wade brings over 35 years of hockey experience to the U15 team
this year, playing competitive minor hockey in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia at
various levels.
Wade has coached with the Aylmer Flames, East Elgin Attack, Dorchester Dragons
and St Thomas Panthers. He also hosts a not-for-profit hockey development
called "Caper Hockey" in the summer.
Wade loves being at the rink helping players and his kids develop their
individual and team skills through high performance on ice activities and
drills. Understanding the challenges at every level of hockey his philosophy is
to coach with high expectations while instilling teamwork and fostering a love
for the game.Brendan O'Brien
Growing up in St. Thomas, hockey was a
huge part of my life from an early age. My playing career took me through
various levels of competitive hockey, and I was fortunate to experience the
game at a high level. At 15, I was one of the few undrafted players to make it
to the final camp for the IIHF U17 World Hockey Challenge. The following year,
I played a handful of games with the St. Thomas Jr. B Stars before spending the
remainder of the season with the Jr. D Belmont Bombers. I went on to play two
more seasons of junior hockey with the Jr. C Aylmer Spitfires, gaining valuable
experience and insight into the game.
My coaching journey began a few years
ago, and I’ve enjoyed the transition from player to mentor. Last season, I
worked with the U13 BB East Elgin Express as a skills coach, helping players
refine their abilities and develop their confidence on the ice. The year prior,
I served as the Head Coach of the U13 Aylmer Flames LL team, and before that, I
was an assistant coach for the U11 Aylmer Flames LL. Coaching at different
levels has given me a strong understanding of player development and the
importance of fostering a positive team culture.
My coaching philosophy is built on hard
work, accountability, and continuous improvement. I believe that success in
hockey—and in life—comes from putting in the effort every day, embracing
challenges, and pushing yourself beyond your limits. My goal as a coach is to
help players maximize their potential while instilling a strong work ethic,
teamwork, and a love for the game. I’m excited to be leading the Elgin Thames
73s this season and look forward to working with our players to build a
competitive, hardworking team.Jeff Doherty
I am excited to have been selected as
the U16A coach for the Elgin Thames 73s inaugural season. I have coached within
the London Junior Knights organization and the Dorchester Minor Hockey
Association in varying capacities and age groups since 2005. I am a D1 –
Certified Coach and have been fortunate to be part of two groups that have won
their respective OMHA championship.
My philosophy on hockey is to maximize all
players’ skill development, hockey IQ and to encourage teamwork in a
positive and competitive environment. Trust, respect, preparation (on and
off the ice) and overall work ethic will make up the foundation of the team.
Team building will also be a priority with three centre’s coming together as
one this year.
Looking forward to the upcoming 2025-26
season!Mike Shewan
I was born and raised in London but have
called Aylmer my home for the last 15 years. I grew up playing AAA hockey in
London, as well as playing Jr. B with the London Nationals then on to
playing for the London Knights. From there I played 5 years with the
Western Mustangs followed by 6 years of professional hockey in the UK. I currently
teach at St. Joseph's CHS in St. Thomas where I have been the lead instructor
for our Hockey Canada Skills Academy for the past 7 years as well as the head
coach of the Varsity Boys Hockey Team since 2004. I have coached in the
Junior C League for the Aylmer Spitfires and have been a Head Coach in the
Aylmer Minor Hockey Association over the past 10 years.
Over my experiences in hockey, I have
developed a coaching philosophy that is built on the foundation of
respect, development, accountability, and passion for this great game. As a
coach, my goal is to provide the players an environment that encourages
personal growth while building a mentality that emphasizes work ethic,
discipline, and integrity both on and off the ice.
My strengths are skill
development and communicating with the players so that they know the
expectations that will be placed upon them.
I am excited to be a part of this
inaugural season for the Elgin Thames '73's and am looking forward to working
with everyone from the coaches to all of the volunteers in this
organization! Gerry Ellison
Gerry Ellison, an alumni of Belmont
Minor Hockey in the 80's will again be the Head Coach of the
U21B ETMHA team for the 2025/26 season. Gerry states
"I am excited and honoured to lead the U21 program for a third
straight year and since its rebirth in 2023/24 the EEMHA.
We will be
working diligently to continue the success gained in the 2024/25 season
and strive after set goals we as a team set for ourselves. Success will
again be tied to discipline, integrity, accountability, fun and a
very much required "buy in" from all players and coaching
staff."
Gerry's involvement in hockey post
playing has been in depth from being the Head Instructor for the world
renowned Puckstoppers Goaltending Schools providing tutelage in Germany,
USA and at our main programs in London, Ontario as well as numerous minor
hockey clinics in the surrounding area, to coaching Jr. D (North Middlesex
and Mount Brydges), Jr. C (Woodstock and Aylmer), Jr. B (Aylmer) as well as
minor hockey in South London back in the late 90's to latest as the Head Coach
of the U21 program for EEMHA.
Gerry also had these words to say
regarding his expanded bench/on ice staff for 2025/26 "I am more than
honoured to announce that 3 recently graduated players of the program have
expressed their interest to help coach this year's squad.
I look forward
to mentoring these former players to become coaches for years to
come" This is just another attribute to the culture that is ingrained into
the program by Gerry. Mr. Fred Allen will again accompany Gerry on the
bench - Fred's unwavering dedication to this team on and off the ice will
once again be a definite benefit.
When asked about PJHL affiliations Gerry
had this to say "We once again will work closely with our local Jr teams
with providing AP's to those organizations as we have done in past years.
I am wanting to create stronger ties with Dorchester and Aylmer this year to
aid in the development of all programs".
As we wrapped up
Gerry wanted to say the following "As mentioned at the beginning I am very
excited for the season to come and for the triumphs and hurdles we will
endure.
One of the most satisfying things about coaching this age group
is that we are giving these "young men" a competitive place to play
and using this also to still groom them for the world that is in front of them
post minor hockey.
One of the quotes I use all the time to these
lads is that during practice and games it is not just hockey lessons we
are learning as a group they are also life lessons."