2023-2024 Rep Coaches 

 

Conner McDonald - U11A1 Head Coach

VMHA is excited to welcome Conner McDonald as our U11A1 Head Coach.

Conner McDonald is a highly skilled and accomplished VMHA skills instructor with an impressive background in the world of competitive hockey. With 5 years of major junior hockey and 2 years of CIS (Canadian Interuniversity Sport) under his belt, Conner brings a wealth of on-ice knowledge to his coaching role. Over the past 4 years, he has honed his coaching skills, specializing in player development and skills coaching. Conner's expertise in the sport has not gone unnoticed as he was selected as a member of Team BC for the 2015 Canada Winter Games. His dedication and passion for hockey make him an invaluable asset to the VMHA community.

 

Philippe Lam - U11A2 Head Coach

VMHA welcomes back Philippe Lam as the U11A2 Head Coach.

Philippe Lam is an enthusiastic and committed VMHA Rep Head Coach, while also serving as the Hockey Operations Coordinator. With a strong focus on helping players develop skills both on and off the ice, Philippe brings a wealth of hockey knowledge and an extensive global network to his role. His coaching experience includes VMHA U11A2, U15 BC Spartans, and U13 Vancouver Grizzlies, along with previous involvement in the HEROS Hockey Program, BHA Program, and several seasons with VMHA programs. As a former player in the KIJHL and VIJHL, Philippe is dedicated to supporting players' progress throughout their hockey careers.

 

Jamie Smith - U13A1 Head Coach

VMHA welcomes back Jamie Smith as the U13A1 Head Coach.

Jamie is a VMHA alumnus and experienced coach who has been with the program since 2009. With a background in kinesiology and education, Jamie brings a unique perspective to his coaching role. He has been a part of two provincial championships with VMHA and believes in teaching athletes to read and react to the game, while also creating a balance of competitiveness and fun. As the athletic director and hockey academy coordinator at Britannia Secondary, Jamie is dedicated to passing along his lifelong love of hockey to others and helping his players develop valuable friendships and experiences.

 

Lucas Robinson - U13A2 Head Coach

VMHA welcomes back Lucas Robinson as our U13A2 Head Coach

With a strong background in hockey, Lucas has played 5 years of junior hockey at the Junior B and Junior A levels and is a former VMHA player. With a passion for coaching, he has been working with VMHA for 7 years and has experience working with groups ranging from U6 to U15. He has his Hockey Canada - Development 1 Coaching certification and is a CANPower Skating certified skating instructor, ensuring that he can provide the best coaching and training for his players. Additionally, Lucas holds a degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of British Columbia, which allows him to bring a unique perspective to his coaching style.

 

Stephen Gillis - U15A1 Head Coach

VMHA welcomes back Stephen Gillis as Head Coach of the U15A1 team.

With over six years of coaching experience, Stephen is a dedicated and passionate rep coach focused on helping young athletes develop their skills both on and off the ice. His coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, sportsmanship, and fostering a growth mindset, and strives to create a positive and supportive environment where players can thrive. Stephen has a proven track record of success, including leading VMHA U15A1 to victory as Nanaimo Bar Down Classic Tournament Champions and the PCAHA Final Four Finalist. His team was also recognized as the VMHA Rep Team of the Year and a Good Deeds Cup Top 10 Finalist in Canada.

 

Jim Russell - U15A2

VMHA welcomes back Jim Russell as our U15A2 Head Coach.

Jim is an experienced and highly respected coach at VMHA with over 8 years of coaching experience. He has been involved in select Spring and Summer development leagues throughout the Lower Mainland, where he has honed his coaching skills and gained a wealth of knowledge. Jim is consistently rated as one of VMHA's top coaches by parents and players, and he is highly valued for his accreditation and coaching experience. As the head coach of the U15A2 team, he has led the team to a flight championship and a Bronze medal at the 15th Annual VMHA Charity Tournament. Jim is also passionate about giving back to the community and helping those in need, making his team not just great on the ice but off the ice as well.

 

Jason Mann - U18A1

VMHA welcomes back Jason Mann as Head Coach of U18A1

Jason is excited to be back at VMHA for his fifth season as the U18A1 Head Coach, working in tandem with Associate Coach Nathan Deyell to cultivate a team-driven culture that encourages individual growth. Their approach has enabled VMHA players to maximize their hockey development and compete at their highest possible level. As a testament to their success, the U18A1 program has seen over 25 players advance to junior hockey in the past four seasons, while others continue their involvement in the sport through recreational or alternative avenues. In addition to coaching VMHA's U18A1 team, Jason has experience with spring hockey and various roles within Jr A and Jr B teams.

 

John Koldenhof - U18A2

VMHA is excited to welcome John Koldenhof Head Coach of our U18A2 Team

As a dedicated head coach since 2010, John brings extensive experience working with all age groups, ranging from H1-H4 and house to A1 levels. In recent years, he has honed his skills as an assistant coach for the U15A1 team for three seasons and has also contributed to the success of the U11A1 team as an assistant coach for two seasons. He is thrilled to be a part of VMHA's return of the U18A2 team and is committed to fostering a positive and competitive environment for these young athletes to grow and excel in the sport.