Puck Smart Inc.
Puck Smart Inc. is a leader in on ice skills development in the Calgary area and looks forward to working with your player or team. We offer a variety of Coach and Player specialty clinics to help support team and player development. Coaches in Calgary can benefit from Puck Smart Inc. by participating in coach mentoring specialty clinics on ice or classroom mentoring sessions. Puck Smart Inc. will assist you in achieving your hockey goals by giving you the tools necessary to achieve success at the next level.
Watch us on Vimeo: www.pucksmart.com/watch-us-on-vimeo.html
Watch us on Vimeo: www.pucksmart.com/watch-us-on-vimeo.html
Vision: Love what you do ... Do what you love!!!
Puck Smart Inc. came from a vision of wanting to see hockey players reach their full potential both on and off the ice. I realized from a young age the importance of combining academics and athletics. Playing hockey at the CIS level for the University of Lethbridge gave me the opportunity to play a high calibre of hockey while completing my Education Degree. It was in that stage of my hockey career we learned systems and strategies in preparation for each weekend series. It definitely helped give me a better understanding of the game within a team structure. The game of hockey continues to evolve at a high pace... not only with the equipment available to the athlete but also the training and nutrition opportunities that is now a part of their lifestyle. I want to make sure that players have the technical knowledge to match a game that is becoming more dynamic and creative each year. I have been lucky to be on the leading of edge of hockey skill development learning, thanks to some great coaches and mentors who worked with me when my playing days finished. As a player I also saw the need and importance of developing a culture in hockey; a culture where there is a real sense of team and purpose. My interest in what goes on before and after practice has always been a priority of mine and I believe it is an aspect that is missing in many programs across the country. Puck Smart Inc. aims to maximize this opportunity to get to know, understand and model appropriate behaviours where all participants feel welcome and confident within the group. Puck Smart Inc. focuses on the habits, details and attitudes necessary on and off the ice in being a successful student-athlete in today's hockey world.
BROOKS BANDITS 2023-24
Playing/Coach History
I played in the WHL, CIS and Europe and I am grateful to the coaches and mentors who have assisted me in my hockey development. My coaching experiences have included the operation of one of the first Hockey Canada Skills Academies in the nation from 2000-2005. As a school teacher I enjoyed the opportunity to train hockey players within the school day and was recognized as Alberta's Hockey Leader in 2004 for my efforts towards hockey development in Alberta. I was also head coach for the Alberta Cup in both 2004 and 2005 where I was able to apply strategies for the successful participation in a short term competition. Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta have been instrumental in my hockey development and I am grateful for all that I have learned by attending their many camps and clinics along the way. I have also enjoyed being behind the bench and working with the Midget AAA team in Lethbridge, Alberta from 2006-2008 where we were able to lead the league and saw many players go on to have success in the WHL and AJHL.
Skill Development
I am very proud of the skill development hockey programs Puck Smart Inc. has created in the Calgary area. Choosing to focus on a quality coaching model that puts the athlete first while using the most current hockey skill development research available to benefit our athletes. The Puck Smart Inc. Hockey Academy Skill Development model is also supported by our Student of the Game components based on NHL game skills that are part of the program. We are proud to be heading into our 12th season of the PSI Academy currently in South Calgary (7 Chiefs) and North Calgary (Crowchild) developing talented hockey players ages 10-14 yr. olds.
I have welcomed the opportunities presented by the various Skills Academies to teach and train hockey players during the school day, while working with coaches and their teams in the evening. The CRASHERS Spring Program began in 2009 with the creation of the CRASHERS '97 Elite Spring Hockey Team that still has players currently participating in NCAA hockey. The Puck Smart Inc. Crashers Spring Hockey Program has continued to evolve over the years seeing the CRASHERS '01 (2011-2013) & CRASHERS 2003 (2014-2016) teams do very well in the Alberta Gold Division. Our most recent Crashers teams have now graduated to U15 and U17 hockey always competing at a high level in the 2008 (2015-2020) and 2007 (2017-2020) Gold Divisions.
Puck Smart Inc. has also enjoyed 23 years of successful hockey schools beginning in 1999 -2003 in Cranbrook & Crowsnest Pass area. Puck Smart Inc. Hockey Camps currently in Calgary (2009- present) have been very successful. We offer a 5 day Summer Skills Academy program, Checking Camps and Battle Camps, Skills N' Drills Pre-Season Camps as well as High Tempo Prep Camps and Defense/Fwd-specific camps.
I have welcomed the opportunities presented by the various Skills Academies to teach and train hockey players during the school day, while working with coaches and their teams in the evening. The CRASHERS Spring Program began in 2009 with the creation of the CRASHERS '97 Elite Spring Hockey Team that still has players currently participating in NCAA hockey. The Puck Smart Inc. Crashers Spring Hockey Program has continued to evolve over the years seeing the CRASHERS '01 (2011-2013) & CRASHERS 2003 (2014-2016) teams do very well in the Alberta Gold Division. Our most recent Crashers teams have now graduated to U15 and U17 hockey always competing at a high level in the 2008 (2015-2020) and 2007 (2017-2020) Gold Divisions.
Puck Smart Inc. has also enjoyed 23 years of successful hockey schools beginning in 1999 -2003 in Cranbrook & Crowsnest Pass area. Puck Smart Inc. Hockey Camps currently in Calgary (2009- present) have been very successful. We offer a 5 day Summer Skills Academy program, Checking Camps and Battle Camps, Skills N' Drills Pre-Season Camps as well as High Tempo Prep Camps and Defense/Fwd-specific camps.
Coach Mentoring
Puck Smart Inc. Mentors many coaches, teams and players in the Calgary area including both quadrant and community teams of all ages and divisions. Mentoring can take place in a variety of forms that includes Coach Specialty Clinic Sessions, Team Specialty Clinics, Player Specialty Clinic Sessions and Evaluations. Puck Smart Inc. has also led on-ice skills clinics for Coaches Day in Alberta and works with organizations outside of Calgary as a Hockey Alberta Course Conductor to certify both new and experienced coaches.
Puck Smart Inc. was hired in 2010 to manage the hockey operations for the Bow Valley Hockey Society from 2010-2013. Puck Smart Inc. provided a vision and strategic plan to establish a culture of coach development, player development, team support and team building with the association to ensure that all members had a positive experience with their teams. Puck Smart Inc. developed Coach Mentorship resources that were designed to increase coach confidence, while helping coaches to be more prepared and knowledgeable in assisting their players with skill development. We were able to accomplish this, with the help of many wonderful volunteers, and positively influence an association that put 49 teams on the ice and 250 coaches behind the bench. In just the 2nd year working with Puck Smart Inc., BVHS was recognized as the Association of the Year in Calgary for 2012. In the 3rd year of the program BVHS reached their greatest success to date by winning 12 minor hockey championships in one season. Puck Smart is also proud to have run successful evaluations for Midnapore Minor Hockey (2015-2017).
Puck Smart Inc. was hired in 2010 to manage the hockey operations for the Bow Valley Hockey Society from 2010-2013. Puck Smart Inc. provided a vision and strategic plan to establish a culture of coach development, player development, team support and team building with the association to ensure that all members had a positive experience with their teams. Puck Smart Inc. developed Coach Mentorship resources that were designed to increase coach confidence, while helping coaches to be more prepared and knowledgeable in assisting their players with skill development. We were able to accomplish this, with the help of many wonderful volunteers, and positively influence an association that put 49 teams on the ice and 250 coaches behind the bench. In just the 2nd year working with Puck Smart Inc., BVHS was recognized as the Association of the Year in Calgary for 2012. In the 3rd year of the program BVHS reached their greatest success to date by winning 12 minor hockey championships in one season. Puck Smart is also proud to have run successful evaluations for Midnapore Minor Hockey (2015-2017).
Brooks Bandits - AJHL
2012 - present
I enjoy the opportunity to work with and support the skill development of players at the Jr. A level. I have been fortunate enough to work with the Brooks Bandits since they moved into the Centennial Arena in 2010. I started off as a scout then became the teams Skills Coach in 2012 and continue that currently. Athletes at this level are looking to continue refining and expanding their skill sets with a very high attention to detail which allows them to perform and compete at this elite level. The Brooks Bandits continue to be one of the most successful franchises in Jr. A hockey since 2010 under the direction of coach Ryan Papaioannou.
The Brooks Bandits organization is a first class organization that understands the value of player skill development. The community support for the team and the culture that has been created within the Bandits organization is key to their success both on and off the ice. Developing players for the NCAA is a high priority for the team where you see the majority of players each year signing NCAA scholarships and eventually graduating from the Bandits to play in the NCAA. The Brooks Bandits won the RBC CUP in 2013 season and set an AJHL season record for wins going 53-4-3. The Brooks Bandits won the 2017 Western Canada Cup losing in the National RBC Semi-Finals 2017. On home ice in 2019 the Bandits once again hoisted the National Jr. A Championship trophy in Brooks, Alberta. Again in 2022 the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, the top junior team in Canada, defeated the OJHL's Pickering Panthers 4-1 for the Centennial Cup on Sunday (May 29) in Estevan, Sask., winning back-to-back national championships in the process.
The Brooks Bandits organization is a first class organization that understands the value of player skill development. The community support for the team and the culture that has been created within the Bandits organization is key to their success both on and off the ice. Developing players for the NCAA is a high priority for the team where you see the majority of players each year signing NCAA scholarships and eventually graduating from the Bandits to play in the NCAA. The Brooks Bandits won the RBC CUP in 2013 season and set an AJHL season record for wins going 53-4-3. The Brooks Bandits won the 2017 Western Canada Cup losing in the National RBC Semi-Finals 2017. On home ice in 2019 the Bandits once again hoisted the National Jr. A Championship trophy in Brooks, Alberta. Again in 2022 the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, the top junior team in Canada, defeated the OJHL's Pickering Panthers 4-1 for the Centennial Cup on Sunday (May 29) in Estevan, Sask., winning back-to-back national championships in the process.
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Bandits History
Season GP- W- L- T- Pts- GF GA
2012-13 60 53 4 3 109 289 113 1st South, Gas Drive Cup, RBC Cup
2013-14 60 39 13 8 86 196 132 1st South, Lost in third round
2014-15 60 43 13 4 90 234 163 2nd South, Lost League Finals
2015-16 60 49 9 2 100 306 135 AJHL Gas Drive Cup Champs, Western Canada Finalist, RBC CUP Semi-final
2016-17 60 51 5 4 106 284 197 AJHL Gas Drive Cup Champions, Western Canada Champs, RBC Finalist
2017-18 60 45 14 1 91 255 139 Lost in South League Final
2018-19 60 57 3 0 114 334 125 *National Jr. A Champions 2019
2019-20 58 46 10 2 98 256 141 *Season Cancelled Playoffs Interrupted (*Covid19)
2020-21 20 18 2 0 36 111 44 *Season Cancelled (*Covid 19)
2021-22 60 52 6 2 106 371 130 *National Jr. A Champions 2022
2022-23 60 53 5 1 108 319 113 *National Jr. A Champions 2023
2023-24
BCHL 65 58 6 1 117 144 60 *Rocky Mountain Challenge Champions BCHL
AJHL 45 41 4 0 82 242 87
Coach Kevin Awards and Accomplishments
- 1992 Male Athlete of the Year University of Lethbridge
- 1993 CIS Academic All-Canadian
- 2004 Alberta Hockey Leader Award
- 2015 Sportsnet 960 The Fan’s Minor Hockey Heroes Award