The experiences that taught me how people grow

At eighteen, I was cut by the Olds Grizzlys. I still believed I could play Junior A hockey, and I wanted to earn a university scholarship. I decided to keep pursuing that goal.

I played Junior B in Carstairs, where I had fun and grew as a person and a player, before moving to the Fort St. John Huskies at nineteen. At twenty, Olds traded for me to become their number one goaltender. That season (1991–92), we won an AJHL championship.

After that championship season, I earned an NCAA Division I scholarship to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (1992–1996). I played four seasons, appeared in 70 games, and graduated with a degree in exercise science.

I later played professionally in Roanoke in the ECHL in 1996–97 and in Memphis in the CHL in 1997.

That journey shapes how I approach teaching, coaching, and helping people grow. One setback doesn't define your ability or settle your future. You can keep learning, find another path, and prepare for your next opportunity.

After my collegiate and professional playing career, I continued competing at a high level — winning Canada's senior amateur championship, the Allan Cup, with the Stony Plain Eagles in 1999. That experience reinforced how much preparation and composure matter when the pressure is real.

My AJHL coaching experience spans eight seasons. I spent six seasons with the Drayton Valley Thunder from 2003–04 through 2008–09 and returned as their goaltending coach for the 2023–24 season. I also coached one season with the Whitecourt Wolverines. Across those roles, I served as an assistant coach and goaltending coach.

Today, I also scout for the Drayton Valley Thunder, helping identify and evaluate young talent ready for the junior level.

Coaching gave me a way to turn what I'd lived into something useful for someone else. When a young goaltender gets pulled or doubts their game, I can tell them what I'd want to have heard at that age — because I was that goaltender once.

I taught high school Math, Science, and Physical Education for 15 years, and middle school for five, in Alberta's public system. Alongside that, I built and led a junior- and senior-high hockey program for seven years.

Teaching and coaching have shown me how much confidence can grow when progress becomes visible. Learning a new skill, understanding a difficult concept, or making a save can give someone a reason to believe they can take the next step.

That's what pulled teaching and coaching together for me. Whether it's a math concept or a save, the job is the same: break it down, let them do the reps, and make sure they see the moment they get it.