Chris Playfair
INTRODUCING OUR U14AAA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON๐๐CHRIS PLAYFAIR๐๐
Contact Coach Playfair via email at:
[email protected]
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Bench Banter: Get to Know Coach Playfair
๐๐ฅChris Playfair grew up playing AAA hockey for the Waterloo Wolves before being drafted 75th overall by the Windsor Spitfires in 2016. During his time in Windsor, Chris was part of the team that won the Memorial Cup in 2017 and served as an assistant captain in 2018 onward. After completing four years in the OHL, Chris moved on to play USPORTS hockey at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), where he completed Business Management (BComm) degree.
As captain of the TMU Men’s Hockey Team since his third season, Coach Chris has helped lead the team to three top 4 finishes in the country. His dedication on and off the ice has earned him recognition as an Academic All-Canadian in 2022 and 2023, as well as the OUA True Sport Award in 2024.
From Coach Playfair: “I believe that every player, regardless of age or skill level, must continually refine their foundation of basic skills. Mastery of these fundamentals, combined with unwavering consistency, attention to detail, and a relentless drive to improve, will allow players to rise above the pack in the long term. My philosophy focuses on creating an environment where players are challenged to push their limits, develop confidence, and ultimately reach their full potential.”
Stick taps to Coach Playfair for sharing your story! Looking forward to seeing Coach Playfair and the U14AAA Waterloo Wolves in action in 2025-26!For 2025-26 Programming Information, including Prep Skates, Evaluation Registration and Seasonal Information, please contact the WMHA Office at:
[email protected]Conor McCreary
INTRODUCING OUR U10AAA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON
๐๐CONOR MCCREARY๐๐
Contact Coach McCreary via email at:
[email protected]
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PLAYER TESTIMONIALS!
"I had coach Conor with the U16AAA Waterloo Wolves in 2013-2014. Over ten years ago already! I really enjoyed my time with him because he was a great players coach who was able to connect and build relationships with his players. It was nice to have someone a part of the staff who I could talk to about not only hockey, but about life in general. Our team that year was very talented and skilled but Conor was not phased by any of this. He encouraged hard work and determination over all else and is a big reason why our team was able to have success throughout that season. I think it says a lot about a coach when as a past player you are able to re-connect after more than 10 years being coached by him. He values the relationships with his players which makes it much easier to work hard and play hard for a coach!"
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Chase Campbell
'98 Waterloo Wolves AAA
2014-19 in OHL
2019-24 U of W Warriors
"I’m Andy Reist, I’m currently playing NCAA Division 1 hockey at Niagara University. I grew up playing minor hockey in Waterloo and had Conor McCreary as a head coach for multiple years. I loved playing for Conor and have nothing but good things to say about him. He knows the game so well and gets the most out of all his players. He develops everyone not only on the ice as hockey players but also off the ice as people. I’m thankful to have learned from Conor and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him! All the best with recruiting this year, I’m sure you’ll bring a great team together."
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Andy Reist
'04 Waterloo Wolves AAA
2021-24 Coburg Cougars
2-time Member of Canada East U19 at World Jr A Challenge
Current Member of Niagara University Hockey Club
Bench Banter: Get to Know Coach McCreary ๐๐ฅWarm Up: ๐ค๐ Behind the Bench – Get the "411"!๐
What is your current team/position? Head Coach of the Waterloo Wolves U10 AAA
How many years have you been coaching hockey?
10+
What Coaching Certifications/Qualifications do you have?
HP1 off-ice, D1, TCS Ann Arbor Conference, Multiple OHF Coaches Conferences
What is your playing experience? Waterloo Minor Hockey Alumni, Wellesley Apple Jacks
1st Period: ๐๐ฃ Reasons for Coaching – The "Why" Behind the Whistle? ๐ฅ
Why did you become a hockey coach?
To give back to the Community that game me so much as a kid
What's your Coaching Philosophy/Approach?
Teaching players how to become good teammates is as important as individual skill development
2nd Period: Chalk Talk Choices๐๐
Favourite NHL Team/Player? Toronto Maple Leafs
Favourite Drill or Skill to Teach?
Small Area Battles
What your Players would say that you always say/yell during practices or games?
"ATTACK!"
3rd Period: Fun Facts & Personal Picks!๐๐ข
What do you enjoy doing away from the rink?
Anything with my son!
Favourite Movie, Book or TV Show?
Love watching any sport
Favourite Pre-Game Meal or Snack?
As a Coach....Coffee
Favourite Music Artist or Song?
Tragically Hip
Overtime: Final Buzzer๐๐
What's one piece of advice you'd give your players?
If you're not willing to be a good teammate, you won't last long in a team game
Anything else you would like to share about yourself?
Over my coaching career I've been lucky to work under/ with some fantastic coaches that I've been fortunate to learn a lot from. We have had success at various ages and levels, most notably 4 Alliance Championships as an assistant coach with the '98, '99 and '00 born U16 Waterloo AAA teams and the '00 U15 Waterloo AAA team, and a Alliance Co-Championship (COVID year) as Head Coach with the '06 born U14 Waterloo AAA team. I have been lucky enough to coach dozens of players that have gone on to play various levels of Junior, college and pro hockey.
๐ Game Over, Coach’s Call!
That’s the final buzzer on our Q&A with Coach McCreary!
Stick taps to you for sharing your story!
Stay tuned for player testimonials as well as updates regarding on-ice skill development and off-ice training!
Looking forward to seeing Coach McCreary and the U11AAA Waterloo Wolves in action in 2025-26!
For 2025-26 Programming Information, including Prep Skates, Evaluation Registration and Seasonal Information, please contact the WMHA Office at:
[email protected]
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Craig Dumart
INTRODUCING OUR U10AAA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON
๐๐CRAIG DUMART๐๐
Contact Coach Dumart via email at:
[email protected]
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Bench Banter: Get to Know Coach Dumart
๐๐ฅWarm Up: ๐ค๐ Behind the Bench – Get the "411"!๐
What is your current team/position?
Decided to take a season off and be a "fan" this year!
How many years have you been coaching hockey?
5 years involved in minor hockey - combination of Coaching & Convenor role for Woolwich Minor Hockey and Waterloo Minor Hockey.
What Coaching Certifications/Qualifications do you have? Coach 2 (completed) - D1 in progress
1st Period: ๐๐ฃ Reasons for Coaching – The "Why" Behind the Whistle? ๐ฅ
Why did you become a hockey coach?
To guide and mentor young players in developing their skills, to help grow their love of the game, and to make sure they are having fun doing it!
What's your Coaching Philosophy/Approach?
Setting achievable team and individual goals. Teaching the value of teamwork with positive reinforcement, hard work, skill development all while having fun.
2nd Period: Chalk Talk Choices๐๐
Favourite NHL Team/Player?
Boston Bruins/Woody Dumart (past) and Connor McDavid (present)
Favourite Drill or Skill to Teach?
Drill: Any battle drill - Skill: I like to teach the Toe Drag Release
What your Players would say that you always say/yell during practices or games?
"Move the Puck! The puck doesn't get tired!"
3rd Period: Fun Facts & Personal Picks!๐๐ข
What do you enjoy doing away from the rink?
Golfing
Favourite Movie, Book or TV Show?
Yellowstone
Favourite Pre-Game Meal or Snack?
Pasta and Chicken
Favourite Music Artist or Song?
Morgan Wallen
Overtime: Final Buzzer๐๐
What's one piece of advice you'd give your players?
Treat practice like games, make the most of every moment, have fun, cherish the friendships you build with your teammate and focus on learning and improving your skills rather than just winning.
๐ Game Over, Coach’s Call!
That’s the final buzzer on our Q&A with Coach Dumart! Stick taps to you for sharing your story!
Looking forward to seeing Coach Dumart and the U10AAA Waterloo Wolves in action in 2025-26!
For 2025-26 Programming Information, including Prep Skates, Evaluation Registration and Seasonal Information, please contact the WMHA Office at:
[email protected]
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