AA/A Coaches, AA (Waterloo Minor Hockey)

Mike Poulin

INTRODUCING OUR U10AA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON

🎉🎉MIKE POULIN🎉🎉

Contact Coach Poulin via email at: [email protected]

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Bench Banter: Get to Know Coach Poulin 🏒🔥
Warm Up: 🎤🏒 Behind the Bench – Get the "411"!📞
How many years have you been coaching hockey? 
3

What Coaching Certifications/Qualifications do you have? 
Coach 2 (in progress)

What is your playing experience? 
I grew up playing minor hockey in Kitchener. The last competitive hockey team I played on was the Ottawa Jr. Senators of the Central Junior Hockey League (CJHL) in 2005.

1st Period: 🏒📣 Reasons for Coaching – The "Why" Behind the Whistle? 🔥
Why did you become a hockey coach? 
I love to coach young athletes, there is nothing better than having a positive impact on a young child's life. Coaching gives me an opportunity to do that, not only on the ice but off it as well.

What's your Coaching Philosophy/Approach? 
My coaching philosophy is to create a positive environment where we focus on individual skill development, skating, and systems. I want to give the kids every opportunity to succeed and reach the next level, I'll encourage them to always give their best effort and play with creativity. I like to reference the "mirror test", which asks can you look yourself in the mirror and know that you gave it your best, as long as the kids can do that I don't care what the score is. The goal is to work hard and have fun, as a coach I will do everything I can to give the kids my best effort and create a great experience for them. 

2nd Period: Chalk Talk Choices🏒📝
Favourite NHL Team/Player? 
Ottawa Senators/Sidney Crosby

Favourite Drill or Skill to Teach? 
Small area games. I see a great benefit in competing in a game setting but in tight space. Also....power skating!

What your Players would say that you always say/yell during practices or games?
"We're buzzing!!"

3rd Period: Fun Facts & Personal Picks!🎉📢
What do you enjoy doing away from the rink? 
I love spending time with my Family (my wife, Jana and 3 sons: Leo, Ben and Marty) and playing/coaching lacrosse. I try to be as active as possible through exercise and outdoor activities. 

Favourite Movie, Book or TV Show? 🎬:
Good Will Hunting, 📖:Legacy by James Kerr, 📺:Ted Lasso

Favourite Pre-Game Meal or Snack? 
Chipotle 

Favourite Music Artist or Song?
Tim McGraw

Overtime: Final Buzzer🏒🔔
What's one piece of advice you'd give your players?  
Don't worry about making mistakes, I encourage you to be creative on the ice. As long as you are giving your best effort I'm ok with whatever happens. Hockey is supposed to be fun.

Anything else you'd like to share about yourself? 
In addition to hockey I grew up playing lacrosse. I played 19 seasons in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) with the Toronto Rock, Boston Blazers, Calgary Roughnecks, Georgia Swarm, and San Diego Seals. I was also fortunate enough to represent Canada at the World Championships in 2019 where we won the gold medal.I grew up in Kitchener and now live in Waterloo with my family, I love our community and hope to make a positive impact as much as I possibly can. I have been extremely fortunate to have had amazing coaches throughout my sports career, I hope to give the same great experience that I had to the kids that I am lucky enough to coach. Go Wolves!

🏒 Game Over, Coach’s Call!
That’s the final buzzer on our Q&A with Coach Poulin! 
Stick taps to you for sharing your story!
Looking forward to seeing Coach Poulin and the U10AA 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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Mike Payne

INTRODUCING OUR U11AA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON

🎉🎉MIKE PAYNE🎉🎉

Contact Coach Payne via email at: [email protected]

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Bench Banter: Get to Know Coach Payne 🏒🔥
Warm Up: 🎤🏒 Behind the Bench – Get the "411"!📞

How many years have you been coaching hockey? 
18

What Coaching Certifications/Qualifications do you have? 
Coach 1, Coach 2 and Development 1

What is your playing experience? 
Played with the University of Waterloo Warriors Men's hockey team.

1st Period: 🏒📣 Reasons for Coaching – The "Why" Behind the Whistle? 🔥

Why did you become a hockey coach? 
To help players get better!

What's your Coaching Philosophy/Approach? 
Situational - instant feedback!

2nd Period: Chalk Talk Choices🏒📝

Favourite NHL Team/Player? 
Minnesota North Starts (now the Dallas Stars)

Favourite Drill or Skill to Teach? 
3-Player Weave

What your Players would say that you always say/yell during practices or games?
"Move your feet!!"

3rd Period: Fun Facts & Personal Picks!🎉📢

What do you enjoy doing away from the rink? 
Mountain biking at Waterloo Hydrocut

Favourite Movie, Book or TV Show? 🎬
Slapshot

Favourite Pre-Game Meal or Snack? 
Protein smoothie 

Favourite Music Artist or Song?
Guns 'n Roses

Overtime: Final Buzzer🏒🔔

What's one piece of advice you'd give your players? 
Push yourself to get better!

Anything else you would like to share about yourself? 
Make hockey a family event! I have over 18 years of coaching experience with WMHA (IP to U18AAA), Alliance Development Programs and roles as an Assistant with KW Siskins (Waterloo). I am an active alumnus of the University of Waterloo Warriors Men’s Hockey team. My coaching philosophies include Having Fun, Hard Work, Skill Development and Teamwork! Once a Wolf, Always a Wolf! 

🏒 Game Over, Coach’s Call!
That’s the final buzzer on our Q&A with Coach Payne! 
Stick taps to you for sharing your story!

Looking forward to seeing Coach Payne and the U11AA 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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Daniel Bye

INTRODUCING OUR U12AA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON

DANIEL BYE

Contact Coach Bye via email at: [email protected]

Bench Banter: Get to Know Coach Bye 🏒🔥

Warm Up: 🎤🏒 Behind the Bench – Get the "411"!📞

What is your current team/position?
U11 A/AA Waterloo Wolves

How many years have you been coaching hockey? 
4

What Coaching Certifications/Qualifications do you have? 
Coach 2, Development 1 in progress

What is your playing experience? 
Waterloo Minor Hockey Alumni!

1st Period: 🏒📣 Reasons for Coaching – The "Why" Behind the Whistle? 🔥

Why did you become a hockey coach? 
Playing minor hockey, I had many great coaches, coaches that were there to help make me the best player and person I could.  Coaching young athletes to strive towards a goal, be it personal or as a team, is very important life lesson, and we as coaches we should try and make it as rewarding and fun as possible.

What's your Coaching Philosophy/Approach? 
Failure leads to success.  If you aren’t pushing yourself or working hard enough, you aren’t learning. If you are too comfortable or are to afraid of embarrassing yourself you are only cheating yourself of your own development. We have to fall to learn to get back up!

2nd Period: Chalk Talk Choices🏒📝

Favourite NHL Team/Player? Chicago Blackhawks/Cale Makar

Favourite Drill or Skill to Teach? 
It would be hard to point to 1 single drill that's a favorite, but any drill that implements flow and engages the players to think before doing and learning that patience is an asset sometimes.

What your Players would say that you always say/yell during practices or games?
"HEAD UP!" and "LOOK!"

3rd Period: Fun Facts & Personal Picks!🎉📢

What do you enjoy doing away from the rink? 
I didn't know that we were allowed to have other hobbies away from the rink :)

Favourite Movie, Book or TV Show? 
It might surprise some to know that I am a huge Potterhead! Harry Potter is the best series of books to ever be written

Favourite Pre-Game Meal or Snack? 
Gnocchi......I don't really know what it is, I just like the way it sounds....Gnocchi

Favourite Music Artist or Song?
Luke Combs

Overtime: Final Buzzer🏒🔔

What's one piece of advice you'd give your players? 

Work hard and have fun! You will remember these years for the rest of your life!

🏒 Game Over, Coach’s Call!That’s the final buzzer on our Q&A with Coach Bye! 

Stick taps to you for sharing your story!

Looking forward to seeing Coach Bye and the U12AA 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]🐺🐺🐺×

Riley Reid

INTRODUCING OUR U13AA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON

RILEY REID

Contact Coach Reid our via email at: [email protected]

Bench Banter: Get to Know Coach Reid 🏒🔥

Warm Up: 🎤🏒 Behind the Bench – Get the "411"!📞

What is your current team/position?
U13A, Assistant Coach with the Woolwich Wildcats

How many years have you been coaching hockey?
4

What Coaching Certifications/Qualifications do you have? 
HCTP Trainer Level, Development 1

What is your playing experience? 
Waterloo Minor Hockey Alumni!

1st Period: 🏒📣 Reasons for Coaching – The "Why" Behind the Whistle? 🔥

Why did you become a hockey coach? 
I decided to become a coach because I am super passionate about the game and the valuable lessons it teaches on and off the ice. I also want to pass on the knowledge I gained from playing hockey to the next generation. 

What's your Coaching Philosophy/Approach? 
My coaching philosophy is based around the principle of creating a family environment within the dressing room and working towards making each individual better on and off the ice. I emphasize effort and a growth mindset among my players. Mistakes are how we grow as people and players and I encourage my players to take risks and learn from the mistakes and always celebrate the progress.

2nd Period: Chalk Talk Choices🏒📝

Favourite NHL Team/Player? 
Dallas Stars/Jerome Iginla

Favourite Drill or Skill to Teach? 
Driving to the net and tipping point shots

What your Players would say that you always say/yell during practices or games?
"TIME! TIME! TIME!" or "HIGH GUY!"

3rd Period: Fun Facts & Personal Picks!🎉📢

What do you enjoy doing away from the rink? 
Golfing, going to the gym and being a teacher

Favourite Movie, Book or TV Show? 
📺:Yellowstone
🎬:Miracle on Ice

Favourite Pre-Game Meal or Snack? 
Chicken alfredo pasta

Favourite Music Artist or Song?
Morgan Wallen

Overtime: Final Buzzer🏒🔔

What's one piece of advice you'd give your players? 
“Control the controllables”.  Things you can control are your effort and your attitude, things like refs and the other team are things you have no ability to control. 

Anything else you would like to share about yourself? 
Looking forward to the upcoming hockey season and meeting everyone around the rink!

🏒 Game Over, Coach’s Call! That’s the final buzzer on our Q&A with Coach Reid!

Stick taps to you for sharing your story!

Looking forward to seeing Coach Reid and the U13AA 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]🐺🐺🐺×

Sean Lowes

INTRODUCING OUR U14AA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON🎉🎉SEAN LOWES🎉🎉Contact Coach Lowes via email at: [email protected]🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺Bench Banter: Get to Know Coach Lowes 🏒🔥Warm Up: 🎤🏒 Behind the Bench – Get the "411"!📞What is current team/position?Head Coach - U13AA Waterloo WolvesHow many years have you been coaching hockey? 2What Coaching Certifications/Qualifications do you have? Development 1What is your playing experience? Played minor hockey for 15 years across all representative levels1st Period: 🏒📣 Reasons for Coaching – The "Why" Behind the Whistle? 🔥Why did you become a hockey coach? I've had coaches make Hockey the best thing to ever happen to me, and I've had coaches make Hockey the worst thing that's ever happened to me. Hockey needs more of the former and much much less of the latter.I want to leave an impact on kids that makes them excited to go to the rink to have a great time, rather than dread it like some unfortunately do. Even if that's only 17 kids or so I leave an impact on, that's enough for me. What's your Coaching Philosophy/Approach? Players need to understand the Why and the purpose of each and everything they're told. They often get told what to do throughout their lives without knowing the long-term goal, and it makes them disengaged. If they understand why and see the end result of the teachings, they'll want to learn and improve. Making them want to learn is often the difference between a good coach, and a great one in my opinion.2nd Period: Chalk Talk Choices🏒📝Favourite NHL Team/Player? Boston BruinsFavourite Drill or Skill to Teach? Passing/mastering what to do without the puckWhat your Players would say that you always say/yell during practices or games?"TRIANGLE!"3rd Period: Fun Facts & Personal Picks!🎉📢What do you enjoy doing away from the rink? GolfingFavourite Movie, Book or TV Show? 📺ShoresyFavourite Pre-Game Meal or Snack? Chicken AlfredoFavourite Music Artist or Song?Tyler ChildersOvertime: Final Buzzer🏒🔔What's one piece of advice you'd give your players?  Learn one thing every time you hit the ice. Whether it's a game or practice, whether it went great or terribly, pull one thing you need to learn/improve on that you found throughout that ice time.🏒 Game Over, Coach’s Call!That’s the final buzzer on our Q&A with Coach Lowes! Stick taps to you for sharing your story!Looking forward to seeing Coach Lowes and the U14AA 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]🐺🐺🐺×

Steve Gilmour

INTRODUCING OUR U15AA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON🎉🎉STEVE GILMOUR🎉🎉Contact Coach Gilmour via email at: [email protected] 🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺Bench Banter: Get to Know Coach Gilmour 🏒🔥Warm Up: 🎤🏒 Behind the Bench – Get the "411"!📞What is your current team/position?Waterloo Wolves U14AA teamHow many years have you been coaching hockey? 9What Coaching Certifications/Qualifications do you have? D1 Certified1st Period: 🏒📣 Reasons for Coaching – The "Why" Behind the Whistle? 🔥Why did you become a hockey coach? I became a coach to give back and because I enjoy being at the rink with the players and I got into coaching as soon as my son finished playing as I had no desire to coach my own kidsWhat's your Coaching Philosophy/Approach? My philosophy is centered around respect and accountability. As  an old school type, ice time is earned and often performance does matter. Our staff offers a blend of young and old where ultimately, fun is the name of the game but we don’t take excuses when things don’t go our way.2nd Period: Chalk Talk Choices🏒📝Favourite NHL Team/Player? Toronto Maple Leafs (I am sure they will win another cup in my lifetime)Favourite Drill or Skill to Teach? The Power Play - its a beautiful thing when it comes together!3rd Period: Fun Facts & Personal Picks!🎉📢GO LEAFS GO!Overtime: Final Buzzer🏒🔔What's one piece of advice you'd give your players? The advice I’d give to my players is to fully enjoy these years and to learn that throughout your life you’ll be judged by the way you act and perform.  🏒 Game Over, Coach’s Call!That’s the final buzzer on our Q&A with Coach Gilmour! Stick taps to you for sharing your story!Looking forward to seeing Coach Gilmour and the U15AA/A 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]🐺🐺🐺×

Aaron Logan

INTRODUCING OUR U16AA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON🎉🎉AARON LOGAN🎉🎉Contact Coach Logan via email at: [email protected]🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺Bench Banter: Get to Know Coach Logan 🏒🔥Warm Up: 🎤🏒 Behind the Bench – Get the "411"!📞What is your current team/position?U15A Assistant Coach with Woolwich Minor HockeyHow many years have you been coaching hockey? 5What Coaching Certifications/Qualifications do you have? Development 1 Certified1st Period: 🏒📣 Reasons for Coaching – The "Why" Behind the Whistle? 🔥Why did you become a hockey coach? To give back to players as was done for me before. Hockey is a game that can provide so many memories, life lessons and friendships. To build a competitive environment and culture where players are pushed and given the tools to grow and develop confidence along the way to reaching their goals.What's your Coaching Philosophy/Approach? We view the team as a family, with a family first mentality. Unified belief and support for each other is a key aspect of our culture.We expect a high level of commitment and drive from our players. Good teammates who enjoy being students of the game to become the best players they can be and the best team we can be. Every player is individually responsible for their: 1) Effort 2) Attitude 3) Energy. 2nd Period: Chalk Talk Choices🏒📝Favourite NHL Team/Player? Toronto Maple Leafs/Past Player: Pavel Datsyuk - Present: Nathan MacKinnonFavourite Drill or Skill to Teach? The forecheck, effectively eliminating time and space as a pack. Also, offensive zone structure/spacing to find soft ice off the cycle. What your Players would say that you always say/yell during practices or games?"Time!", "Eyes UP!" or "Compete!"3rd Period: Fun Facts & Personal Picks!🎉📢What do you enjoy doing away from the rink? Golf, fishing, spending time with family and friendsFavourite Movie, Book or TV Show? 🎬: Moneyball, Happy Gilmore, Slapshot📺Ted LassoFavourite Pre-Game Meal or Snack? CoffeeFavourite Music Artist or Song?Fan of most music, typically catch me listening to rock n' roll or countryOvertime: Final Buzzer🏒🔔What's one piece of advice you'd give your players? Tackle challenges/adversity head on and make memories with your teammates/family. 🏒 Game Over, Coach’s Call!That’s the final buzzer on our Q&A with Coach Logan! Stick taps to you for sharing your story!Looking forward to seeing Coach Logan and the U16AA 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]🐺🐺🐺For 2025-26 Programming Information, including Prep Skates, Evaluation Registration and Seasonal Information, please contact the WMHA Office at:  [email protected]×

Mike Radatus

INTRODUCING OUR U18AA HEAD COACH FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON🎉🎉MIKE RADATUS🎉🎉Contact Coach Radatus via email at: [email protected]🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺Bench Banter: Get to Know Coach Radatus 🏒🔥Warm Up: 🎤🏒 Behind the Bench – Get the "411"!📞What is your current team/position?U18AA Head Coach with the Waterloo WolvesHow many years have you been coaching hockey? 12 What Coaching Certifications/Qualifications do you have?  Respect In Sport - Activity Leader | Development 1  | Professional Development - Member Coaching Day Clinics Gender Identity and Expression Course  | Instructional Stream - Checking Skills 1 | HU - Planning a Safe Return to Hockey 1st Period: 🏒📣 Reasons for Coaching – The "Why" Behind the Whistle? 🔥Why did you become a hockey coach? I wanted to make a difference in my community and have always loved being part of a team. Getting the opportunity to work with talented players and help them achieve their goals is rewarding. What's your Coaching Philosophy/Approach? We firmly believe mistakes happen and as long as the effort and attitude is in right place those errors can turn into strengths. If you are not uncomfortable at times, you are not improving. The team culture is extremely important to our team. We support one another and collectively work together. We like to set individual development plans and work with the player to reach their goals.2nd Period: Chalk Talk Choices🏒📝Favourite NHL Team/Player? Montreal Canadiens - Cole CaufieldFavourite Drill or Skill to Teach?  Zone Entries and forechecking / BackcheckingWhat your Players would say that you always say/yell during practices or games?"Time!"3rd Period: Fun Facts & Personal Picks!🎉📢What do you enjoy doing away from the rink? Going to see live music and playing ball hockeyFavourite Movie, Book or TV Show? 📺YellowstoneFavourite Pre-Game Meal or Snack? Smoked RibsFavourite Music Artist or Song?ToolOvertime: Final Buzzer🏒🔔What's one piece of advice you'd give your players? Train hard, play hard but make sure you are having fun!🏒 Game Over, Coach’s Call!That’s the final buzzer on our Q&A with Coach Radatus! Stick taps to you for sharing your story!Looking forward to seeing Coach Radatus and the U18AA 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]🐺🐺🐺×