2025-2026 – U11AA/A Assistant Coaches ANNOUNCEMENT
Assistant Coach
Darren Snyder
Played minor hockey and junior in Cambridge, ON before playing at Cornell University of the NCAA. Transferred to University of Waterloo Warriors. As a power forward, led the Warriors as Captain and an All Star. Played minor Pro (CHL) and multiple years of Senior Hockey.
Assistant Coach roles with WMHA AAA U12-U18. As an Assistant Coach of U18 AAA led the team in its first year to Regional Championship and Air Canada Cup (Telus Cup). Assistant Coach of Waterloo Siskins (KW) and coach and evaluator at Regional U17 Camps for Team Ontario selections. Teaches the foundations of compete, puck movement and skills as a center man.
A regular mountain biker at the Waterloo Hydro Cut and loves Jazz. Once a Wolf, Always a Wolf!
Assistant Coach
Nathan Smilsky
Played minor hockey AA for the TNT Tornados, winning silver in U8, gold in U9 and U10, and an OHF championship. Moved to AAA in Barrie from U11 to U15, U16 with North Central, and U18 with the Mississauga Rebels, winning the GTHL, OHF, and bronze at the Telus Cup. At the junior level, played in the GOJHL and PJCHL with the St. Catharines Falcons, Stratford Warriors, Kitchener Dutchmen, and Alliston Hornets.
In addition to his playing career, served as the head coach of Ontario Ball Hockey’s U17 team while also competing for the Ontario U19 team in 2019 and the Canada U23 team in 2022.
Thrives in developing young players, focusing not only on technical skills and hockey IQ but also on the mindset needed to compete at the highest level. I am dedicated to building confident, intelligent, and hard-working athletes, helping them maximize their potential—both on and off the ice. Welcome to the Wolves Family Nathan!
Assistant Coach
Gavin Wood
Played minor hockey in Waterloo AAA system, where he developed a deep passion for the game. Played 3 seasons of Jr. hockey for the Kemptville 73s of the CCHL. Currently in his 5th year of studying psychology at the University of Waterloo, where he plays for the Warrior Men’s hockey team. Gavin is and on ice instructor and in demand, working for local hockey skills development programs. He is dedicated to fostering a positive and encouraging environment for young athletes, where they can come to the rink excited to learn and improve. During the off-season, I enjoy playing golf and running skill sessions for younger players.
Welcome back to Wolves Family and remember Once a Wolf, Always a Wolf!
Assistant Coach
Reese Stanley
Played A/AA for most of his minor hockey with the Waterloo Wolves. Reese will relate to this age group of U11 athlete. Through his hard work and development in AA and he played AAA, Victus Academy Prep and currently playing Senior Hockey. Reese was a hardnose standout in rugby playing for Team Ontario and Team Canada. Reese is a passionate about competing and excited to support our athletes to have success through hard work and learn mental resilience (toughness) through ups and downs of competition. Reese is looking forward to a positive and fun year with lots of laughs, improvement and success! Once a Wolf, Always a Wolf!
Stay tuned for more updates on our Goaltending Program.
See you at the Rink!
Coach Mike