OKANAGAN SPRING HOCKEy

Matt loves the game of hockey. As a player growing up, an adult player, a coach and parent. He knows the community (kids and families) around the rink is one of the best places on earth! Matt is currently head coach for the LNZ U13 Tier 2 Vipers and assisting coaching with the Vernon U9A Scorpions. For the past 4 years he has coached at U9, U11 and U13 development levels for both GVMHA and the OTE Outlaws. His U11A Vipers earned 2 banners in 2025, winning both regular season and playoff titles. Matt promotes a culture of engagement, hard work and growth. Helping kids see their unique contributions and value sets the stage for constructive feedback. Feeding kids a strong message that they will get out of life, whatever they are willing to put in, is fundamental to development. He expects commitment and buy-in from his athletes and families. Hockey is the hardest game on earth, but can be the most rewarding. Helping young athletes see past obstacles and find confidence to grow and improve is one of Matt’s favourite parts of the sport. Growth and development are a journey, not a destination. Matt is passionate about sharing in the journey with his family and as a coach. He promotes constant incremental improvements and celebrates mistakes as opportunities to learn. For 2017 Outlaws in 2026, we will focus on the transition from U9 Tiered to U11 Development. Individual skill development remains important, but takes a back-row seat to positional play and team work. Our goal will be a clear understanding of roles/positions as we start to teach simple systems for both offensive and defensive play.

Dave has volunteered as a coach in Vernon for the past 11 years, taking on Head Coach and Assistant roles with 18 different teams from U5 to U15. He currently serves as an Assistant Coach with the U13 Tier 1 Mustangs and U15 Tier 1 AA North Zone Kings. He believes youth hockey should inspire a lifelong love of the game. His approach prioritizes effort over perfection, development over short-term results, and confidence through positive experiences. He is passionate about creating an environment where every player feels valued, challenged, and excited to come to the rink. For Dave, the goal is simple: help young athletes grow their skills, build character, and create memories that last far beyond their minor hockey years.

Coach Clay has been coaching hockey for 15+ years and has worked with every age group from U7 to U18 - even when they were still called Initiation, Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam, and Midget! A lifelong hockey fan, he brings a deep passion for the game and a commitment to constant growth. Clay is always completing additional coaching courses and staying up to date through apps, websites, and skill-development platforms to ensure his players get the most current and effective training. He began coaching in his hometown of Warburg before moving to Lumby, where both of his boys started their hockey journeys. His family eventually settled in Vernon so his sons could pursue rep hockey - hockey is truly a family passion, shared by Clay, his wife, and both boys. He prides himself on focusing on the details and helping players expand their skill sets, build confidence, and continue developing in every session. Clay works hard to create an environment where players trust their coach, push themselves, and genuinely love coming to the rink. For him, it’s all about helping athletes grow their skills, find their passion, and have fun every step of the way.