Serving as the Managing Partner of Apex Hockey Canada, Shane Byrne brings a wealth of experience to the role. With a background as a former elite hockey player, Shane’s journey includes playing minor hockey in the Nepean Raiders system and earning a spot in the Ontario Hockey League through his draft to the Kingston Frontenacs. With over fifteen years of coaching experience, Shane is a passionate and dynamic leader, having nurtured the development of numerous youth-level players. Shane earned a Bachelor of Social Science degree, majoring in Criminology, from the University of Ottawa.

Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Shane oversees the day-to-day operations of Apex Hockey Canada, which includes operations in Ottawa, Montreal, Oakville, Halifax, Calgary and Vancouver.

In addition to his managerial responsibilities, Shane has provided valuable insights as a skating consultant for the Boston Bruins organization during the 2015 Development Camp and the 2015-2016 season. His expertise extended further as a skating consultant to the Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) and the Manchester Monarchs (ECHL Development Affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings) in the 2017-2018 season. Shane also consults as the skill development coach for the Kemptville 73’s Junior A hockey club.

As the Managing Partner of Apex Hockey USA, Dan Bittle oversees the company’s operations in the United States from his base in Los Angeles, California. In addition to his role in managing US operations, Dan takes charge of the business’s marketing and social media strategies. Before venturing into the sports industry, he accumulated experience in corporate communications, where he maintained branding standards for Fortune 500 clients at a boutique advertising agency.

Possessing an academic background in sport science, Dan has played a pivotal role in developing athletes at various levels, including Junior A, major junior, AHL, and NHL. His involvement as a fitness evaluation consultant for NHL Central Scouting at the NHL Scouting Combine from 2011 to 2015 showcases his commitment to the field. Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania.

His diverse experience includes roles as a strength coach and video coach at both the Junior A and CIS University levels. Notably, he contributed to the Gloucester Rangers Junior A Hockey Club of the CCHL and the University of Ottawa Men’s Hockey Team. At the NHL level, Dan served as a skating consultant for the Boston Bruins organization during the 2015 Development Camp and the 2015-2016 season. In the subsequent years, he continued to make an impact as a skating consultant for the Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) and the Manchester Monarchs (ECHL Development Affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings) during the 2017-2018 season. Most recently, Dan served as an assistant coach for the UCLA Bruins men’s hockey team for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons.

Meet Hunter Marriott, an R&D Consultant at Apex Hockey, bringing a unique blend of athletic prowess and academic excellence to our team. Originally hailing from Fall River, Nova Scotia, Hunter played elite-level basketball with Basketball Nova Scotia.

Hunter is a proud alumna of the University of Ottawa, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Biomedical Mechanical Engineering. Her academic journey continued at Sheffield Hallam University, where she not only pursued a Master of Science in Sports Engineering but continued her athletic pursuits with the women’s varsity basketball team.

Passionate about injury prevention and rehabilitation, Hunter’s expertise extends to the realm of biomechanics in sports. Her groundbreaking research has led to her being recognized as an inventor on a patent outlining Return to Play guidelines specifically designed for lower body injuries. Beyond her academic and research pursuits, Hunter’s commitment to fostering a safer and more resilient athletic community is evident in her work with Apex Hockey.

Alex Hulford serves as a lead on-ice performance coach for Apex Hockey in the Ottawa region. Originally from Stittsville, Ontario, Coach Hulford’s hockey journey began in the Stittsville Rams and AAA Ottawa Valley Titans systems. Following his youth hockey experience, he played locally at the junior level with the Junior B Stittsville Royals and then joined the Junior A Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in the NOJHL. Coach Hulford concluded his junior hockey career with the Cambridge Winterhawks in Toronto.

Transitioning to collegiate hockey, Hulford spent four impactful years with the Davenport University Panthers in the ACHA. During this time, he earned multiple accolades, including recognition on the All-State Rookie team, All-Tournament Team, and League MVP, ultimately finishing as the all-time leading scorer. Graduating from Davenport University with degrees in finance and business administration, Hulford received an invitation to the Reading Royals Development Camp in the ECHL. Opting for a career change, he decided to pursue a path in finance and shifted his focus in hockey to coaching.

Tyrell Buckley serves as an on-ice performance coach for Apex Hockey in the Ottawa, Ontario region. Originally from Penticton, B.C., Coach Buckley played at the Okanagan Hockey Academy before playing four years in the BCHL for the Merritt Centennials, where he served as team captain his final season. Following his junior career, he played 5 total years at the NCAA Division 1 level for Michigan Tech University and Canisius University before playing one season professionally for the Passau Blackhawks in the Germany3.

He holds a Master of Human Kinetics in Mental Performance Consulting from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Science in Sport Administration from Canisius University, where he competed as a student-athlete. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Public Health from Michigan Technological University, also as a student-athlete. Coach Buckley is able to translate his understanding of high-performance development onto the ice with our Apex athletes.

A current member of the Canadian Sport Psychology Association (CSPA), he operates Buckley Mental Performance out of Ottawa, Ontario, where he works on mental skills such as confidence, focus, resilience and self-regulation with individual athletes and in team contexts. He is aspiring to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), with the goal to support athletes to enhance their performance and well-being through their own unique journeys in sport. Check out the Buckley Mental Performance website for more information about his individual and team services.

Introducing Colin Doelman, an on-ice performance coach contributing his wealth of experience to Apex Hockey in Ottawa, Ontario. Hailing from a robust hockey lineage, Coach Doelman’s journey began with the Ottawa Sting at the AA level during his youth hockey years. Transitioning to the Ottawa Jr. 67’s AAA organization in his Major Midget year, he showcased leadership as the team captain.

Coach Doelman’s playing career continued with distinction in Junior B, notably with the Ottawa Jr. Canadians, where he not only served as assistant captain but also clinched a League Championship during the 2009-2010 season. The apex of his hockey endeavors unfolded with the Napanee Raiders Junior B organization, where he earned the distinction of being the team’s top scorer and the League Most Valuable Player.

Now, as an on-ice performance coach at Apex Hockey, Coach Doelman eagerly imparts the invaluable lessons garnered from his successful hockey journey. His goal is to inspire and guide Apex Hockey clients as they navigate their own paths, working diligently toward their individual goals and aspirations.

Since the inception of Apex Hockey in 2016, Coach Molinski has been an integral part of our team, serving as one of our lead on-ice performance coaches. His commitment to excellence and passion for the sport shine through as he works tirelessly to guide and inspire our youth clients along their hockey journeys.

Coach Molinski’s dedication extends beyond the rink, as he is genuinely invested in the holistic development of our athletes. He takes pride in not only honing their hockey skills but also in fostering the values and discipline that translate into success both on and off the ice.

With a genuine enthusiasm for sharing his own hockey narrative, Coach Molinski is more than a coach; he is a mentor, shaping the next generation of athletes and supporting them as they strive to achieve their goals in both sports and life.

Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Mark has played elite level hockey from the AAA to college level. His minor hockey career was spent with the Sun County Panthers and Windsor Jr. Spitfires AAA organizations. He then moved on to play at the Junior B level for the Chatham Maroons of the GOJHL, followed by a -year college career with the Adrian College Bulldogs. During Mark’s time at Adrian, he won 3 playoff championships as well as a national championship in 2018.

After college, Mark has turned his attention towards coaching and player development. He has spent time with the Washington Little Caps U15 AAA program in Washington, DC and is now assisting with the Ottawa Jr. Senators of the CCHL. Mark has a true passion for the game of hockey and takes pride in teaching and developing players of all ages and skill levels.

In addition to his hockey accolades, he is currently attending medical school at the University of Ottawa, where he hopes to pursue a career in the field of Orthopedics/Sports Medicine.

Introducing Lukash Matthews, an integral on-ice performance coach at Apex Hockey in the Ottawa region. Hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Lukash boasts a rich hockey background, having played his junior hockey in the competitive Central Canada Hockey League. His journey culminated with the Ottawa Junior Senators (OJS), where he not only wore the assistant captain’s badge but also secured the coveted OJS Top Defenseman Award, a testament to his leadership and defensive prowess on the ice.

Transitioning seamlessly from his junior hockey career, Lukash pursued studies in finance at Carleton University. Undeterred by challenges, he showcased his resilience and skill by making the Carleton Ravens Men’s Hockey Team through open tryouts. Lukash’s dedication to excellence extends beyond the rink into the academic realm, earning him the distinction of a U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian for two consecutive years (2021-22, 2022-23).

As a performance coach at Apex Hockey, Lukash eagerly shares his wealth of on-ice experience and academic insights with the next generation of hockey players. His passion for teaching and mentoring is evident in his commitment to guiding young athletes towards success both on and off the ice.

Meet Ryan Duhaime, an integral on-ice performance coach at Apex Hockey in Ottawa, Ontario. Ryan’s hockey journey is steeped in experience and achievement, making him a valuable asset to our coaching team.

During his formative years, Ryan dedicated six seasons to the Ottawa Valley Titans AAA organization, showcasing his talent and commitment to excellence. His skills on the ice did not go unnoticed, leading to his selection in the second round of the Ontario Hockey League draft by the St. Michael’s Majors.

Ryan’s journey continued into junior hockey, where he embarked on his rookie year with the Kanata Stallions Junior A hockey club in the Central Canada Hockey League. Subsequently, he spent 2.5 impactful years in major junior hockey with both the St. Michael’s Majors and Mississauga Steelheads before a trade brought him to the Ottawa 67’s. He concluded his junior hockey career with the Smiths Falls Bears Junior A in the CCHL.

Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Ottawa, Ryan demonstrates a commitment to both academic and athletic pursuits. His passion for the game remains undiminished, as he not only coaches with Apex Hockey but also continues to actively play competitive hockey. Serving as the captain for the Arnprior Rivermen in the EOSHL Senior A hockey league, Ryan brings a wealth of experience and leadership to both his coaching and playing roles.

Meet Scott Moyer, an on-ice performance coach at Apex Hockey in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area, with an impressive 17-year journey in playing and training for hockey. Hailing from Stillwater, MN, Scott’s passion for the game took root on his backyard rink, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to hockey excellence.

Scott’s formative years included training at Minnesota Made Hockey in Edina, MN, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of the sport. He furthered his hockey journey at Hill-Murray High School, one of Minnesota’s top prep schools, contributing to the team’s success with two State Tournament appearances during his junior and senior years.

Post-high school, Scott embarked on a two-year stint in Junior hockey, showcasing his talents with the North Iowa Bulls and the Rum River Mallards. Currently, he continues to leave his mark on the ice as a player for NCAA hockey at Hamline University.

In addition to his impressive playing career, Scott brings a wealth of coaching experience to Apex Hockey, contributing to the growth of their vision for skating fundamentals and techniques. His multifaceted background and commitment to the game make Scott Moyer a valuable asset to the Apex Hockey team, inspiring the next generation of hockey players.

Meet Ellie Frushon, the Marketing and Operations Coordinator at Apex Hockey. Currently pursuing a major in Media Communication and a minor in Advertising at the University of Delaware, Ellie is a dynamic force with a passion for marketing and a keen understanding of brand development.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Ellie is an active member of the University community, contributing to the Women in Business, Blue Hen Marketing, and Entrepreneurship clubs. As a proud sister of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, she brings a collaborative and community-oriented spirit to her role.

Ellie brings valuable experience to the table, having served as a Social Media Manager and Brand Ambassador in the past. In these roles, she collaborated with companies and their owners, offering strategic insights, generating innovative content ideas for social media platforms, and developing strategies to enhance brand visibility and drive sales.

Meet Andre Lavigne, an on-ice performance coach at Apex Hockey, contributing his expertise to the Ottawa area’s hockey scene. Andre’s journey is marked by a diverse range of experiences, showcasing his commitment to both sports and public service.

A graduate of La Cite Collégiale with a Pre-Service Firefighting Technician diploma, Andre has complemented his academic achievements with a personal training certification. He embarked on his coaching career as an intern with the University of Ottawa’s Men’s and Women’s hockey teams.

Beyond the rink, Andre has spent the last four years safeguarding our forests as a Forest Firefighter, embodying a commitment to community and environmental well-being. His dedication to hockey dates back to the age of 5, culminating in years of hard work that granted him the opportunity to play at the junior hockey level.

Looking ahead, Andre’s hockey journey continues as he gears up for a tryout with a Senior A league team this summer, exemplifying his ongoing passion for the sport.

Jared Petitto is an on-ice performance coach for Apex Hockey in the Springfield, Virginia area, and brings a wealth of coaching experience garnered across diverse regions, including Virginia, Maine, Massachusetts, and Utah. His hockey journey began in Woodbridge, VA, where he started playing for the Prince William Hockey Club at the age of 8, donning the goalie pads.

Jared furthered his passion for the game at Slippery Rock University (ACHA D1) from 2013 to 2017, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with a minor in Business Marketing while actively contributing to the university’s hockey program. Continuing his academic and hockey pursuits, he pursued a Master’s degree at Cleveland State University (ACHA D2), focusing on Sports Management and continuing to showcase his skills on the ice.

Jared’s coaching journey began by teaching learn-to-play hockey and learn-to-skate programs at his local rink in Virginia. He went on to achieve coaching success at Bridgton Academy during the 2021-2022 season, guiding the team to its best season in school history with victories in the Fabello Powell Cup, Maine Prep Cup, and the United Tier 1 Hockey Playoffs. In the subsequent season, he took on coaching responsibilities in Boston for the 2022-2023 season.

With a coaching portfolio spanning both male and female players from Bantam to Junior levels, Jared holds certifications from USA Hockey (level 4), Bronze level goaltending, and Canadian coaching certification. His dedication to player development and his proven track record makes him a valuable asset to Apex Hockey.

Meet Ryan DiMillo, an esteemed on-ice performance coach at Apex Hockey, bringing a wealth of playing experience and passion for the game. Originating just outside Ottawa, Ryan’s hockey journey has been marked by dedication and skill development.

Ryan’s early years in hockey were spent navigating the competitive AA and AAA levels of youth hockey, setting the stage for a noteworthy transition to the Junior B circuit. Over the course of five years, he made impactful contributions to the Perth Blue Wings and Ottawa West Golden Knights hockey clubs, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience.

The pinnacle of Ryan’s junior hockey career came with a triumphant year in Junior A hockey, proudly donning the jersey of the Bradford Bulls. This experience further solidified his commitment to the sport and provided a platform for personal and athletic growth.

Post-junior hockey, Ryan embraced an international chapter in his career, playing in Sweden’s SHL League Division 2. Representing both Tibro IK and Sveg IK hockey clubs, he not only enriched his playing resume but also immersed himself in the unique and diverse hockey culture of Sweden.

Introducing Aidan Patterson, an on-ice performance coach at Apex Hockey in Los Angeles, California. Originating from Redondo Beach, Aidan’s hockey journey began in the ranks of the LA Jr. Kings youth program, laying the foundation for his enduring love for the sport. Following his youth years, he pursued his passion at Avon Old Farms for three impactful years.

Upon graduation, Aidan embarked on a year of junior hockey with the Vermont Lumberjacks, further solidifying his skills and commitment to the game. Currently, he’s making strides in NCAA hockey at Albertus Magnus College, where he majors in finance and accounting.

Aidan’s dedication to the sport extends beyond his playing career as he eagerly takes on the role of developing the next generation of California hockey players at Apex Hockey. With a wealth of experience and a passion for mentorship, Aidan Patterson is poised to make a significant impact on the hockey community in the Golden State.

Adam Linville serves as an on-ice performance coach at Apex Hockey, located in St. Louis, Missouri. With over three decades of immersion in the sport, Adam is a proud St. Louis native deeply committed to the growth and advancement of hockey players. He firmly believes that meticulous attention to the finer points of the game is what elevates an average player to greatness.

Adam’s coaching philosophy revolves around instilling a profound understanding of the physical dynamics of hockey and how they manifest in on-ice performance. His dedication is particularly evident in his work with women’s hockey, where he has steered numerous girls’ youth teams to triumphs in state and regional tournaments across the Midwest, spanning from C level to Tier 2 competitions.

In addition to coaching various teams, including a Tier 2 girls’ team, U18 AAA boys’ spring team, and local high school varsity and JV teams, Adam volunteers his time to lead a learn-to-play program for girls aged 4 and above.

Beyond the rink, Adam treasures his nearly two-decade-long marriage and is a proud parent to two children deeply entrenched in the hockey community. His son, a goaltender, currently competes in JR A with the USPHL, while his daughter plays center in Tier 2 hockey in the St. Louis area. Despite his busy coaching schedule, Adam finds solace in outdoor pursuits like camping, hunting, and fishing whenever time permits.