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.

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.

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.

Justin-Samuel Fortin brings a strong competitive hockey background to Apex Hockey, having played at the U18 AAA, Junior B, and Junior A levels. His experience in high-performance hockey has provided him with a solid foundation in technical skill development, hockey IQ, and the discipline and work ethic required to compete at advanced levels.

As a coach, Justin-Samuel is dedicated to helping young athletes refine their skating, strengthen their individual skills, and develop greater confidence on the ice. His coaching philosophy emphasizes attention to detail, consistent improvement, and creating a positive yet challenging training environment.

Justin-Samuel is passionate about mentoring young players, helping them develop into well-rounded athletes, and preparing them for continued success at higher levels of competitive hockey.

Nick Giamou brings over 20 years of competitive hockey experience to Apex Hockey’s Oakville program, having played at the AAA, OJHL, GOJHL, NCAA Division III, OEHL, and ACH levels. His extensive playing background includes time with several prominent Ontario junior hockey organizations, including the St. Michael’s Buzzers, Milton Menace, and Brantford 99ers.

A graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Business Administration (2023), Nick has also gained valuable coaching experience with the Streetsville Tigers of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL).

Nick specializes in advanced skating mechanics, puck skills, offensive creativity, and hockey IQ. His coaching philosophy emphasizes detailed technical instruction and game-specific skill development, helping athletes improve their decision-making, execution, and overall performance in competitive hockey environments.

Blake Hembruff brings an extensive professional hockey background and a well-rounded approach to athlete development to Apex Hockey. A former professional player, Blake competed across North America and Europe, including Canada and Sweden, gaining valuable experience in competitive junior, senior, and professional hockey environments.

Following his playing career, Blake transitioned into coaching and high-performance athlete development, working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the collegiate and university levels. His coaching experience also includes attending an NHL development camp in a coaching capacity, along with exposure to NHL training camp environments and professional-level player development methodologies.

Blake combines his playing experience with expertise in strength and conditioning, skating development, and athletic performance. His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical refinement, physical preparation, and developing the skills and habits necessary for athletes to succeed at higher levels of competitive 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.

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.

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.

Jesse Saban brings extensive playing and coaching experience to Apex Hockey. Selected 21st overall by the Erie Otters in the OHL Priority Selection, Jesse played several seasons in the Ontario Hockey League before continuing his career with the Guelph Gryphons at the U SPORTS level.

His coaching background includes serving as Head Coach of the Victoria Hockey Academy U15 team and Assistant Coach of its U14 and U17 programs. He currently serves as Head Coach of the Ottawa Junior 67’s U18 AAA team and Assistant Coach with the Carleton Place Canadians Junior A team.

Jesse is dedicated to developing high-performance athletes through technical skill development, accountability, and a positive, competitive training environment that prepares players for success on and off the ice.

Athan Vriniotis brings a diverse playing background to Apex Hockey, having competed at the AAA and Junior A levels across Canada and the United States. His experience in competitive hockey has helped him develop a strong understanding of skating mechanics, hockey IQ, and the technical demands of high-performance play.

Drawing on his exposure to different coaching philosophies and playing styles, Athan emphasizes individual skill development, attention to detail, and building confidence on the ice. His coaching approach focuses on identifying areas for improvement, providing clear technical instruction, and motivating young athletes to elevate their performance.

Athan is passionate about helping players refine their skills, strengthen their hockey fundamentals, and develop the work ethic needed to succeed at higher levels of competition.

John Wright brings a wealth of competitive hockey experience and a multidisciplinary approach to athlete development to Apex Hockey. Having competed at the AAA, Junior A, and Senior A levels, John combines his extensive playing background with professional certifications as a Personal Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Coach.

His coaching experience spans hockey, boxing, and martial arts, with a focus on developing the physical conditioning, technical skills, and mental resilience required for high-performance athletics. Beyond sport, John has spent years coaching and developing leaders within Fortune 500 organizations, strengthening his expertise in communication, mentorship, and individual development.

John’s coaching philosophy emphasizes personalized instruction, technical refinement, and building athlete confidence. He is dedicated to creating a positive, challenging training environment that empowers players to elevate their performance and reach their full potential, both on and off the ice.

Joey Allegrini brings an extensive competitive hockey background and professional playing experience to Apex Hockey. A Southern California native, Joey developed his early skills with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings before advancing to prep school and junior hockey, competing in several prominent leagues, including the NAHL, AJHL, and NCDC.

Following his junior career, Joey played five seasons of NCAA Division III hockey at Nichols College before continuing his career professionally in Europe with KHL Medveščak in Croatia’s International Hockey League (IntHL).

Now based in Las Vegas, Joey has transitioned into coaching and youth hockey development, working with the 8U Storm travel hockey program. Drawing on his experience across junior, collegiate, and professional hockey, Joey is passionate about developing young athletes, strengthening their skating and technical fundamentals, and building the confidence and work ethic necessary to succeed at higher levels of competition.

Adriana Crepaldi brings a strong playing and coaching background to Apex Hockey, having competed at the NCAA Division III level with the University of Massachusetts Boston women’s hockey program.

Following her collegiate career, Adriana spent four years coaching with Jacqui’s Power and Edge, a Boston-based hockey skills development organization, working with athletes across various ages and skill levels. Her coaching experience also includes participation in a USA Hockey District Camp in Buffalo, New York.

Adriana is passionate about developing well-rounded hockey players through technical skill development, strong skating fundamentals, and confidence-building instruction. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes creating a positive, supportive, and challenging environment where athletes can improve their skills and reach their full potential.

Toby House brings a lifelong passion for hockey and a strong competitive playing background to Apex Hockey. Having played the game since the age of three, Toby has competed at the junior level in the NA3HL and is a three-time MAHSHL champion.

In addition to his playing experience, Toby has contributed to several youth hockey development camps in Wichita, Kansas, gaining valuable experience coaching and mentoring young athletes. His background in competitive hockey provides him with a strong foundation in skill development, teamwork, and the importance of disciplined training.

Toby is dedicated to helping young players improve their skating and technical skills while building confidence, sportsmanship, and a strong work ethic. His coaching approach emphasizes positive reinforcement, individual development, and fostering a lasting passion for the game.

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.

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.