Hockeyology Team

Vanessa Hettinger has an extensive playing background, including time with the University of Alberta Pandas, the Canadian Athletic Club, and the Hockey Alberta Program of Excellence. She has captained multiple gold medal-winning teams and was part of the first-ever Edmonton Girls Hockey Association team. As a certified Master Coach Developer with the Coaching Association of Canada, a Master Coach with Hockey Canada, and a Master Coach with Skate Canada, Vanessa specializes in skating development.

Her coaching philosophy centers on facilitating change by showing players that she cares, paying close attention to their progress, and holding them accountable. She believes in the wisdom of her mentor, Coach Bill Moores, who said, “You get what you insist on.” However, we can’t insist on behaviors if players haven’t been taught or given the tools to meet those expectations. One of our most important roles is teaching players how to learn, how to be self-aware, and how to be coachable. If we want our players to embrace these qualities, we must first demonstrate them ourselves in our actions and behaviours.

For more information, visit www.vanessahettinger.com.

Darren Smith has a comprehensive playing background with Concordia College Thunder, NAIT Ooks, and the Fort Saskatchewan Traders (AJHL), as well as extensive experience with Fort Saskatchewan’s Midget AAA, Bantam AAA, and Pee Wee AAA teams. His coaching career spans a wide range of roles, including Assistant Coach for U18AAA Junior Oilers, U17AAA Southside Athletic Club, and U15AA Southside, as well as various positions with younger teams like U9 and U11 across multiple leagues and developmental programs. Darren is currently working toward Hockey Canada High Performance 1 certification, with completed certifications in Hockey Canada Development 1 and various other specialized coaching programs. His expertise includes technical skills, individual tactics, team tactics, systems and strategies, particularly in deceptive skating, advanced shooting skills, puck recovery, puck protection, and developing defensemen. Darren’s coaching philosophy emphasizes creating a safe, fun, and positive environment where athletes can be creative, develop core values, and hone their skills without fear of failure.

Sean MacTavish brings a well-rounded playing background, having competed with Whitemud West and the Canadian Athletic Club (CAC) before advancing to Shattuck St. Mary’s, Brunswick Prep School, the AJHL’s Sherwood Park Crusaders, the USHL, and NCAA hockey with the University of Alaska Anchorage and MacEwan University. His coaching experience includes assistant coaching roles with CAC U18 AAA, U14 St. Louis Jr. Blues, U14 Titans (JPHL), and U15 HC Edmonton (JPHL). Specializing in team strategy, stickhandling, and shooting, Sean believes in the power of repetition, particularly for younger players, to build fundamental skills. As athletes progress, he focuses on refining technique and efficiency through detailed instruction, helping players elevate their game with a structured and practical approach.

Jenna MacLean brings a wealth of playing experience, having competed with the Notre Dame Hounds, Team Saskatchewan U18, the UNB Reds, and FISU Team Canada in 2023. With over six years of coaching experience, she has served as the head coach for U13 AAA at Champions Hockey, a power skating and skills instructor, a member of Hockey Canada’s Creating Coaches program, and currently an associate coach for the Edmonton Wolves U22. Certified with Hockey Canada Development 1, Jenna specializes in skating, hockey IQ, and defensive play. Her coaching philosophy centers on consistent effort, balance, and a personalized approach to development. She believes in meeting players where they are, fostering a culture of respect, hard work, and self-belief to help them reach their full potential both on and off the ice.

Levko Koper has an extensive playing background, including stints with the WHL Spokane Chiefs, the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers, the University of Alberta Golden Bears, AHL Charlotte Checkers, and professional teams in Germany, Austria, and Slovakia, as well as the ECHL. With 5 years of experience in power skating, Levko specializes in power skating and shooting technique. Although he holds no formal certifications, his coaching philosophy emphasizes building strong fundamentals, fostering a love for the game, and promoting teamwork. He strives to create a positive environment where players can grow both their skills and confidence.

A former WHL All-Star and Goalie of the Year (2012), Ty Rimmer brings extensive playing experience from the WHL, AHL, ECHL, and European professional leagues. With six seasons as a full-time goalie coach, he has worked with teams such as the Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL) and Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL). Currently, he coaches for the Tri-City Americans (WHL), Devon Xtreme (AJHL), NAX Academy (CSSHL), Leduc Junior Athletic Club (AEHL), and Hockey Alberta. Specializing in skating ability, stance control, butterfly mechanics, tracking, rebound control, post integration, and puck handling, Ty’s coaching philosophy emphasizes technical development through constant assessment and personalized feedback. He builds goalies’ confidence with purposeful repetitions and structured progressions, ensuring they develop both skill and consistency in their game.

Kent Dochuk brings a wealth of experience to Hockeyology, with a background as a player for the Seattle Thunderbirds and the University of Alberta Golden Bears. His extensive coaching career includes roles with the Seattle Thunderbirds as an Alberta Scout, Lead Teacher and Hockey Instructor at Vimy Ridge Academy, Head Skating and Skills Instructor for Golden Bears Hockey Schools, and Assistant Coach for the University of Alberta Pandas Hockey Team. With over 20 years of coaching minor hockey in Edmonton, Kent specializes in power skating, stick handling, team strategy, and skill progression. Certified through Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada, he emphasizes development, mental toughness, and a love for the game. His coaching philosophy centers on making hockey fun while fostering growth, improvement, and a strong work ethic—believing that success comes from effort, learning, and positive support.

With nine seasons of professional playing experience, Scott Allen brings firsthand knowledge of the game to his coaching. After retiring last season, he transitioned into coaching, focusing on developing players’ shooting and skill fundamentals. Scott’s approach emphasizes teaching professional-level details in a positive and supportive environment, helping the next generation of athletes build their abilities and confidence on the ice.

With a diverse playing background in the AJHL (Red Deer and Olds), BCHL (Vernon), and ACAC (Red Deer College), Darryl Weinberger brings extensive experience to his coaching. He has served as a head coach at the U18 AAA level, an assistant coach in the WHL, and has coached players from Novice 1 to Pee Wee AA. His involvement with Hockey Alberta includes Alberta Cup, evaluation camps, and player development programs. Holding certifications such as Hockey Canada HP1, Baseball Canada Level Advanced, NCCP Theory 3, and a Kinesiology degree from the University of Alberta, Darryl specializes in skill development, team play, and systems implementation. His coaching philosophy focuses on developing the whole athlete—physically, intellectually, and spiritually—fostering a lifelong love for the sport and the enjoyment it brings.

Brent Coutu has a strong playing background, having competed in the AJHL with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, with the U of A Golden Bears, and in Senior AA. With 10 years of coaching experience, including as head coach for U18AA, Brent is a well-rounded on-ice instructor who excels in helping players improve their skating, skills, and overall knowledge of hockey. Certified with Hockey Canada Development 1, his coaching philosophy emphasizes continuous development and fun as essential components of a successful program. By ensuring players enjoy their experience, Brent encourages them to give their best effort, fostering a sense of personal pride in every player, regardless of outcome.

Byron Onciul brings a strong background in player development, having played club hockey in Edmonton until the age of 17 before transitioning into coaching. Since 2018, he has served as a Sports Academy Teacher and was a Defensive Edge Skills Coach from 2021 to 2024. Holding a Bachelor of Kinesiology with coursework in coaching, Byron specializes in defensive coverage, defenseman shooting, passing, and movement patterns. His coaching philosophy emphasizes building competence and confidence through structured movement practice, skill repetition, and competitive training, helping athletes refine their abilities and elevate their game.

Matteo Hueston brings a solid playing background with experience at U18 AAA and Junior A levels. His coaching experience includes working with CAC hockey school and the Castlegar Minor Hockey Association’s goaltending school. Certified with NCCP Level 1 and Respect in Sports, Matteo specializes in goaltending. His coaching philosophy emphasizes that hockey is not only about developing skills but also about building character. Matteo’s goal is to instill both technical skills and strong moral integrity in young athletes, inspiring them to persevere through life’s challenges while excelling on the ice.

Dylan Cai played for the Junior Oilers Blue and is currently pursuing a Kinesiology degree at the University of Alberta. As a Jr Lead Instructor at Hockeyology, his area of expertise focuses on skating skills. Dylan’s coaching philosophy centers around helping athletes reach their full potential, enabling them to progress to the next level in their hockey careers.