15u coaching staff

HEAD COACH

Jesse is the current Head Coach of the Victoria Grizzlies 15U team, bringing a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the program. With a background in elite-level hockey, he was selected as the 21st overall pick by the Erie Otters in the OHL Draft. His career includes extensive playing experience in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and USports with Guelph Gryphons, where he developed a deep understanding of high-performance competition and player development. In addition to his playing experience, Jesse holds a High-Performance Coach Certification, demonstrating his commitment to developing athletes and fostering a competitive yet supportive environment. His coaching philosophy is rooted in his own experiences as a player at the highest levels of hockey, and he is passionate about mentoring young athletes and helping them reach their full potential both on and off the ice.

ASSISTANT COACH

Chris Driebergen brings 18 years of coaching experience at both the minor hockey and junior levels, with a strong focus on player development and team success. Over the course of his career, he has spent six seasons coaching at the U15 level and has achieved significant success at the BC U18 Tier 1 level with the Victoria Admirals. In his last three seasons with the team, Chris led the Admirals to both league and playoff honours and guided them to two Bronze medals at the Provincial finals.  A dedicated coach, Chris holds several coaching certifications, including his High-Performance Coach certification and Power Edge Pro Coach certification. His expertise extends beyond traditional coaching, as he has also run specialized checking clinics designed for players transitioning into contact hockey. Chris is passionate about fostering skill development, leadership, and a competitive mindset in his athletes, helping them excel both on and off the ice.

ASSISTANT COACH

Brayden Kot brings a wealth of experience in talent identification and player development, currently serving as a Scout for the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League (WHL). In addition to this role, Brayden also holds the position of Head Scout with the Peninsula Panthers of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL), where he oversees scouting operations and assists in shaping the team’s recruitment strategies. With a keen eye for potential and a deep understanding of the game, Brayden has become a valuable asset to both organizations, contributing to the growth and success of young hockey talent. He is passionate about fostering player development and ensuring that the best players are given the opportunity to excel at the highest levels of competition. We look forward to having Brayden assist players with their game as they navigate their draft year.

DIRECTOR OF PERFORMANCE & SKILLS COACH

Adam Geric is a highly experienced coach, athlete, and founder of Transform Sports, where he specializes in athlete development and hockey performance. As the Director of Hockey Performance and Skills Coach for all Victoria Hockey Academy teams, Adam plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of hockey talent, focusing on skill development, strength conditioning, and high-performance training. Adam’s academic credentials are equally impressive, with a Bachelor of Exercise Science (BEx_Sc) and a Bachelor of Business in Sport Management. He is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), further enhancing his ability to design and implement effective training programs that help athletes reach their peak physical and mental potential. 

His career has been defined by both athletic excellence and coaching leadership, with significant experience in competitive hockey. Adam represented Team Australia at the IIHF World Championships, where he showcased his abilities at the international level. As a player, he also made his mark in the professional ranks, playing for the Newcastle North Stars in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL), the Saskatoon Blades in the Western Hockey League (WHL), and the Nanaimo Clippers in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). These experiences have not only refined his understanding of the game but have also shaped his coaching philosophy, focusing on both the technical and tactical aspects of hockey.

Adam has developed a strong reputation for leadership and player development in his coaching career. He has coached with the South Island Royals U18AAA program and was the assistant coach with the Victoria Grizzlies 15U team. His commitment to the growth of hockey in British Columbia extends to his role as a Coach and Evaluator for the BC High-Performance Program, where he helps identify and nurture top-tier talent. Adam holds the High-Performance 1 Certification (HP1), a designation that reflects his advanced knowledge in coaching high-performance athletes. Adam has also been the Team BC Strength and Conditioning Coach, where he worked to elevate the physical preparation of elite-level athletes in the province.

Through his coaching, Adam emphasizes a holistic approach to player development, blending technical skills, physical conditioning, and mental toughness to create well-rounded athletes. His deep understanding of the demands of elite hockey, combined with his expertise in strength and conditioning, makes him a sought-after coach in the hockey community. Adam’s dedication to continuous learning and athlete development has made him an integral figure in hockey circles across the country.  As the founder of Transform Sports, Adam remains committed to helping athletes from all sports achieve their potential through personalized performance training, strategic coaching, and leadership that fosters a culture of excellence. Whether working with youth athletes, high-performance players, or teams, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every aspect of hockey training.

MANAGER

Leah Saban is the General Manager of Victoria Hockey Academy, where she serves as a liaison between players, students, parents, coaches, league staff, and other stakeholders. With over 10 years of experience working in the sports industry and a lifetime of being an athlete, Leah is dedicated to creating a positive environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the ice. Her leadership is complemented by a deep understanding of the game, and she is committed to supporting athletes in reaching their highest potential. A former member of the Ottawa Lady Sens Elite U22 team and Collegiate Soccer, Leah brings valuable firsthand experience from competing at elite levels in sports. Leah has built a reputation for her ability to empower and develop young athletes, creating a positive environment where players thrive both on and off the ice. Her leadership skills are matched by a deep understanding of the game, and she is deeply committed to supporting the growth of athletes and helping them reach their highest potential. Leah has a personal perspective on the commitment required to succeed at the next level and teaches young players the hard work it takes to reach their goals. Leah holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor's degree in Child and Youth Studies, equipping her with the tools to foster athletes' personal growth and mindset. Passionate about supporting athletes, Leah is committed to helping them navigate the challenges of being a top-tier athlete, preparing them for success in their athletic careers and balancing the student-athlete lifestyle.