17u coaching staff
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HEAD COACHGarry Nunn is a highly experienced player with extensive coaching expertise. His distinguished playing career spans multiple top-tier leagues. Recently retired from the Swiss Elite League, Garry’s playing resume includes notable stints in the BCHL, WHL, ECHL, AHL, and Swiss Elite League, where he competed at the highest levels of professional hockey. With a deep understanding of the game from both a player’s and coach’s perspective, Garry brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his coaching role. His comprehensive background in North American and European hockey allows him to develop well-rounded players while fostering a competitive and disciplined environment. Garry is dedicated to mentoring athletes and helping them achieve their full potential, leveraging his extensive experience to guide players on their journey to success.
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GOALIE COACHBringing 20 years of experience in goaltending, Austin Roden has built a solid foundation in both playing and coaching. A seasoned athlete, Austin spent 3 years playing in the BCHL, followed by a 5-year NCAA Division I career, where he developed a deep understanding of the game at the highest levels. His dedication and skill earned them a spot at the 2022 Arizona Coyotes Development Camp, showcasing his commitment to continually refining his craft. In addition to his playing experience, Austin brings extensive coaching expertise to the ice, with a focus on developing goaltenders. He has worked with teams in both the JPHL and BCHL, mentoring and honing the skills of aspiring goalies. Austin is passionate about guiding athletes to reach their full potential and brings a wealth of knowledge to every practice and game. With a deep love for the game and a commitment to excellence, Austin is dedicated to fostering the next generation of elite players and using his experiences to get them to the next level.
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ASSISTANT COACHPayton Mount was drafted 17th overall by the Seattle Thunderbirds and brings five years of experience playing in the Western Hockey League (WHL). During his playing career, Payton proudly represented Team Canada on the U17 team and also played for Team BC at the U16 level, showcasing his talent and leadership on the national and provincial stages. With a strong foundation in elite-level hockey, Payton transitions his knowledge and experience into coaching, focusing on developing young athletes and helping them achieve their potential. His background with top-tier teams and national programs allows him to provide valuable insight and mentorship, fostering both skill development and a competitive mindset in his players.
“I am both honoured and excited to have this opportunity to work with Victoria Hockey Academy. I have been fortunate enough live out my childhood dream of playing professional hockey for the last 15 years, now I get the chance to share my knowledge and experience with these young players. My goal is not only to help develop them into better hockey players, but to prepare them for what coaching may look like at the junior or professional level, from firsthand experience. I can’t wait to get the season started.”
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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.
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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.