Exciting News for the Heartland Dragons Hockey Association!

We’re thrilled to unveil the coaching lineup for the RED level teams in the upcoming 2025-2026 season!  Get ready to ignite the ice with passion, skill, and an unbridled enthusiasm for the game.  Our coaches are not just mentors; they are dedicated leaders committed to fostering a love for hockey and shaping future champions.

 

Introducing Your RED Level Coaches:

U11     RED     Steve Richard,  steve.richard@altruck.com  416-806-9002:

Steve brings a wealth of knowledge having played Junior A and B before joining the University of Waterloo Warriors for 4 years.  He continued to be involved in minor hockey coaching at Ryerson University as well as the AA and AAA levels for over 15 years.  He believes the game provides kids the opportunity to learn and grow into successful adults and is excited to create the best program possible!

Coaching Bio:

  • 1993 Assistant Coach University of Ryerson for one year
  • 2007-2014 took at Red Program to Gold and then Coached the core group from 2009-2014 with the Mississauga Braves AA
  • 2018 Ran the Timbits Program in Brampton 4-6 year olds
  • 2019 Head Coach Applewood Coyotes minor novice
  • 2020 Assistant Coach Mississauga North Stars
  • 2021 Head Coach Port Credit 4-6 year olds
  • 2022-2025 Head Coach Heartland Dragons

Coaching Philosophy:  The foundation of success is based on skill development first and foremost.

Practices are critical to success as this is where most development will occur.
Hockey IQ and an understanding of all facets of the game is the priority, once that foundation is set the rest of their hockey success will be based on their desire and execution.
Team play, respect and work ethic is the foundation of the program.
Equal playing time is the mandate and development is the focus.
I look for families and children that make hockey the priority during the season with the desire to have as many kids as possible move up from Red to A, AA and AAA.
Commitment is CRITICAL – attendance at games and practices a must

Time Commitment:           2 practices for a minimum of 2.5-3 hrs per week.

Practices will be during the week with the majority of the games on the weekend
Average of 1.5 games per week (1 game 1 week, 2 games the next)
tournaments (One will be a travel tournament)
expectation is to arrive 45 minutes before games to allow for a warm up

Team Focus:         Respect for teammates, officials, parents and school with a high level of sportsmanship.

To understand the importance of commitment, work ethic and appreciation for all the game gives us.

Pricing and Costs:              Heartland Registration fee T.B.D. ($1110 in 2024/25. Can expect a small increase for 25/26)  Team fee: Approximately $900– covers extra 1.5-hours per week practice, tournament fees, extra ice (Cost based on raising approximately  $5000 of sponsorship funds.)

 

U13     RED     Jacob Gulbinski,  jacobgulbinski95@gmail.com  647-985-5994:

  • Jacob, known for his fiery spirit and unmatched determination, Coach Jacob brings a wealth of experience to the ice.  His dynamic coaching style emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and a never-give-up attitude. Get ready to blaze a trail of success under Coach Jacob’s guidance!

U14     RED    Dave Martin, tripperdave@sympatico.ca   416-476-3973:

  • Lightning-fast strategies and a thunderous presence on the rink, Coach Dave is set to electrify the RED level U14 team.  With a focus on speed, agility, and strategic play, Coach Dave is ready to lead our players to new heights.  Brace yourselves for an exhilarating season ahead!

– 30 + years experience coaching U9-U17, blue-AA
– 30+ years as an elementary educator
– Cooksville/Heartland board member for over 30 years
– Does not have a player on the team – coaches for the love of it!

Coaching Philosophy: – emphasizes “Personal Best” – every time you step on the ice, you should try and be the best you can be
– Equitable ice time – lines and defense pairings will be formed and rolled over. Roughly 45 second shifts
– Does not believe in power plays or penalty killing lines – sends a message that some players aren’t as important –                                                    all players will have the chance to be on the ice
– Commitment is CRITICAL – attendance at games and practices a must

Time Commitment: – 1.5 hour practice Sunday morning
– potential for second mid week practice based on funds and team interest
– Average of 1.5 games per week (1 game 1 week, 2 games the next)
– 3 tournaments – potentially 4 (One will be a travel tournament)
– Expectation to arrive 45 minutes before games to allow for a warm up

Team Focus: – passing and strong team play
– Sportsmanship stressed at all times
– Fostering a sense of belonging where every player feels valued
– Controlled aggression – win the battles but stay out of the penalty box

Pricing and Costs: – Heartland Registration fee T.B.D. ($1110 in 2024/25. Can expect a small
increase for 25/26)
– Team fee: Approximately $500 – covers extra half hour per week practice,
tournament fees, extra ice (Cost based on having $3600 of sponsorship funds.
Cost will increase if the team agrees to second practice)
– hotel cost for travel tournament

 

U15     RED     Mike Mitchell mmitchell@crescentbrands.com   905-815-3472:

  • Cool, calm, and collected, Coach Mike is set to bring a chill to the competition.  Known for his ice-cold precision and strategic brilliance, Mike will guide our players through the nuances of the game.  Expect a season filled with progressive plays and unmatched finesse

With over 30 years of coaching experience at the A, AA, and AAA levels, I have developed a strong support staff consisting of former players I have coached for many years, along with a dedicated goalie instructor.
I firmly believe that the foundation of a strong work ethic lies in effective, well-organized practices. Over the years, we have successfully built confidence and bravery through proper training. Our practices, held twice a week for 1.5 hours each, focus on skating, skills/team development, and endurance.
The season begins with a two-week training camp to prepare for the upcoming season and our first tournament. We plan to organize three tournaments and a series of exhibition games throughout the season.
My goal is to instill confidence in youth, which they can apply to sports, school, and life decisions.
I believe in staying current and constantly upgrading my skills and practices. This is why I surround myself with a mix of younger and more experienced staff.
We are committed to working hard together to build confidence and create a team that never gives up.
Team budget to be determined
Mike
mmitchell@crescentbrands.com
90-815-3472

 

U17    RED    Tony Moniz  tonymoniz91@hotmail.com  416-937-9412:

  •  The Heartland Dragons Hockey Association is buzzing with anticipation as we gear up for the U17 RED level hockey season.  We’re on the lookout for the perfect coaching staff to help Tony lead this dynamic squad to victory, ensuring a season filled with growth, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments on the ice.  Open invitation to all U17 players eager to be part of something special.  If you’re ready to embrace the challenge, and contribute to the formation of an exceptional team, we want you!

– 25+ years experience coaching
-35 Plus years in the Auto industry
-Former MGHL Board Member
-Does not have a player on the team coaches for the love of it.
-45+ years involvement with Hockey as a player and coach.

Coaching Philosophy -Emphasizes on personal best and team play every shift
-Equal Ice Time- 30 to 45 second shift
-Game and practice attendance is a must
-Arrival 45 mins before game time

Time Commitment -1-1.5 hours per week of practice (time and date TBD)
-Possibly 3 tournaments -1 will be a away tournament
-On average 1.5 games a week

Team Vision -Strong Team Play with a focus on selfless hockey
-Sportsmanship is emphasized at all times
-Controlled aggression, win the battles but stay out of the penalty box

Financial Commitment – Registration fee $1110 in 2024-25 (expect a small increase in 25-26
-Team fee $1000 to cover extra practice and tournament fees
-Budget to updated regularly and available upon request

 

U18     RED    Joe Carino, carino.hockey@gmail.com  (416) 435-1227:

  • Expect the unexpected under Coach Joe’s guidance.  With a commitment to progressive plays, he encourages our players to push their limits, explore new techniques, and elevate their game to new heights.  The season ahead promises a spectacle of unmatched intensity and strategy.  Open invitation to all U18 players eager to be part of something special.  If you’re ready to embrace the challenge, and contribute to the formation of an exceptional team, we want you!
  • Returning coach with 10+ years experience coaching U5-U15A
  • 28+ years as a senior leader in the investment industry
  • Grew up in Mississauga and played in the MHL (Dixie), MTHL/ GTHL (Mississauga Jets, Terriers and North Stars) and the Philip Pocock Pirates

Coaching Philosophy

  • Have fun, be competitive and make lasting relationships with your teammates and parents
  • It is only a game and if we are not having fun then why do it
  • Equitable ice time as this is HL hockey and not Rep
  • Learn to manage your time with school, hockey, part time jobs and other activities
  • Big year as many players will be preparing for post-secondary education

Time Commitment

  • 1-1.5 hour practice – TBD but on the weekend
  • Average 1.5 games per week (1 game 1 week, 2 games the next)
  • 3 tournaments – (2 possible travel tournaments away)

Team Focus

  • Have fun and play hard every shift
  • Be a great teammate and remember sportsmanship at all times
  • Play hard, win battles but stay out of the penalty box

Pricing and Costs

  • Heartland Registration Fee T.B.D ($1,110 in 2024/2025). Can expect a small increase for 2025/ 2026
  • Team Fee: Approximately $500 – covers extra half hour per week practice, tournament fees, extra ice (cost based on having $3,600 of sponsorship funds).
  • **Cost will increase if the team does not receive sponsorship and would like extra practice ice during the season**

Why Join the Heartland Dragons Hockey Association?

  • State-of-the-art facilities.
  • Holistic player development and skills training programs for both players and goaltenders.
  • A supportive and inclusive hockey community.
  • Opportunities for goalie skill enhancement and goaltender growth.
  • Fun-filled team events and bonding activities.

 

Calling All Future Hockey Stars!

Now is the time to join the Heartland Dragons family and be part of something extraordinary.  Whether you’re a seasoned player or just lacing up your skates for the first time, we welcome all levels of skill and experience from House League up to “A” level rep hockey.

Contact us with any questions at www.HeartlandDragons.com about or RED level teams!  Don’t miss the chance to talk to our Coaches.

Get ready for a season of victories, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments on the ice.  Let’s roar together, Heartland Dragons! #DragonHockey #DragonNation