Youth Sports Community

Darren Hupfer, an Edmonton-born former Alberta junior golf champion, Golf Canada team member, and professional golfer, shared how his athletic journey began in hockey before he transitioned fully into golf as a teenager. He discussed the importance of multi-sport participation, family support, and early experiences on par-3 courses, which helped build his confidence and love for the game. Hupfer r...

Kurtis Mucha is a Sherwood Park–born hockey coach and former goaltender who played for the Portland Winterhawks and Kamloops Blazers in the WHL before finishing his career with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, where he won two national championships. Kurtis reflects on his journey from a young player who gradually transitioned into goaltending, sharing how early experiences with his family,...

Jake Lanferman, the Head Coach of the Edmonton Riverhawks, joins the Community for Episode 11! Lanferman reflected on how growing up in Ardrossan playing both hockey and baseball shaped his athletic development, emphasizing that multi-sport participation helped him avoid burnout and become a more complete competitor. He credited his parents—especially his father—for instilling discipline, work eth...

Lawrence Dushenski reflects on growing up in Edmonton playing high-level youth soccer, where early success and strong friendships shaped his love for sports, though he eventually stepped away from club competition due to politics and pressure. He describes his athletic journey as largely social rather than intensely competitive, later developing a deep passion for basketball as a fan and coach des...

Simon Bennett joins the community for Episode 9. Simon is a high-performance expert and former NHL strength and conditioning leader who emphasizes holistic athlete development and entrepreneurship. He reflects on his early experiences in rural Alberta, where unstructured play like skating on the river shaped his love for sport and creativity. Simon highlights the value of playing multiple sports i...

Scott Fellnermayr shares his journey from a late-developing youth hockey player in West Kelowna to becoming the head coach of the NAIT Ooks men’s hockey team. He explains how perseverance, mentorship—especially from a junior coach who believed in him—and strong support from family and teammates helped him overcome setbacks like injuries and early struggles in minor hockey. Fellnermayr emphasizes t...

Dustin Kohn reflects on his early love of hockey, from “Tom Thumb” youth leagues and outdoor rinks to being an Oilers fan who obsessed over NHL gear and video games like NHL ’94. He emphasizes how unstructured play at outdoor rinks—competing with older and younger players—helped build skill, confidence, and a healthy competitiveness. Kohn credits his time in the Donnan hockey academy as a hugely p...

Travis Bouchard of Vimy Esports shares how growing up in Sherwood Park shaped his love for sports, starting with baseball as his first passion and later adding hockey and other school sports more for fun and social connection than elite performance. He credits his laid-back, supportive parents for helping him enjoy competition without pressure, which allowed him to stay involved in sports long-ter...

Erin Brennan, a certified mental performance consultant and owner of Mind Over Matter Performance, shared her journey from a multi-sport youth athlete in Peace River, Alberta, to a leader in sport and performance psychology. Growing up, she played basketball, fastball, volleyball, swimming, and curling—her main competitive sport. Influenced by her father, a coach, and her family’s community involv...

Nathan Dempsey, a former NHL player from Spruce Grove, Alberta, shared his path from youth soccer and school sports to professional hockey. Early influences from coaches and hours on outdoor rinks sparked his creativity and love for unstructured play. He credits multi-sport participation—basketball, soccer, and track—for building athleticism, teamwork, and competitiveness, noting that early specia...

Lindsey Kotylak, a PGA professional from Edmonton, grew up immersed in sports—hockey, golf, badminton, squash, soccer, and track—developing coordination, adaptability, and a strong competitive spirit. Winters were spent on the ice, while summers revolved around golf at the Derrick Club, where he gained independence and confidence playing with both peers and adults. Supportive parents encouraged hi...

Kael Mouillierat began playing hockey at a young age, driven by his father’s discipline and his mother’s encouragement, which instilled accountability and confidence. Outdoor rinks, neighborhood tournaments, and long days with friends fueled his love for the game and created lasting memories. Rather than highlight reels, Kael learned by watching full games, studying the details that built hockey I...

Anthony Reid, a dedicated grade four teacher, is passionate about shaping future leaders by helping students recognize and unlock their potential. He emphasizes perseverance, hard work, and lifelong learning—values he reinforces both in the classroom and through his roles as a hockey coach and spin instructor. Raised in Toronto, Anthony was deeply influenced by his father, a former rugby player fr...