About our Coach Mentors:
Tim McWhirter
While technically from within OMHA boundaries, Tim is a true supporter and honorary member of the NOHA. For nearly 20 years, he has been a constant presence in supporting NOHA development programs—whether running Hockey Canada Skills Camps, facilitating clinics, coaching at POE programs, or serving as Head Coach of the U14 Ontario Winter Games Silver Medalist NOHA All-Star Team.
Since 1995, Tim has dedicated himself to coaching hockey in Parry Sound at all levels. His commitment to development has been recognized through numerous honours, including the OHF Bill Richmond Award (2021–22) and the NOHA’s Rick F. Albert Award, presented to individuals or associations instrumental in advancing development within the NOHA.
Beyond his work locally, Tim is a provincial and national leader in hockey development, contributing significantly to Hockey Canada’s Coaching Certification Programs and the Instructional Stream. His impact has been felt both within Ontario and across the country, making him an invaluable contributor to the gam
Mike McParland
Entering his 17th season as the Head Coach of the Nipissing Lakers Men’s Hockey Team, Mike McParland is a true pro, through and through.
Mike has piled up several accolades throughout a coaching career that has spanned nearly 50 years. The OUA’S 2022 Coach of the year, Mike has also been named the OHF’S recipient of the Bill Richmond Memorial award, recognizing his contributions to minor hockey development.
McParland is a High-performance Coach evaluator with the OHF.
Mike Spent 20 years coaching in the Swiss National League winning 3 National League B Championships. He has also led Canada at the Skoda Cup in Piestany SLK, 2024. McParland has worked with the likes of Dave King, Brad McCrimmon, and Mike Pelino.
McParland also had a great career as a player and due to his efforts as both coach and athlete he has found himself inducted into the University of Guelph Hall of Fame, North Bay Sports Hall of Fame, and is featured on the Rapperswil, Switzerland Wall of Fame.
Matt Bourgeois
Matthew has been a coach and a scout for over 20 years at some of the highest levels. Matthew is a goalie coach and recruiter at Canisius College NCAA D1 since 2022. Matthew is a certified High Performance 1 coach and Goaltending Level 3 coach with Hockey Canada and a Gold level goalie coach with USA Hockey. Matthew works with the Ontario Hockey Federation, the Ontario Minor Hockey Association as well as the Northern Ontario Minor Hockey Association as a goaltending coach and mentor. Matthew’s passion lies in goalie development and guiding players to become the best version of themselves. Since 2009 Matthew has travelled to Europe, Asia, Australia and the US to work with some of the best hockey programs and is looking forward to sharing what he’s learned with the members of the NOHA.
Rick Barron
Taking part in his 50th year coaching minor hockey with New Liskeard, many people consider Rick Barron a cornerstone of development and volunteerism, not only in the Temiskaming Shores area, but Northeastern Ontario as a whole. Ricks extensive list of experience and credentials are rivaled by few people. Having 27 NOHA Championships and 2 OHF Championships under his belt, “Bear” has established himself as a premier hockey personality within the NOHA.
Rick is an HP1 Certified coach, a Hockey Canada Master Facilitator, and has been the recipient of the Rick F. Albert Memorial Award for Development in the NOHA. He has also been named the recipient of the Bill Richmond Memorial Award for Development throughout the OHF – outstanding contribution to minor hockey from Hockey Canada.
Rick continues to share his wisdom with today’s coaches by relating to coaches with his real-world coaching experience.