NOHA Launches Comprehensive Coach Mentorship Program to Support Minor Hockey Development

North Bay, ON – The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) is proud to announce the launch of its new Coach Mentorship Program, designed to provide ongoing support and professional development opportunities for volunteer coaches throughout the season. Led by distinguished hockey professionals Rick Barron, Tim McWhirter, Mike McParland, and Matt Bourgeois, this groundbreaking initiative aims to bridge the gap between initial coach training and real-world application on the ice.

"We've all seen it happen – we provide coaches with excellent training and information, then send them out to figure it out on their own," said Jacob Brown, NOHA Director of Hockey Operations. "Our goal is to create a program where we're not a crutch for coaches, but instead a ladder with a strong base and unlimited rungs for these coaches to climb."

Program Overview

The Coach Mentorship Program will offer accessible, ongoing support through multiple channels:

• Direct Access: Dedicated NOHA email contacts for mentors, providing coaches with a direct line to experienced professionals for guidance and questions

• Regular Information Sessions: Free educational sessions covering topics such as goalie integration, practice variety, coach-parent communication, and systems implementation

• Ongoing Support: A committee of experienced hockey professionals meeting biweekly to coordinate support and develop resources

"Too many coaches feel isolated when they encounter challenges during the season," explained Brown. "Whether they're too embarrassed to ask a question at the rink or simply want additional insight from experienced professionals, this program provides that crucial support network."

Information Session Topics

The mentorship committee will host regular information sessions addressing common coaching challenges, including:

• How to involve goalies in practice when specialized coaching isn't available

• Effective communication strategies with goaltenders

• Adding variety to practice while reinforcing core skills

• Managing coach-parent interactions and program ownership

• Implementing team systems in practice

• Pre-practice planning and staff coordination

• Hockey Canada Skill clinics focusing on skating, skills, and goaltending will be delivered in person in various centres across the NOHA

Sessions will be designed for accessibility, with formats ranging from structured presentations to informal Q&A opportunities.

Mentorship Committee

The program is guided by a distinguished committee of hockey professionals, each bringing decades of experience from grassroots to elite levels:

Committee Member Biographies

Rick Barron (rbarron@noha-hockey.ca)

Taking part in his 50th year coaching minor hockey with New Liskeard, Rick Barron is considered a cornerstone of development and volunteerism throughout Northeastern Ontario. With 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 and Hockey Canada Master Facilitator. He has been the recipient of the Rick F. Albert Memorial Award for Development in the NOHA and 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 through his extensive real-world coaching experience.

Tim McWhirter (tmcwhirter@noha-hockey.ca)

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—running Hockey Canada Skills Camps, facilitating clinics, coaching at POE programs, and 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 the OHF Bill Richmond Award (2021–22) and the NOHA's Rick F. Albert Award. Beyond his local work, Tim is a provincial and national leader in hockey development, contributing significantly to Hockey Canada's Coaching Certification Programs and Instructional Stream.

Mike McParland (mmcparland@noha-hockey.ca)

Entering his 17th season as Head Coach of the Nipissing Lakers Men's Hockey Team, Mike McParland brings nearly 50 years of coaching experience to the committee. The OUA's 2022 Coach of the Year and recipient of the OHF's Bill Richmond Memorial Award, McParland is a High-Performance Coach evaluator with the OHF.

McParland spent 20 years coaching in the Swiss National League, winning 3 National League B Championships, and recently led Team Canada at the 2024 Skoda Cup in Piestany, Slovakia. He has worked alongside renowned coaches including Dave King, Brad McCrimmon, and Mike Pelino. As both coach and athlete, he has been 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 (mbourgeois@noha-hockey.ca)

Matthew has been a coach and scout for over 20 years at the highest levels of hockey. Currently serving as goalie coach and recruiter at NCAA D1 Canisius College since 2022, Matthew is a certified High Performance 1 coach and Goaltending Level 3 coach with Hockey Canada, as well as a Gold level goalie coach with USA Hockey.

Matthew works with the Ontario Hockey Federation, Ontario Minor Hockey Association, and Northern Ontario Minor Hockey Association as a goaltending coach and mentor. His passion lies in goalie development and guiding players to become their best. Since 2009, Matthew has traveled to Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States to work with elite hockey programs, bringing international perspectives to NOHA development initiatives.

Program Launch

The Coach Mentorship Program will officially launch with the 2025-26 hockey season, with committee members immediately available for coach support and information sessions scheduled throughout the season. Additional information and opportunities will be rolled out throughout the 2025-26 season as the program continues to develop and expand.

Coaches interested in accessing mentorship support or attending information sessions can contact the NOHA for program details and mentor contact information.