CAC 2024 Coaching Announcement

Connor Middleton is a seasoned Hockey Canada High Performance 1 certified coach with a strong track record in AAA hockey coaching across Alberta. With experience as an assistant and associate coach for esteemed teams like St. Albert Sabres, CAC Canadians, Sherwood Park Kings, and Edmonton Junior Oilers Orange. 

Connor has honed his skills in player development, game strategy, and opponent analysis. Notably, he played a pivotal role in leading the U16AAA Canadian Athletic Club team to league and provincial championships in the 2021-2022 season. Beyond coaching, Connor's dedication to inclusivity is evident through his work as a summer camp coordinator for the Paralympic Sports Association, where he designed accessible activities and fostered a supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. 

Committed to ongoing growth, Connor has completed various coaching courses, including Hockey Canada certifications and Commit to Kids for Coaches. As a coach, he prioritizes providing immediate feedback and support to help players reach their full potential. Currently, Connor serves as the Head Coach for Team  Capital Royal at the 2024 Prospects Cup and as a Skills Coach for Hockey Alberta, contributing to player development in camps throughout the province. 

A student of Kinesiology at the University of Alberta, Connor's passion for sports and coaching is matched only by his belief in the potential of individuals both on and off the ice. 

Ryan is from Spruce Grove, Alberta. Coaching has always been a passion of his as he enjoys working with young athletes and helping them achieve their dreams/goals. He enjoys watching them grow on the ice as players and off the ice as people. Ryan has been coaching for 4 years now with Parkland Athletic Club as an assistant coach and head coach at the U16AA, U15AA and U15AAA levels. He has also worked with ATC Goaltending for the past 6 years and as an instructor at Next Level Athlete for 1 year. He played all his minor hockey within Spruce Grove where he was fortunate enough to win two provincial championships U13AA and U18AA.

He believes “Every team and every player are different. Every player needs a different plan that fits them best as a player. However, at the end of the day, they must buy into the team structure and be accountable for it. Therefore, for a team to be successful, a coach must coach individuals and the team. Most importantly, coaching is about developing these young players not only as hockey players but also assisting them in becoming good people and citizens”. Ryan takes great pride in creating an environment where everyone is family and respectful. On the ice, he enjoys building an identity of being the hardest working team along with being disciplined.

Ryan is currently finishing up his business marketing diploma at NAIT. Away from the rink, Ryan enjoys spending time on the golf course, staying physically active and spending time with family/friends.

Ryan is excited about the new opportunity to coach with CAC and is looking forward to building a successful team this upcoming season.