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Instructors

FORMER NHL PLAYER / NHL ALUMNI CAMPS & CLINICS OWNER - AHL HALL OF FAME

BRAD SMYTH

Owner and Head Instructor of NHL Alumni Camps and Clinics, Brad Smyth has played 20 professional seasons, six of which were in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators, N.Y. Rangers, Nashville Predators, Los Angeles Kings and Florida Panthers. A product of the Nepean Minor Hockey Association, Brad has also competed in the AHL, Division 1 Europe and worked as General Manager and Coach at the professional level with the Denver Cutthroats of the CHL.

Brad was inducted into the American Hockey League (AHL) Hall of Fame in 2019. Ranking 12th in league history with 326 career goals, Smyth registered 667 points in 610 regular-season games over his AHL career. He is one of only six AHL players ever to hit the 50-goal mark twice and one of seven players ever to lead the league in goals on two separate occasions, and is also ranked sixth all-time with 46 career postseason goals.

Coaches are critical to ice hockey at every level. An experienced, enthusiastic, well-trained coach can be a positive influence on the experience of players, parents and other coaches.

Brad as a Hockey Canada licensed skill development instructor will train and certify GBIHA hockey coaches so they have all the tools they need to help players develop. The GBIHA will work with its members and local ice hockey groups to provide effective education, coaching and certification for hockey coaches in the Greater Bay.

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Gregory Smyth

Gregory Smyth is the Chairman and Founder of iNetAsia, an established Asian performance marketing and digital marketing business headquartered in Hong Kong. In addition, Mr. Smyth is a serial entrepreneur, involved in a number of successful internet start-ups and multiple global property investments. Over the past 15 years, Mr. Smyth has served as Co-Founder and the Executive Director of the China Hockey Group in Hong Kong, spearheading the Greater Bay Lions, Junior Tigers, Asian Super League, Greater Bay Hockey League and China Ice Hockey League playing a pivotal role in the growth of ice hockey in Asia.

Gregory Smyth had an impressive collegiate hockey career, playing five years of varsity hockey in the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU), now known as U Sports, with both the University of Western Ontario and Dalhousie University. His time in these competitive programs showcased his talent and dedication, making significant contributions to his teams on the ice. Gregory’s collegiate experience in the CIAU was instrumental in shaping his understanding of the game, which he later applied to his various roles in hockey, including ownership of the Coquitlam Express in the BCHL. With a deep passion for hockey, Smyth has been instrumental in promoting the game at both grassroots and competitive levels, fostering a thriving community of players and enthusiasts. His background as a university athlete helped him understand the value of development and competition, which he has applied in nurturing the next generation of hockey talent across continents.

Smyth's dedication to promoting hockey in Asia also includes coaching and mentoring young athletes, organizing leagues, and creating development programs that emphasize skill growth, teamwork, and sportsmanship. His leadership has been instrumental in making the sport more accessible and inspiring the next generation of hockey players.

Director of Hockey Operations - Referee in Chief - Senior Coach

Chris Ivany

Hailing from Nova Scotia, Canada, Chris Ivany brings with him a wealth of experience to the Hong Kong hockey world. After playing Junior B hockey, he began his coaching and refereeing career while teaching high school in Nova Scotia.

In 2002 he began coaching minor hockey, and by 2005 he played a pinnacle role in building a successful new hockey program at Cape Breton Highlands Academy as head coach. During this time, Chris graduated to a Level 4 referee through attending high performance camps alongside fellow elite referees in Nova Scotia.

After moving to Hong Kong in 2011, Chris took a break from hockey but after several years decided to return to the game he loves. In 2019, he launched Asia’s first hockey podcast, Across The Pond, to expand the game in the region through storytelling. Many interviews and conversations later, Chris often highlights and celebrates how far hockey has come in Asia in just a few short years. He has had the pleasure and privilege of sitting down with some of hockey’s biggest names, including Eric Lindros, Jeremy Roenick, Kerry Fraser and more, along with key figures in Hong Kong and Asia’s greater hockey scene - people who bring so much inspiration to the game.

Currently Chris is Director of Hockey Operations, Referee-in-Chief, Co-commissioner of the SCIHL and Junior Tigers Island Leagues, Commissioner of the Asia Super League, Head Coach of the U13 and U15 Greater Bay Lions programs and Tournament Director for the Greater Bay Championship. With a lifetime of experience, dedication, integrity and passion for the game, he is a valuable member of the Junior Tigers program.

Head Coach U7, U9, U11 Programs - Co-Director of Player Development

Ludovic Garreau

Coach Lu began his ice hockey journey at 3 years old, inspired by professional players who frequented his parents' restaurant after their home games. Growing up in a small French Alps town with a top-tier team, he developed a deep passion for the sport early on.

Training extensively with one of the best clubs, he joined the youth National team at 16. After moving to a club for national players, he embarked on a semi-pro and pro career, highlighted by playing alongside NHL players during the 2004-2005 lockout and later going pro in Sweden. Despite recurring injuries, Coach Lu continued to excel, transitioning to semi-pro play and earning coaching qualifications.

His coaching career began as a teenager, to spend more time on ice, but quickly evolved into a profound passion, especially for working with young kids in the U7 to U11 age groups. His dedication has inspired many young athletes, some of whom have gone on to play professionally, including one who recently made it to the NHL. Twelve years ago, he founded a successful ice hockey school in the Czech Republic, which thrived until the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seven years ago, Coach Lu moved to Asia, starting with an NHL Camp in Shanghai, before spending six successful years with the HK Typhoons Selects, where he earned six Red Champions hats in Mi5's. His coaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive and engaging environment for young athletes to develop their skills, learn valuable life lessons, and enjoy the game.

We are thrilled to have Coach Lu as a part of our team, bringing his wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to our young athletes. His journey and achievements are a testament to his commitment to the sport and his ability to nurture and develop talent at every level.

Deputy Director of Hockey Operations U7, U9, U11 Programs

Danny McLellan

Danny McLellan started ice skating on a flooded back yard rink in Detroit Michigan. Multiple future Junior A and College players would use that back yard rink and the McLellan family’s garage door to hone their skills over the years. Danny played youth hockey for Compuware and Little Caesars, which often rank as top AAA Programs in North America. His final year of high school, he won the Michigan high school state championship with Detroit Catholic Central. That team was ranked #1 in America by USA Today. He had the uncanny knack of scoring short-handed goals and was fortunate to play with an all star cast of some of the best players in the USA. Danny earned all-state honors in hockey and lacrosse.

He later played college hockey at Denison University in the ACHA. Post college he continued to play in the CIHL in Hong Kong and leagues in Japan over the last 15 years. Danny is in his 4th season with the Junior Tigers and has helped with the development of the learn to skate, learn to play, U7 and U9 teams.

He has spent the last 25 years working in financial services in New York, Hong Kong and Tokyo while always keeping his skates close by.

Head Coach U13, U16 Programs - Co-Director of Player Development

Matti Fagerstrom

We are thrilled to welcome our newest coaching hire Matti Fagerstrom—41 years young from the land of a thousand lakes, Finland.

Matti grew up and played his junior years in the true hockey town of Hämeenlinna, where a lifelong passion for the sport led him to pursue coaching at the highest level. He is a graduate of the prestigious Sports Coaching and Management program at Haaga-Helia Vierumäki University, the only university in the world offering a major specifically in ice hockey coaching. This ICCE-endorsed program blends Finland’s world-renowned hockey culture with athlete-centered coaching, international collaboration with the IIHF and Finnish Ice Hockey Association, and hands-on youth development experience (U10–U16).

Since graduating 15 years ago, Matti has coached in top European junior leagues (U15, U17, U18, U20) and with national teams in the UAE, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Known for doing things the “right way,” he prioritizes team culture while fostering individual growth—bringing unmatched expertise, experience professionalism, and passion to our program.

Matti joins the Junior Tigers organization as Head Coach for the expanded U13-U16 program for the 2025-26 season.

Deputy Director of Hockey Operations U13, U16 Programs

Fabrizio Faita

Fabrizio Faita was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. Hockey has always been his passion. The name Faita was well recognized in Montreal junior hockey back in the early 1960s. His father, Jean Faita, and his 2 brothers were known as the « 3 Italian hockey brothers ». His dad went on to play professional hockey in the IHL league for the Muskegon Mohawks.

Hockey has always been a big part of Fabrizio’s life, even though he grew a love for baseball and played well into his junior years.

For the last 20 years, he has been working as a stock trader. He moved to Hong Kong 12 years ago and has been actively involved in hockey as a player and a mentor.

Head Coach - Goaltending

Rudolf Bernart

Hailing from Hradec Králové, Rudi began his hockey journey inspired by the Czech Republic’s victory at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. He went on to play key years with HC Dynamo Pardubice, sharing the ice with legends like Dominik Hašek and David Krejčí, and captured a Czech championship title in 2012.

In 2013, Rudi joined Mountfield HK, where he continued to compete while also representing the University of Hradec Králové for four seasons. Between 2014–2018, he began focusing on coaching, leading goalie programs at Mountfield HK and with the Czech International Hockey Camps. During this time, he worked closely with several promising goaltenders, including Jan Kasal, Tomáš Vomáčka, and Karel Vejmelka, supporting their development through structured training and consistent mentorship.

Rudi’s first international coaching experience came in 2017, when he led a month-long goalie clinic in Shanghai in partnership with the Czech International Hockey Camp, introducing a new generation of players in Asia to elite European goaltending techniques. In 2018, he joined the Hong Kong Typhoons as Head Goalie Coach, where he spent two impactful seasons developing goalies across multiple age groups before stepping away during the COVID years.

The depth of experience and passion that Rudi brings to the Junior Tigers program is invaluable, helping to elevate goalie development with both structure and heart.

Master Series - Guest Coach

The Junior Tigers Master Series brings former NHL players to Hong Kong for special guest coaching sessions. These elite professionals join our team for a short time to share their knowledge, experience, and passion with players on and off the ice. Working alongside our coaching staff, they help create an exciting and inspiring environment where players can develop their skills, gain unique insights, and push their game to the next level.

Robert Schremp

Rob Schremp, born in upstate New York, made a big name for himself in the world of hockey as a player and then also as a coach. He began playing at his local community center’s ice rink and quickly moved up to the NHL. Drafted in the first round, his career showcased a blend of natural talent and sheer willpower. He played for notable teams including the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, and Atlanta Thrashers.

While 2018 marked the end of his active playing days, Rob’s impact on the sport only intensified. He seamlessly transitioned into a key mentoring role, working with some top NHL players like Patrick Kane, Drew Doughty and Corey Perry. His leadership acumen further crystallized when he assumed the role of Director of Coaching for HK Tukums in Latvia.

Rob’s coaching philosophy is centered on encouraging a positive attitude combined with hard work, determination and discipline. He is dedicated to ensuring that players excel on the ice and are well equipped to face life’s various challenges off it. He prioritizes teamwork, yet recognizes and nurtures the unique strengths of each young player.

Dedicated to operational efficiency and the relentless quest for excellence, Rob, in collaboration with his coaching staff, remains steadfast in their objective: to maximize every second on the ice. The mandate is clear-cut – players are expected to embark on each training session primed, passionate, and concentrated, reflecting Rob’s deep-rooted devotion to hockey.

Rob will be joining the Junior Tigers coaching team at the start of the season from August 28th to September 13. During his time in Hong Kong, he will run multiple semi-private shooting sessions as well as assist with the launch of the Greater Bay Lions 2025-26 season.

SENIOR COACHES

Experienced coaches from Canada, the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong lead and oversee the development of the Junior Tigers programs and its players. Our coaches bring a wealth of international hockey expertise and training, both on and off the ice. They work closely with parents and players to create a fun and inclusive environment where everyone is continuously learning and improving.

Jonathan Szychta

Jonathan Szychta, a three-time CIHL Champion and 2017 Playoff MVP, is originally from Brantford, Ontario, and grew up playing his minor hockey with the Brantford 99ers under the guidance of Walter Gretzky.

Jon started his junior career with the Brantford Jr B Golden Eagles before moving on to play with the Paris Mounties of the Niagara Jr. C League. He played his way onto the Niagara West Jr. C All Star Team, before joining the Simcoe Storm at the trade deadline in his final year, helping the team win the conference championship and finishing 4th in Ontario.

Currently, Jon is an international school teacher and commissioner of the ISSFHK Ball Hockey League.

Philippe Laberge

Growing up in Montreal, Philippe found hockey a way of life. Starting at the age of three, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the top players in his age group. This early success instilled in him the values of dedication, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence – qualities he carried with him throughout his athletic career.

Philippe's competitive spirit led him to excel in American football, where he was a key member of one of Quebec's most dominant juvenile teams. Their back-to-back national championships testify to his commitment to strategy, discipline, and pushing limits – attributes that translate seamlessly to the ice.

As a coach, Philippe is passionate about sharing his knowledge and inspiring young athletes. His experience in teaching defensive strategies in football provides a unique perspective on hockey, emphasizing the importance of positioning, anticipation, and reading the play. He understands that success in both sports requires not only physical skill but also mental toughness and a strong work ethic.

Beyond the rink, Philippe is a successful partner at a leading immigration law firm, demonstrating his ability to excel in diverse fields. He also proudly represents Hong Kong in international ball hockey competitions, proving his enduring love for the game. With Philippe, your child will learn from a coach who embodies the spirit of a champion, both on and off the ice. He'll instill in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and strategic thinking, helping them reach their full potential as hockey players and individuals.

Tyler Doherty

Tyler Doherty has been a long-time coach of the Junior Tigers having lived in Hong Kong since 2012. Tyler is from Canada and former professional player with a diverse and accomplished background in the sport. He played junior hockey with the Langley Hornets in the BCHL and the Fernie Ghostriders in the AWHL before competing at the university level with Concordia University in the CIS. Tyler’s professional playing career spanned from the early 2000s into the 2020s and included time in the Central Hockey League with the Mississippi RiverKings, Division 3 in Sweden with Dio GoIF and was played for the Macau Aces of the CIHL during his time in Hong Kong.

Tyler has a diverse coaching experience serving as the head coach of the Hong Kong U18 National Team during the 2013-14 World Junior Championship tournament. He has also been involved in youth hockey coaching in Vancouver and volunteering with community hockey programs. A key part of his coaching career was his role at the Banff Hockey Academy, a prestigious prep hockey and academic program founded by his father, Bill Doherty. At the academy, Tyler helped develop young athletes in a demanding environment that combined rigorous hockey training with academic excellence.

Antoine Devolz

Inspired by his family's rich ice hockey legacy, Antoine Devolz began playing at age four. His father and uncle were professional players in Switzerland in the 1950s, setting the stage for Antoine's future. At 18, he signed with the Anglet Hormadi Club in France, starting his professional career. By 20, he joined the Selzen Opava Hockey Club in the Czech Republic, gaining valuable international experience.

Antoine transitioned to coaching in 2008, becoming Assistant Coach for the Hong Kong National Ice Hockey Team and helping prepare them for the 2009 IIHF Asia Challenge Cup. In 2010, he became the Director of Penguins Hockey Club and International Coach at Mega Ice, where he continued to mentor young talents. Since 2011, Antoine has been a guest coach for various hockey associations and joined the Junior Tigers in 2023, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion. His dedication has made him an influential figure in ice hockey, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Francis Lam

Francis Lam has been coaching with the Junior Tigers since 2018. He made his CIHL debut with the Macau Aces, and scored the game-winning goal in the AsiaXpat Championship Finals for the Kowloon Warriors during the 2022-2023 season.

A native of Mississauga, Ontario, Francis played minor hockey in the MHL with the Lorne Park Hockey Association, where he was named captain in 2010. He later went on to play Div II hockey at the University of Toronto, where he was awarded MVP in 2015 and 2022.

He obtained his Master of Teaching degree from the Ontario Institute of Education (OISE) at U of T. Currently, Francis is an elementary school teacher at DSC International School of Canada and the head coach for the school’s U20 Mixed Ball Hockey Team.

COACHES

Experienced coaches from Canada, the United States and Hong Kong lead, manage and oversee the development of the Junior Tigers programs and its players. With over 15 years of playing experience each, our Coaches bring a high level of hockey experience and training expertise, both on and off the ice. Coaches work closely with parents and players creating a fun and friendly environment where everyone is constantly learning and improving.

Ellie Bresson

Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, Ellie’s passion for hockey started at the age of 4. She played with Glace Bay Minor Hockey until she was 15 years old and began focusing on being a coach and referee.

Ellie has officiated across multiple levels including U18AA Men’s and U18AAA Women’s leagues. Her officiating highlights include National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (Women, 2022), U18 Major Women’s Atlantic Championship (2023), and the U16/U18 High Performance Women’s Atlantic Tournament (2024).

In addition to her officiating career, Ellie has made significant contributions as a coach and employee with the Female Blizzard Minor Hockey association. She has served as a coach for the U13 intersquad league from 2021-2025 and as a development coach for ages 6-18 from 2020-2025. Under her leadership her teams have achieved impressive results, including 1st place in the regular season and 2nd place in the playoffs (2023), as well as 1st place in both the regular season and playoffs (2024).

Ellie continues to keep her skates close by, fostering the next generation of hockey talent with passion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

ROBERT SCHREMP

JASON FORTIER

Jason Fortier is the General Manager and Head Coach of the Odessa Jackalopes in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). He is the director at Future Pros Hockey, where he works to improve players’ daily habits on and off the ice, leading to player success.

Jason is the former Head Coach and General Manager of the Coquitlam Express, a Junior A team in the British Columbia Hockey League. His experience also includes coaching major junior ice hockey with the Kitchener Rangers (part of the Ontario Hockey League) and with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, where he helped guide the team to a QMJHL President Cup.

Jason was also the Head Coach of the Toronto Lakeshore Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League leading them to back-to-back OJHL championships in 2013-14 and 2014-15. He began his coaching career with the Vaughan Vipers in the OJHL during the 2008-2009 season.

Originally from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Jason has played professional hockey in the Netherlands with Eindhoven Kemphanen, in the German Tier II league with Bad Reichenhall EHC, and in the USA with the Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League in 1998-99. He also spent a year in the CIS where he suited up for Sault College.

SIMON FERGUSON

Simon Ferguson is the current Head Coach for the West Kelowna Warriors in the BCHL.

Simon’s playing career included an exhibition game with the Anaheim Ducks in the NHL and six seasons in the AHL. Simon played 13 years of professional hockey, including Major Junior hockey in Canada in the WHL, where he was part of the Memorial Cup-winning Kelowna Rockets in 2003-2004. He has also played in the ECHL as well as the AHL, where he was part of the Calder Cup championship winning Hershey Bears.

Simon retired from professional hockey in 2013 and began his coaching career with the Okanagan Rockets. He also coached at Banff Academy before joining the West Kelowna Warriors.

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Let your little ones discover the joy of hockey! Led by energetic and friendly coaches, this course offers a wide range of drills to aid motor development and co-ordination. This is a great foundation for future sporting success and a whole load of fun!