Danielle O'leary
My name is Danielle O’Leary, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Scarborough Sharks U9B team as head coach for the 2023-2024 season.
A Scarborough native, I am the mom of three very active children – 9, 6, and 4 – who all play hockey as well as other sports. This will be my second season as a head coach with the organization and I have also assisted with my son’s hockey team over the past several years. Coaching hockey is a truly rewarding experience. It is a commitment that I take seriously, and you can expect that I will put in the same amount of effort that is expected from your players.
Hockey is one of my passions in life. Growing up, I played competitive hockey with the Leaside Wildcats and eventually with Queen’s University. Through hockey, I’ve had the opportunity to run around hotels playing mini sticks, build my physical and mental strength, develop lifelong friendships, and even win a Provincial Championship.
For me, hockey is about more than just winning trophies. My goal is to provide a development-focused atmosphere of fun, fair play, positivity, and hard work so that each individual player can realize her full potential. I want to ensure a rewarding hockey experience for all, regardless of skill level or ability. The measure of success will be in the smiles on players’ faces, their improvement in their skills over the course of the season, and ultimately, their continued passion for the game.
Coaching Philosophies & Expectations:
• Teamwork: What we can accomplish this year as a whole group is greater than what can be achieved by each individual player. Building team cohesion is important.
• Development: Given the age of our group, focus must be placed on the foundational habits and skills of each player. We will put a strong emphasis on individual skill development as well as team based concepts.
• Self-esteem: We want to build confidence and self-image through hockey; we want to limit the fear of failing and empower players to be the best they can be and be willing to try new things.
• Work ethic: Even when facing more skilled teams and players, our emphasis will be on out working our opponents and trying our best even in the face of adversity.
• Respect: We want players to learn to demonstrate respect for themselves, their teammates, their coaches, their parents, referees, and for everyone else in between.
• Commitment: Attending games, practices, and other activities is crucial to being able to achieve what we want to achieve this year.
Program Highlights:
• Preseason practices and exhibition games
• Two practices per week & one skills session per week
• Dryland (off-ice) training
• OWHA 10 home and 10 away games
• 4-5 tournaments, including 1-2 travel tournaments
• Provincial Championship weekend
• Team building events and other activitiesCalvin Eberts
My name is Calvin Eberts and I am excited
to be the coach of the Scarborough Sharks U11BB/B team for 2024-2025. I have
had a long-time involvement with the Scarborough Sharks as the son of a former
executive member and brother of a former player. As a result, I have seen first-hand the joy
and friendships made through the Scarborough Sharks Association. I have played hockey since the age of 6 (20
years) and have been a referee in the GTHL’s competitive stream (A, AA, AAA)
for the past 6 years. I have been part of on-ice practices with teams in the
past, and I am thrilled to be able to start my coaching career with an
organization that is so familiar to me.
As a current player and referee, I have
also seen how the game has progressed and changed over the years. I am
committed to involving female coaching staff and instructors, and to this end,
I am excited to also invite long-time Scarborough Shark, Israel Sitzer, to the
bench with me. Israel, is currently
playing at the Senior level for the Sharks and has many years of experience
playing at the A/AA and college/university levels. We are both very much looking forward to
helping the team develop their skills both on and off the ice.
As a referee, I believe I can also speak to
the importance of on and off-ice attitude, and I plan to strongly emphasize the
importance of respect in our game. My plan, along with my coaching staff, is to
promote physical fitness, mental health, and a positive outlook, no matter the
challenges before us, to grow and create a skilled and competitive hockey team.
I am thankful to the Scarborough Sharks
Hockey organization for allowing me this opportunity and I look forward to the
2024-2025 season.Logan Purdy
I am pleased and happy to
be named the U-13 Atom A Head Coach for this upcoming 2024/ 25 season, and to
be associated with the Sharks Organization.
This will be my 4th year coaching with the Sharks after two
years involved coaching the Novice program and one year at Atom.
I have been coaching
multiple sports including minor hockey for over 20 years. I have a passion for the sport of hockey, and
my goal as a coach will be focus on developing team play, strategic/tactical
components, developing and
improving each players’ hockey skills.
I believe my job as a coach
is to grow the love of this wonderful sport in a fun and safe environment that
promotes self‐ confidence, a sense of
commitment and pride within the players, their team and in the club
establishing strong friendships that provide the great benefits of being
involved in the team sport like Hockey.
I look forward to the upcoming season with lots of learning and
success. Please feel free to contact me
if you have any questions or require more information regarding the 2024/25
Scarborough Sharks U-13 A program.
Gihan Ramaniganthan
My name is
Gihan Ramaniganthan and I’m very excited to be the U13BB Head Coach for the
2024/2025 season. I’ve held different
roles over the past 6 years with the Scarborough Ice Raiders and the
Scarborough Sharks – ranging from Head Coach, Assistant Coach and practice
support.
My passion is in seeing kids
form new relationship, develop their skating abilities and hockey IQ, all
through hard work at practices and games and developing connections with their
teammates.
My focus for
the upcoming year is to identify where each individual girl is on their hockey
journey, focusing on the steps needed to help them individually progress to the
next stage and move the team along the continuum.
Creating a
team culture centered on having fun and recognizing that each of our girls
individually bring a unique skillset to our team is very important to me – I
guarantee your girls will develop lasting relationship and have the most fun
playing hockey this upcoming season.
Winning is
certainly important, but equity and self-worth is also as important – each one
of our girls that make this team will have equal play time and their individual
contributions will be recognized towards the overall success of this team.
I’m excited
to lead this team through our 2024/2025 season and my commitment to the girls
and families will be to make it one of the most enjoyable hockey seasons.
Please don’t
hesitate to reach out to discuss my approach, coaching techniques and
possibilities for participation on our 2024/2025 U13BB team.Mark Evangelista
Mark is a skilled and passionate hockey coach, instructor and player who has performed at the highest levels of the sport. He possesses an innate ability to motivate by focusing on strengths and helping players and the team work toward their fullest potential.
Mark’s coaching philosophy is to encourage and develop players to be and play smart, have heart and be fearless. Players learn to become better every day not only in hockey but in life –win or lose, leave it all out there, go and have fun!
Mark’s skills, knowledge and experiences includes developing house league players and teams to pro-level hockey players for over 10 years on the ice, off the ice in improving overall player physical and mental fitness levels toward greater individual and team output, achieving results in overall performance. Mark has also been entrusted as Head Instructor at Hyperfit Hockey and at Canlan Ice Sports hockey programs from 2007 to present.
Mark’s impressive coaching repertoire with girls’ teams in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) and boys’ teams in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) includes:
• AAA GTHL head coach –2019 to present
• Scarborough Sharks Bantam AA head coach –2019 to present
• Scarborough Sharks Peewee A head coach –2018 to present
• AAA GTHL team coach –2008 to 2019
• AAA Markham Majors defensive coach –2012-2016
• AAA Toronto Titans assistant coach –2008-2012
• Scarborough Sharks Bantam A assistant coach –2015-2016
• Scarborough Sharks Bantam AA assistant coach –2016-2019
• Scarborough Sharks Peewee AA head coach –2017-2018
• Scarborough Sharks Midget AA assistant coach –2017-2018
As a demonstration of Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit, he also launched his own adult hockey school program called, “Coach Mark Says Skate”. When Mark is not on the ice, he enjoys outdoor activities on his bike, playing ball, working on another home improvement project or exploring new business ventures. However, most likely he can be found in an arena ultimately playing the game that he loves –hockey.Heather Adair
My name is Heather Adair and I am excited to be the head coach of a Scarborough Sharks U15Ateam for the 2024-25 season. This will be my fourth year in a head coach position with the Sharks,previously coaching U15A, U13A and U13BB over the past three seasons. In addition to my workwith various Sharks teams over the last 8 years, I have also coached numerous sports at the highschool level through my professional career. My hockey background includes playing five years inthe Canadian University System at Queen’s University and I was even a Scarborough Sharkmyself!
Sport has always been an important part of my life and I believe that sport can teach important lifelessons, develop individual character and confidence while providing opportunities for personalwellness and enjoyment. I bring a lifetime of female experience in sport both as an athlete and asa coach. My coaching philosophies include the following:
● Holistic development of each athlete in a fun and respectful environment
● Helping athletes achieve their full potential by focusing on individual skill development
● Development of team cohesion and valuing each player within the team
● Development of individual work ethic, responsibility and mental toughness
● Respect for athletes, families, officials, and opponents
Program Highlights
● Preseason practices, exhibition games and one early tournament
● Regular season practices of 2-3 hours a week
● Skills sessions with a professional skills coach and Goalie coaching throughout the season.
● 4 - 5 tournaments, including one away tournament
● OWHA 22-game regular season schedule
● Additional Exhibition Games, Playoff and Provincial Qualifier games
● Team building and celebration of females in the game through various team activitiesMike Nadon
I am very excited to coach the U15BB team for the 2024/25 season. I am afather of three and a teacher with the Toronto Catholic District SchoolBoard. I have coached volleyball and track and field at the elementaryschool level for the past 22 years. For the past two seasons, I havecoached at the B level for the Sharks and I’m thrilled to take our team up tothe BB level.
I started playing hockey at the age of 5 with the Knights of ColumbusHouse League. I moved on to play seven seasons of AA hockey in theMTHL. As a coach, I love sharing my passion and knowledge of the game.
Our team will focus on:
1. Creating a fun and safe environment
2. Hard work and skill development
3. Promoting self‐confidence and respect for others
4. Striving to achieve team and personal goals
I look forward to answering any questions you may have.Derek Ungaro
Mike Budd
I am excited to lead the girls through many successes through the
upcoming season. I will bring out a former OHL coach, goalie
coach and other skills coaches to assist with player and team development. To improve individual skills, working
on team plays, and fostering a strong team bond.
The season plan
will be to attend at least three tournaments, preseason exhibition games,
regular season, playoffs and playdown games. I will hold practice sessions that
focus on developing fundamental hockey skills such as skating, puck handling,
shooting, and game strategies. Tailor drills to match the skill levels of your
players. Make use of available resources such as assistant coaches, former
players, and guest coaches to bring in expertise and provide diverse
perspectives on training and development. Emphasize the importance of teamwork,
sportsmanship, and respect for teammates, opponents, and officials. Foster a
sense of unity and collaboration within the team.
I have been coaching or part of on-ice training in women's hockey for
the last 6 years. I am currently an assistant coach of the U15B Sharks. I am
also an AA coach and have coached at that level for 5 years. I look forward to
having a positive, competitive and hard-working team next year.
Mark Evangelista
Mark is a skilled and passionate hockey coach, instructor and player who has performed at the highest levels of the sport. He possesses an innate ability to motivate by focusing on strengths and helping players and the team work toward their fullest potential.
Mark’s coaching philosophy is to encourage and develop players to be and play smart, have heart and be fearless. Players learn to become better every day not only in hockey but in life –win or lose, leave it all out there, go and have fun!
Mark’s skills, knowledge and experiences includes developing house league players and teams to pro-level hockey players for over 10 years on the ice, off the ice in improving overall player physical and mental fitness levels toward greater individual and team output, achieving results in overall performance. Mark has also been entrusted as Head Instructor at Hyperfit Hockey and at Canlan Ice Sports hockey programs from 2007 to present.
Mark’s impressive coaching repertoire with girls’ teams in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) and boys’ teams in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) includes:
• AAA GTHL head coach –2019 to present
• Scarborough Sharks Bantam AA head coach –2019 to present
• Scarborough Sharks Peewee A head coach –2018 to present
• AAA GTHL team coach –2008 to 2019
• AAA Markham Majors defensive coach –2012-2016
• AAA Toronto Titans assistant coach –2008-2012
• Scarborough Sharks Bantam A assistant coach –2015-2016
• Scarborough Sharks Bantam AA assistant coach –2016-2019
• Scarborough Sharks Peewee AA head coach –2017-2018
• Scarborough Sharks Midget AA assistant coach –2017-2018
As a demonstration of Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit, he also launched his own adult hockey school program called, “Coach Mark Says Skate”. When Mark is not on the ice, he enjoys outdoor activities on his bike, playing ball, working on another home improvement project or exploring new business ventures. However, most likely he can be found in an arena ultimately playing the game that he loves –hockey.Steve Thompson
My name is Steve Thompson and I am excited to be part of the Sharks organization and named HeadCoach of the U15-A hockey team for the upcoming 2023-2024 season. In addition to a lifetimeinvolved in the game, I have had the privilege of coaching at a number of different levels in both boysand girls minor hockey. Currently, I am the Head Coach of the 2022-23 Scarborough Sharks U15-Ateam and have coached in the Sharks Organization for the last 4 years. Prior to the my time with theSharks, I coached in the Markham-Stouffville Organization.
Sport has always been an important part of my life and something that I enjoy sharing with both ofmy daughters. I believe that sport can be an extremely positive and powerful influence in the lives ofyoung people. Through participation in team based athletics, girls are able to learn responsibility,confidence and teamwork that will serve them well throughout their life.
My goals for the 2023-2024 U15-A season primarily revolve around a program that develops strongerindividuals, from both a hockey and a personal perspective, while teaching the values of teamwork,hard work and respect. My philosophies around coaching are as follows:
• Create a fun, positive and safe learning environment.
• Stress the importance of commitment, hard work and discipline.
• Always show respect to coaches, teammates, officials and opponents.
• Ensure strong communication between coaches, parents and players.
With regard to the actual program for the team, assuming a traditional, we will be competing in theU15-A level of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA). In addition to game play, I believestrongly in a commitment to focused training for both team systems and individual skills. Whereappropriate, professional coaches will be incorporated into the program to provide a diversity intraining and focus on specific aspects of the game (ex. goaltending, skating, defensive tactics etc).
Thank you for considering the Scarborough Sharks Organization and in particular the 2023-2024 U15-A team. Should you have any questions, please contact the undersigned at your convenience.Steve Montgomery
Steve is thrilled to continue as the Head Coach of the Scarborough Sharks U18 B team for the 2023- 24 season. He has over 20 years’ experience coaching minor softball and hockey and has been involved with the Sharks organization for the past 10 years.
He is looking forward to building on the successes of the 2022-23 season and is seeking players for the upcoming season who are dedicated, focused, and prepared to work hard in a fun, and competitive environment.
His coaching philosophy is built around the creation of an environment that challenges players to advance their skills while fostering strong bonds with teammates, promoting respect and commitment to the game. These goals are accomplished through the creation of a positive environment that focuses on skill development, team building and player empowerment through interactions with strong role models, including elite female hockey players.
The team plan for the 2023-24 season includes:
• Pre-season team events, practices, and skills training
• On-Ice practices held twice weekly
• Practices enhanced by additional skills sessions and professional goalie training.
• Participation in 4 tournaments (1-2 “away” tournaments)
• Exhibition, regular season, OWHA - Southern play-off and Provincial play-down games.