We are proud to introduce to you our U14–U18 coaching staff
for the upcoming 2026/27 season. This experienced group is committed to
developing high-performance athletes in a competitive, disciplined, and
team-first environment. With a strong emphasis on skill progression, hockey IQ,
and physical preparation, our staff is equally focused on promoting each
athlete, helping them gain exposure, build confidence, and prepare for the next
level of their hockey journey.
U14 - Danny Taylor
Danny Taylor became a Kingstonian at 19 when he was traded
to the Kingston Frontenacs, and now proudly calls Kingston home. Retiring from
professional hockey 2022 following a 16-year professional hockey career that
saw him compete at every level of the game. Throughout his career, Danny played
at the highest professional levels in Russia, Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Latvia, Slovakia, Germany, and Kazakhstan, gaining invaluable
international experience and perspective.
Now a local real estate agent, Danny and his wife Danielle —
a lifelong Kingstonian — are raising their four children: Hudson (13), Boston
(11), Pippa (9), and Weston (2).
Entering my second year behind the bench, Danny is extremely
excited and proud to be coaching the 2013 group. He looks forward to continuing
to build a competitive, development-focused environment and welcomes families
to join the program at tryouts
Team Vision for 2026/27
Our program develops elite young players through a
player-first, long-term approach focused on skill, hockey IQ, physical
conditioning, and character. We combine daily high-quality on-ice instruction,
individualized skill acquisition, and competitive game like environments while
protecting health and enjoyment. Our coaches prioritize deliberate practice,
high-repetition skill work, small-area games, and game-like decision training ,
so players build confidence and perform under pressure. We emphasize character:
leadership, accountability, time management, and sportsmanship, preparing
players for success on and off the ice. Parents can expect transparent
communication, clear standards, and a supportive environment that balances
competition with development. We emphasize safety, individualized workload
management, mental skills training, and open communication, welcoming families
who value commitment, development, and a clear pathway to higher-level hockey
starting right now.
U15 – Brett Gibson
I have been coaching men’s hockey at an elite level for the
last 22 years – As a former player, with 22 years coaching experience, I know
what it takes to get players to the next level whatever that maybe for
them. I have been provided with opportunities to experience and learn
from some of the very best hockey minds in the world. The exposure to
many different styles of coaching, both positive and negative, and various team
cultures have shaped my passion, coaching style, and approach to the game.
I have a great passion for the game, especially as it has
evolved into a faster paced, puck possession style of game. As the
Head Coach, with assistance of my coaching staff, we will create a safe, Team
Centered environment where players will clearly understand their
individually defined roles, allowing us to become the strongest team possible.
I firmly believe that communication, video analysis, and player feedback is
critical in developing today’s player’s – as a coach, these are areas in which
I feel I excel at. Player development both on and off the ice will be my
biggest responsibility providing teachable moments that the players can take
with them as they move forward in life
U16 – Reid Trueman
Entering his second year behind the bench, Reid builds on a
highly successful U15 AAA season where his standard of accountability,
preparation, and compete level defined the team’s identity.
Reid’s philosophy is simple: culture drives performance.
Daily habits, relentless work ethic, and team-first accountability are
non-negotiable. He expects 100% effort every shift, every practice.
The U16 AAA program will deliver a high-performance
environment featuring structured on-ice development, off-ice training, and
consistent video review throughout the season. Supported by an experienced and
knowledgeable bench staff, the focus remains on developing complete athletes
prepared for the next level.
Most importantly, this team will represent Greater Kingston
with pride, professionalism, and respect — competing hard, playing the right
way, and reflecting the strength of our hockey community both on and off the
ice.
U18 - Max Proulx
Max is excited to take the bench with the U18 group next
season and to continue building within t the Greater Kingston program.
A high-school teacher and long-time minor hockey coach, Max has spent well over
a decade working with players from U9 through U18 in both community and
high-performance environments. He is a High Performance–certified coach,
Chartered Professional Coach, and Ontario Certified Teacher, and also serves as
a coach developer and evaluator with the OMHA.
After taking part in a number of
Program of Excellence events over the years, Max was recently selected to coach
at the Ontario Summer Games 2026, an opportunity he sees as a reflection of the
people and programs that have shaped his journey.
Those experiences have shaped a simple approach: clear standards, honest
communication, and a team-first culture. Max believes that when players trust
each other, compete for each other, and take pride in their roles, it builds
the strongest teams and creates meaningful growth in young athletes. His focus
is on developing a connected, competitive group that plays with pace,
discipline, and purpose.
Team Vision - One Pace. One Team.
This season is about how we work. Every practice, every shift, every
meeting, and every conversation is a chance to build something together. The
standard we set day to day will define who we become far more than any single
game or moment.
One Pace means urgency in our habits. We practice with intention. We move
quickly from mistake to response. We support the puck, support the play, and
support each other without hesitation. Our pace is not just about speed; it’s
about purpose, communication, and effort.
One Team means connection and responsibility. Everyone has a role.
Everyone matters. We take pride in doing the small things right, in supporting
our teammates, and in being reliable when the group needs us. There are no
passengers on a connected team.
Our focus will be on:
- Strong
daily habits
- Clear
communication
- Honest
accountability
- Role
pride and team-first decisions
- Compete
level in every drill and every shift
If we move together, work together, and hold the
same standards, we give ourselves a chance to build something meaningful,
because of the way we show up for each other every day.
One pace. One team. Always