Pilot Mound Hockey Academy is proud to announce the coaching staff for the Male U17 Prep team for the upcoming season. We are thrilled to have Rick McConnell and Danny Carels leading the program, bringing their extensive experience and dedication to the development of our student-athletes.
Rick McConnell, head coach, is a native of Pilot Mound and has been an integral part of the hockey community for decades. Rick’s playing career included four seasons with the Pembina Valley Hawks in the MB AAA Midget League, the Winkler Flyers of the MJHL, and the Pilot Mound Pilots of the THHL. He began his coaching career in 1992 and has been with Pilot Mound Hockey Academy since its inception in 2015. Rick’s coaching highlights include leading the PV Hawks AAA Midgets to a League Championship in 1996, coaching the Western AAA All Stars on six occasions, and guiding the PMHA Midget Varsity Buffaloes to a CSSHL Championship in 2020 and a NAPHL Championship in 2023. Most recently, Rick and Danny Carels led the Male U17 Prep team to the 2025 CSSHL U17 Prep Tier II Championship, a remarkable achievement reflecting their leadership and vision.
Danny Carels, assistant coach, transitions to the Male U17 Prep program after spending the last two seasons with PMHA’s Male U15 Prep team. Danny’s coaching journey includes five years with the AA Pembina West U15 Program and time with the Pembina Tigers High School Program. He is also a skilled instructor with the Carels & Carels Skill Development Camps and is currently enrolled in High Performance Coaching Certification through Hockey Manitoba. Danny’s playing career began in Holland minor hockey and continued throughout the region, culminating with the Swan Lake Cougars. His collaboration with Rick McConnell, including their shared success in securing the 2025 CSSHL U17 Prep Tier II Championship, underscores his ability to foster team growth and success.
With Rick and Danny at the helm, the Male U17 Prep team is set for a season of growth, development, and excellence. Their leadership and dedication will inspire our athletes to excel both on and off the ice.
