HOCKEY OPERATIONS STAFF
MEET THE STAFF WHO ARE DEVOTED TO STUDENT ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT
NICHOLE COLLINS
PMHA GENERAL MANAGER, GOVERNOR
CSSHL EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS
Nichole played minor hockey with the boys until she transitioned to AAA, winning multiple provincial championships and a trip to Westerns, then finished her playing career with UofM where she earned Academic All Canadian and Dean's Honor List. Nichole has extensive experience in human resources, leadership, business management, organizational effectiveness, and community sustainability that stems from both her professional career and various community volunteer initiatives, is proud to be the first female general manager in the CSSHL, and is even more proud to manage the academy via a family first dynamic, where everyone is forever part of the Buffaloes Family. Nichole is a strong supporter of choice for families and the hockey development model, pathway to graduation, and post graduation playing and academic opportunities that academies provide to student athletes. She has served on the CSSHL Board of Governors since 2023, volunteering as a league governor, on the Executive Operations Committee, the Human Resources Committee, and is Chair of the Western Competition and Scheduling Committee.
GINGER COLLINS
PMHA ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
BIO COMING SOON!
CARSON MCCONNELL
MANAGER, HOCKEY OPERATIONS
MANAGER, OFFICIATING
GOVERNOR
Carson McConnell joins the Pilot Mound Hockey Academy staff with experience as a player, mentor, and official. Carson grew up in Pilot Mound, MB, where he played minor hockey from U7 to U13. He then moved on to play with the Pembina Valley AAA U15 Hawks and finished his minor hockey career playing 3 seasons with Pilot Mound Hockey Academy in the U17 Prep and U18 Prep divisions. He was named Captain of the Buffaloes in his 16 and 17-year-old seasons. Following minor hockey, Carson moved on to play with the Winkler Flyers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. Later in his career, McConnell became a High-Performance official within Hockey Manitoba and Hockey Canada. He currently holds a Level IV certification and is a facilitator for clinics within the province. Carson is also works as the Finance Manager at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Manitoba. He currently holds a Diploma in Business Administration from Red River College and a Degree in Business Administration from Brandon University. Carson looks forward to working in all aspects of the academy moving forward!
DANE HALSTEAD
MANAGER, SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Dane, a natural leader both on and off the ice, brings a wealth of experience to his coaching role. As the Captain of the Pilot Mound Buffalo and later, as the Captain of the Bellingham Blazers in the WSHL at just 19, Dane has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. Dane continues to play with the Carman Beavers of the SEMHL, where he has recognized as the teams Defenseman of the Year in 2022/23. With a Development 1 certification, Dane has spent three years as an assistant coach with FGNHA. Additionally, Dane has dedicated four years to enhancing players skills as a Development Coordinator and Manager for The RINK. Dane was also named Head Coach of the U15 AA Wild in the 2024/2025 season. Dane is not just about hockey; about building a foundation of personal and team accountability. His coaching philosophy revolves around providing players with the tools they need not only for success in hockey but also for personal growth. Dane is committed to shaping not just skilled players, but well-rounded individuals ready for success both in the game and in life.
HOCKEY COACHING STAFF
MEET THE STAFF WHO ARE DEVOTED TO PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
MALE U15 PREP COACHING STAFF
COLIN FAFARA
MALE U15 PREP HEAD COACH;
GOALIE COACH;
SKILLS COACH
Colin comes to Pilot Mound Hockey Academy from just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States where he played AAA hockey as a goaltender. After his playing career, he coached for 9 years at Snider Hockey in Philadelphia winning multiple league and district championships at the U14, U16 and U18 levels. In addition to working for Snider Hockey, Colin spent 2 seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers Elite U15 team and 2 seasons as an assistant coach at Rowan University (ACHA). Player development both on and off the ice is a strong focus in his coaching philosophy and he is excited to help the students of Pilot Mound Hockey Academy continue to grow and develop. Colin graduated from Temple University with a degree in Sport and Recreation Management.
BRAD PLATT
MALE U15 PREP ASSISTANT COACH
Brad enjoys and looks forward to being part of the Male U15 Program as he is dedicated to the community and helps to continue to move our programs forward. Brad played his entire minor hockey years in Pilot Mound and then moved on with the Selkirk Steelers and Southeast Blades. His coaching experience involves many levels of the game from minor hockey through to ``AAA`` teams, both male and female. Most recently, Brad coached the PMHA Female U18 program.
MALE U17 PREP COACHING STAFF
RICK McCONNELL
MALE U17 PREP HEAD COACH;
COACH MENTOR;
EQUIPMENT COORDINATOR
Rick is a native of Pilot Mound where he played his minor hockey. He went on to play four seasons with the Pembina Valley Hawks in the MB AAA Midget League, the Winkler Flyers of the MJHL and Pilot Mound Pilots of the THHL. McConnell began his coaching career in 1992 and most recently coached the AAA Bantam PV Hawks.
Some of his coaching highlights include coaching the PV Hawks AAA Midgets for 11 seasons, being quite successful and winning the League Championship in 1996. During that time he was selected to coach the Western AAA All Stars on 6 occasions. Several years were spent coaching his boys in minor hockey as well as helping lead the Pilot Mound Senior team to a League Championship. Rick is on his 11th year with Pilot Mound Hockey Academy, being with the program since its inception, and has led the Midget Varsity Buffaloes to a CSSHL Championship in 2020, an NAPHL Championship in 2023, and a CSSHL Tier II Championship in 2025. Currently, Rick scouts for the Neepawa Titans of the MJHL.
He looks forward to coaching in his home town and continuing to develop young hockey players. He lives in Pilot Mound with his wife Marcie and their two boys, Tyson and Carson. Rick is employed by the Prairie Spirit School Division.
DANNY CARELS
MALE U17 PREP ASSISTANT COACH;
SKILLS COACH
Danny is a local fellow and brings with him the knowledge and experience of his coaching the AA Pembina West Bantam team for the past 5 years. Danny is part of the Carels & Carels Skill Development Camps and is a talented skills instructor. Danny is currently enrolled in High Performance Coaching Certification through Hockey Manitoba.
He grew up in and continues to raise cattle at the farm near Cypress River. Danny is well known in the hockey world, having coached and played his minor hockey in Holland and later through out the area; finishing off his playing with the Swan Lake Cougars.
The PMHA U17 Student Athletes will benefit from his past hockey playing experiences and most certainly with his dedicated skill development coaching style.
FEMALE U18 PREP COACHING STAFF
RYAN CARELS
FEMALE U18 PREP HEAD COACH;
SKILLS COACH
Ryan was born and raised in Cypress River, Manitoba. His hockey career started in the Holland minor hockey, he went on to play AAA Pembina Valley Hawks for his midget hockey years, and finished his final year of high school playing for his high school team, earning MVP of the 2002 year. The following year he earned rookie of the year in Tiger Hills senior hockey. He played a few years of senior hockey before starting his coaching career.
He started off by coaching his first son and then continuing throughout each of his kids' lives. He went from teaching his kids the game he loves to putting his passion towards larger hockey development in the community. He coached all age groups and he helped to run a Breakfast club, develop a successful U15 AA Bantam Program, and then joined the Pilot Mound Hockey Academy coaching staff. Ryan is involved in running many skills camps, helping out with tryouts, and prep/skills camps.
Ryan believes in developing confidence and skills through small area games that are high tempo and force players into multiple game-like situations. This also improves their mental game and number of puck touches. Splitting into multiple groups for games and skill development also keeps the reps high and the players involved. Ryan wants to encourage a blend of discipline, structure, and creativity into the teams he coaches. The number one goal he has is to create good people that are hard working leaders for not only hockey, for life.
KIRT FORTNEY
FEMALE U18 PREP ASSISTANT COACH;
SKILL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM COORDINATOR;
DORM PARENT
Kirt came to PMHA from Red Deer, Alberta. Kirt learned to skate in Lynn Lake, MB before moving to Alberta where he played all his minor hockey. Kirt then continued to play 3 years of junior hockey with the Princeton Posse and the Golden Rockets (KIJHL). After junior, Kirt signed with the University of Oregon Ducks (ACHA) in 2018. During his time in Oregon the team won 3 consecutive PAC 8 championships which resulted in the team’s ability to move up to division I in the ACHA. Kirt graduated from Oregon with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Business and Marketing and a minor in Mathematics. Kirt brings a fun, positive energy to the rink each day, with a focus on helping athletes develop a strong work ethic and discipline that translate into valuable life skills both on and off the ice.
MALE U18 PREP COACHING STAFF
ANTHONY FLORENTINO
MALE U18 PREP HEAD COACH;
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH;
SKILLS COACH
Anthony is joining us following the conclusion of a successful 7 year pro career in the AHL, ECHL, and SPHL. Anthony is no stranger to academy life and hockey progression, spending 3 years at South Kent School playing hockey and baseball, played with the U17 USA National Team Development Program, received a full scholarship to Providence College where he played 4 years at NCAA level, and was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2013.
MASON MCCARTY
MALE U18 PREP ASSISTANT COACH;
SKILLS COACH;
Originally from Blackie, Alberta, Mason brings a wealth of experience and passion to PMHA following a distinguished hockey career. His journey began in AAA hockey and progressed to over 200 games in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Red Deer Rebels and Saskatoon Blades. He continued his development at the collegiate level, competing for three seasons in USports with Acadia University, before advancing to the professional ranks in the ECHL. Mason is committed to sharing his deep understanding of high-performance hockey with the next generation of athletes. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, work ethic, and a genuine love for the game—values he strives to instill in every student-athlete he mentors.
RECRUITMENT STAFF
MEET THE STAFF WHO ARE DEVOTED TO PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
ROD COLLINS
RECRUITMENT
Coach Collins is from Pilot Mound, MB Canada where he grew up fine-tuning his hockey skills. Rod was the Head Coach and GM of PMHA Male Buffaloes before stepping down to a full-time role of Recruiter. Before coming to Pilot Mound, he was the Head Coach of the Bellingham Junior Blazers U16 team. He was also the GM of the Wenatchee Wild in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and the Head Coach of the Wenatchee Wild U18 Hockey Program. He had been a head coach of boys hockey at Shattuck St. Mary’s for 10 years and was with the Notre Dame Hounds hockey program from 1989 to 1997. He has coached the game of hockey for over 30 years. He has also coached in the Manitoba (MJHL), Saskatchewan (SJHL) and BC (BCHL) Junior Leagues. Coach Collins has Level Five Certification through USA Hockey and Advanced Level with Hockey Canada. Rod has a B.A. degree in Education from Brandon University.
ISAAC FRIESEN
RECRUITMENT
Isaac grew up in Killarney, Manitoba where he played his minor hockey. He played for the Southwest Cougars AAA team before moving on to play with the Neepawa Natives in the MJHL. Following that, he went down to the States to play college hockey for 4 years. After college hockey, Isaac played senior hockey with the Killarney Shamrocks in the THHL, Carnduff Red Devils in the Big Six Hockey League, and also played in the Allan Cup. Isaac brings his winning ways to Pilot Mound Hockey Academy winning 2 NJCAA National Championships, 3 THHL Championships, and 2 Manitoba Provincial Cups. Isaac is currently enrolled in High-Performance Coaching Certification through Hockey Manitoba.
GORDIE TUMILSON
PMHA GOALIE COACH COORDINATOR;
RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR
Gordie joined the Pilot Mound Hockey Academy group six years ago. With 45 years of experience as a goaltending coach, and mentor. As a player, Gordie propelled his career all the way from youth hockey in Winnipeg to the Winnipeg Jets (WHA), where he played as an original Jet from 1972-76. He captured an Avco World trophy in ‘76. Upon retirement from his playing days, Gordie immediately began passing on his knowledge and experience to younger goaltenders and their families. Gordie’s passion and ability for helping young players and staying current with the latest techniques has made him a valuable asset for PMHA & any up-and-coming goalie candidate he connects with. Marketing and Recruitment skills come along as a result of a 40+ year career in sales & branch management in the steel service center industry in Western Canada.
SUPPORT STAFF
MEET THE STAFF WHO ARE DEVOTED TO STUDENT SUCCESS
ALINA MYTSKAN
PMHA DORM PARENT
BIO COMING SOON!
SHERRI MORROW
PMHA DORM PARENT
Sherri Morrow brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted connection to the Pilot Mound community as a dedicated Dorm Parent at Pilot Mound Hockey Academy. Having spent most of her adult life in Pilot Mound, Sherri has always been passionate about working with people.
Her career began at the local restaurant and gas station, where she served as a cook and server for 10 years before taking on the challenge of business ownership, running the establishment successfully for 13 years. After selling the business, Sherri continued her journey in hospitality, working as a cook and server at Call Inns hotel. Later, she moved to Winnipeg, where she served as a resident manager at apartment complexes, further strengthening her leadership and interpersonal skills.
Throughout her career, Sherri has worked alongside adults and children in various roles, both as a manager and a coworker. Her love for working with people shines through in everything she does, making her transition to Dorm Parent at the Academy a natural fit. She takes great pride in fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for student-athletes, ensuring their home away from home is a place of comfort, guidance, and care.
Sherri is a devoted mother to two children and a proud grandmother to two sets of twin grandkids. Her nurturing personality and strong community ties make her an invaluable member of the Pilot Mound Hockey Academy family.
RHONDA BURNS
PMHA FINANCES
Rhonda Burns brings years of experience in financial management and a deep commitment to her community to her role as Bookkeeper at Pilot Mound Hockey Academy. Since 1994, she has owned and operated Burns Bookkeeping, helping local businesses and organizations stay on top of their finances with her steady and dependable approach.
Throughout her career, Rhonda has worked in various accounting roles, including positions at Investors, the local credit union, and TD Bank. Her dedication to accuracy and organization has made her a trusted professional in the field.
Beyond numbers, Rhonda is passionate about supporting her community. She plays an active role in fundraising efforts and serves on several committees, including PMMRC Fundraising and the Tivoli Theatre, always eager to lend a hand where needed.
Rhonda and her husband, Kelly, call Pilot Mound home, enjoying their seasonal camping retreat at Rock Lake. She is a proud mother to her adult children, Jenna and Jarett, and a loving grandmother. When she’s not working or volunteering, she’s cheering on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Winnipeg Jets, rarely missing a game thanks to her season tickets with the Bombers in the summer months.
Rhonda works in the Academy office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, always bringing her warm, approachable nature and willingness to help wherever needed. Her attention to detail and dedication to the community make her a valued member of the Pilot Mound Hockey Academy team.MEDICAL STAFF
MEET THE STAFF WHO KEEP OUR ATHLETES HEALTHY
JULIE MEDWID
PMHA LEAD PHYSIOTHERAPIST (MPT, B. KIN), SOUTH CENTRAL PHYSIOTHERAPY;
MEDICAL RESPONSE, PMHA
Julie grew up in Dauphin, MB and after high school continued on to the University of Manitoba to complete her Bachelor in Kinesiology and Masters in Physical Therapy. For 16 years her sport of choice was Scottish Highland Dancing where she competed both provincially and nationally and further became immersed in strength and conditioning. She met her husband in university who is originally from Pilot Mound, MB and moved to Crystal City, MB once completing her education.
Through the local private practice, South Central Physiotherapy, Julie provides both clinical treatments and team consultations. Her areas of practice include general orthopedics, concussion and sport injury rehabilitation, and pelvic health physiotherapy. She has received mentorship by some of the lead professionals in the areas of sport physiotherapy in Manitoba. She is continuing to expand and develop her education in sport rehabilitation. Julie is passionate about supporting her community in all levels of sport and physical activity.
KRISTIN CANART
PMHA NURSE PRACTITIONER
A graduate from the St.Boniface University bilingual Bachelor of Nursing Program in 2013, Kristin began her nursing career at the Brandon Regional Health Centre working in pediatrics, adult medicine, and the emergency department. With three children at home, she pursued her Masters of Nursing - Nurse Practitioner degree, graduating in 2021 from Athabasca University. Kristin has been working in a busy primary care clinic and is dedicated to providing quality care to rural patients of all ages. Originally from Winnipeg, she has settled in the western part of Manitoba. When she isn't at the clinic, chances are you can find her in a hockey rink somewhere in southwestern Manitoba, following her three kids. Her own love of hockey started at age 7, playing in the Winnipeg Female Hockey program, High School Hockey program, and the Manitoba Women's Junior Hockey League. Even with her busy clinical practice and growing family, she has also coached girls hockey programs, with her most recent team winning a provincial championship. She is looking forward to supporting the student athletes at Pilot Mound Academy. Go Buffaloes!
SHANNON DAVISON
COUNSELLOR
Welcome! With 12 years of experience in counselling, my specialty is supporting young people navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, PTSD, and stress. My approach to therapy is highly personalized, recognizing that each individual’s experiences, challenges, and goals are unique. I work collaboratively with clients to determine the best combination of therapies to best meet their needs. Creating a safe and supportive space for clients to sort out their challenges is my priority. My work is trauma-informed, and I incorporate a blend of psychoeducation, experiential opportunities, encouragement, and accountability to help clients gain insight and make meaningful changes in their lives. Together, we explore how past experiences shape present perspectives and behaviour, fostering growth and resilience. In addition to my Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, I hold additional certifications in the management of anxiety, depression, non-suicidal self-injury, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Whether you're seeking coping strategies, deeper self-understanding, or a path toward healing and wellbeing, I’m here to help.
Email: davisoncounselling@outlook.com or call (431) 441-3889
Find her at : https://www.instagram.com/davison_counselling/
Psychology Today Profile: Click Here
NICOLE LAMBKIN
SOCIAL WORKER
Bio Coming Soon!
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