Meet Your 2026-2027 Rep Coaches:
U8MD - David Witzel
I am excited and proud to be the head coach of the U8MD team for the upcoming 2026-27 season. I have several years of experience as an on-ice helper, assistant coach and head coach in the U7 program. I have also helped as an assistant coach for previous U8MD and U9MD teams.
I am a dedicated coach with a passion for developing young well-rounded players, both on and off the ice. With an emphasis on skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, effort and discipline, my goal is that the kids would develop a passion for the game and the skills necessary to succeed on and off the ice.
Players are encouraged to work hard to improve their skills and build confidence with and without the puck. The kids are certain to face challenges and make mistakes as they develop the basis of their hockey career, and we are there to support and encourage them along the way. I look forward to a great year of hockey!
U9MD - Bill Walkey
Thrilled and honoured to be the coach of the U9 MD Huskies! Growing up I played AAA in Waterloo before representing our junior C New Hamburg Firebirds for 4 years. Exiting as an assistant captain.
I have a bachelors degree in Kinesiology and a BA in education. For the last 20 years I have coached in hockey schools, fundamental programs and various rep teams from U7MD to U21A. In the last 3 years I have coached 2 teams to an International Silver Stick Championship. As a local physical Education teacher I have had the pleasure of coaching many junior hockey players in many different sports to championships and personal bests.
This life experience along with my highly skilled coaching staff helps push our players to new limits. My philosophy has always been to hold my players to high expectations while creating friendship and memories. As coaches, we try to build a strong foundation of hockey skills and IQ that will develop our players into the best people and hockey players they can be.
Myself along with our coaches are excited for a great year of U9MD Huskies Hockey!
U10A - Ryan Bailey
I am a passionate coach entering my fifth year working with U10 and U11 athletes. In 2023, I led our U10 team to the OMHA Championship semifinals. With over ten years of experience in youth sports and a Development 1 certification, I am committed to building strong players and strong people.
My love for hockey began in the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association, and I’ve since reconnected with the sport through the New Hamburg Hockey Association. I strive to create a fun, safe environment where players learn both hockey skills and important life lessons.
My coaching philosophy focuses on skill development, sportsmanship, and team unity. I believe games are won in practice, and I design high‑energy sessions using a 70/30 model—70% individual skill work and 30% team concepts. As players transition into full‑ice hockey, I use visual, verbal, and hands‑on instruction to support all learning styles.
Above all, I aim to help players grow their love of the game while developing into confident teammates and future leaders.
U11A - Don Bush
Leading the 2026-27 U11 'A' Huskies is a great honour. Even after 25 years behind the bench, I still pride myself on being a student of the game and bringing a "new school" touch to every practice. I love finding fun, fresh, high-energy drills and tactics that challenge both players and goalies to develop, while ensuring they have a blast at the rink.
Our team is fortunate to have a dedicated staff returning this season. We’ve built a group that balances veteran experience with the energy of young, local mentors who recently played Junior hockey. As a whole, we aim to bring a fresh perspective that (we hope) really connects with the kids.
Philosophy: We are big believers in a "pack mentality." Much like the Huskies we represent, one dog cannot pull the sled alone. We are at our best when everyone is pulling in the same direction. Our season will be built on fun, trust, and looking out for one another.
We want to create an environment where players feel confident enough to laugh hysterically, brave enough to take risks, and humble enough to learn from (and admit) mistakes, knowing that the entire pack has their back. If we can combine a relentless work ethic with a "pack-first" heartbeat and a genuine love for the game, we’ve done our job.
It is a privilege to build on the foundation laid by the previous coaches. We are committed to a smooth transition for our families and can’t wait for another amazing season within the NHHA community!
"One Sled. One Direction. Pack First."
U13A - Doug Hohl
I’m both honoured and excited to be coaching the U13 A team in New Hamburg this upcoming season
This is my third year coaching the 2014’s. Over the last 20 years I have been coaching in New Hamburg at both the Minor and Junior C levels
Our staff will strive to create a fun and competitive environment for all kids involved
Looking forward to a fun and positive season where we can help develop good hockey players on and off the ice
U14A - Tyler Craig
I’m excited to be returning to the New Hamburg Huskies for my 9th season with the association and to be leading the U14A program for the 2026-2027 season. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with players across multiple age groups, and I’ve
been fortunate to support them as they build their love of the game and grow as athletes and individuals.
U14 is a major step forward with the introduction of body checking and a faster, more physical pace of play. I look forward to helping players adapt to this new aspect of the game and become comfortable with it by focusing on proper technique and awareness.
At the same time, we will continue to improve overall skill sets through game like situations, team concepts, and a fast paced, competitive practice environment designed to support their development. Attack. Hustle. Never Quit. These are the three pillars I build every team around and they set the standard for how we practice, how we compete, and how we carry
ourselves as teammates.
I take pride in building teams that compete hard and continue to improve throughout the season. From the start of the year, we work together to establish team goals and a clear path for how we want to grow collectively. I’ve been fortunate to coach multiple teams that have advanced to the OMHA Championship Tournament. Those experiences help to reinforce the value of commitment, consistency, and effort being shared by all members of the team, coaching staff included.
My goal heading into the season is to create an environment where players are pushed to compete at a high level every day while knowing they are supported and trusted by their teammates and coaches. I want our group to embrace challenges, step outside their comfort zones, and develop the confidence that comes from hard work and preparation.
U15A - Ashton Mackay
I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of Head Coach for the U15 A New Hamburg Huskies this upcoming season. This will mark my third year coaching and my first year serving as a head coach, following two seasons as an Assistant Coach with the U13 and U14 A teams.
My goal for the season is to create a memorable and rewarding experience for every player—one defined by competitive success, strong team culture, lasting friendships, and most importantly, a genuine love for the game. I look forward to the opportunity to lead and support this group throughout an exciting year ahead.
U16A - Carl Seltzer
I’m excited to be joining the U16 program this season with the New Hamburg Hockey Association. I am currently serving as an Assistant Coach with the U14AAA Brantford 99ers for the 2025–26 season. During the 2024–25 season, I was proud to be the Head Coach of the U16A Brant Battalion.
These experiences have given me the opportunity to understand what it truly takes to push and develop players toward the highest level of hockey they aspire to pursue, while continuing to build competitive, character-driven teams. At the U16A level, I firmly believe a successful season isn’t defined solely by wins and losses, but also by player advancement. Whether that means moving up a level, earning a AAA opportunity, advancing to Jr. C, or securing a spot with the Jr. Firebirds Program the following season, competing for positions on a roster combined of two birth years.
Our program is built on commitment, growth, and culture. We challenge our players to become more confident, skilled, physically stronger, tactically aware, and attention to the small details of their game, while also being great teammates and committed students of the game. We believe a strong team culture is the foundation for success - one rooted in respect, accountability, and a family-first mindset. When players support one another and take pride in the game, they give themselves the opportunity to become the best version of themselves both on and off the ice.
U18A - Zach Mark
The Jr Firebirds Program would like to announce that Head Coach, Zach Mark, will be returning for his 5th Season with the Program. Since starting with the program in 2022, Zach has been able to build a strong reputation within the U18 Age, with a record of 160-51-37. Additionally, the program has won 3 Regional Silverstick titles in 3 seasons, attended International Silverstick 4 times in 4 seasons, 1 League Championship title (hopefully 2 after 2025/26 season), and 2 League Finalist titles. The Jr Firebirds were also the host for the 2025 OHF Championship.
About Zach
A local New Hamburg resident and NHHA graduate, Zach played his minor hockey in New Hamburg, as well as AAA in the Waterloo Region. Zach was part of our inaugural season with the Jr Firebirds in 2016/17, making it to the OMHA Finals. Following his minor hockey career, Zach played 5 seasons with the New Hamburg Firebirds Jr C Team, where he was Team Captain in 2021/22, helping lead the team to their first Division Championship in 10 years. Zach is a Development 1 - Certified Coach, and currently works for ALLIANCE Hockey as their Coordinator of Player/Coach Development & Programs.
What We Look For in a Jr Firebird
- Passion. We want players that have a passion to play highly competitive hockey, and a desire to win.
- RESPECT. This is the biggest one for us. We expect respect to everyone, in every area (coaches, players, opponents, referees, opposing arenas, hotels, etc.)
- Athleticism. Individual skill, hockey sense and hockey knowledge.
- Work Ethic. A strong work ethic and commitment to improvement on and off the ice. We do not expect players to be perfect, but we do expect a perfect effort.
- Commitment. Players that are committed to the sport and the team for the entirety of the season.
- Team Atmosphere. We are building a “brotherhood”. We are a team. We do everything as a team.
- Focus and positive response to feedback. Willingness to learn and attention to detail is extremely important to us
U18B - Chad Brown
I am beyond excited to coach the u18B Team this upcoming season!
I have been coaching for 3 years coming up to my 4th in New Hamburg minor hockey working with ages U15,U16,18 “A” and “B” levels. Our teams have developed players to meet and exceed their goals of minor hockey, including multiple that have progressed to AAA and the New Hamburg Jr Firebirds Program. On ice success has been seen in each year highlighted by back to back Regional Silver Stick Championships and representing New Hamburg Hockey Internationally at Silver Stick International Finals.
My staff and I create a good team culture based on hard work, respect and being good teammates and role models in the community.
I strive for the kids and young adults being coached to learn many good life lessons and to have a fun and learn a competitive environment with strategic planning and success.