May 20, 2025 | Zach Mark | 74 views
2025/26 Jr Firebirds - Introduction
My name is Zach Mark and I am extremely excited to return as Head Coach of the 2025 – 2026 New Hamburg Jr Firebirds for my 4th Season. Although tryouts are not until September, we as a coaching staff are already hard at work trying to plan for next season, and we are super excited about building another highly competitive program and team.
Our Staff
Head Coach: Zach Mark
Assistant Coach: Cole Stannix
Assistant Coach: Lucas Bast
Assistant Coach: Owen Fischer
Assistant Coach: Antonio Pasqualino
Trainer: Jake Thompson
In the past 3 seasons, we have been able to build a tremendous U18 Program in New Hamburg. With a record of 125-39-29, 3 consecutive Gerogina Silverstick Championships, and qualifying for 2 out of 3 OMHA Tournament Championships, our team has created a successful program that is built on a team-first mentality. We have also had tremendous success with pushing players to the next level, with many graduates going on to play Junior Hockey. We are hoping to continue to build the program and have another very successful season this year. My plan is to ideally be here to help our local NHHA players reach the next level of life (in hockey, school, work, and life in general) for awhile.
Our 2025/26 staff has a phenomenal resume, with 3/6 staff members graduating from the Jr Firebirds program, and 6/6 of us graduating from the Jr C Firebirds program. Being young, non-parent coaches, allows us to connect more to the players, as we were in the exact same shoes as them just a few years back. Personally, I love the game of hockey, and all sports in general. Growing up in New Hamburg, I played my early years in NHHA, eventually going to play in the Waterloo Region at the AAA level. Ultimately, I decided to return in Major Bantam, and finished my minor hockey career with the Jr Firebirds. After minor hockey, I moved on to play Jr C in New Hamburg for 5 seasons, and also AP'd at the Jr B level. I was lucky enough to win the Doherty Division Championship with the Firebirds in 2021/22, serving as team captain. Currently, I now work in hockey, as I am in-charge of Development & Programs at ALLIANCE Hockey. Having served in the game of hockey at many levels (Sr AA, Jr B, Jr C, AAA, A) and many capacities (player, coach, referee, and work), I strongly believe myself, and our coaching staff, has a strong understanding of the game and are able to adapt to the challenges we are faced with.
What is the Coaching Staff Looking for in a Jr Firebird?
· Passion. We want players that have a passion to play highly competitive hockey, and a want 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 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.
What Can You Do Before Training Camp Begins?
If you are thinking about trying out for this team, reach out and contact me by telephone/text (519-504-6275) or email ([email protected]) so that I know some things about who you are and so that you have an opportunity to ask questions about the team and our program. I do encourage everyone to reach out as I could talk about hockey for hours.
Thanks again! I look forward to seeing everyone in September.
Zach Mark
Head Coach
New Hamburg Jr Firebirds