Chilliwack – The Chilliwack Chiefs unveiled their scouting department for the 2019/20 BCHL Season. The Chiefs are extremely fortunate to have a group of individuals willing to give up their time to help our organization with regards to recruiting and player selection. With the addition of these seven individuals the Chiefs are set to continue their tremendous track record in recruiting top talent and character from across North America.
Mike McGinnis – Alberta Scout
Mike is currently the Regional Manager for Edmonton (and surrounding areas) for Hockey Alberta. Mike played Midget AAA and junior hockey from 1993-98 and is a Hockey Canada certified skills instructor. He is the owner of Norcan Hockey Development. “Mike’s knowledge of the game as well as the minor hockey landscape in Alberta is a huge asset to our program,” says Brad Rihela, Chilliwack Chiefs Associate Coach and Assistant General Manager. “We are excited to continue working with Mike and proud that he has chosen to join us for his second season with the Chiefs.”
Erin Thornton – BC Scout
Erin Thornton has been a member of the Chiefs scouting staff since the 2014-15 season. He has been instrumental in helping bring quality recruits to spring/main camps and has had a lot of success identifying top talent across the province. Erin is currently a coach and program director at the Yale Hockey Academy. He is a proud Chiefs alumni having played for the team during the 91-92 and 92-93 BCHL seasons. “We are very lucky to have people like Erin Thornton involved with the Chilliwack Chiefs hockey program. He is a great person with a passion for the game and is a huge help in respect to our recruiting and scouting plans,” Rihela says.
Chris Price – BC Scout
Chris Price is one of the newest additions to our scouting department. Chris had a four-year junior career and has spent the past two seasons coaching at the Yale Hockey Academy. Chris works as a skills instructor and strength and conditioning coach for Impact Hockey Development out of Langley and is very well respected across the lower mainland. In addition to his new role as a BC scout for the Chiefs, Chris was recently named head coach of the U16 Chiefs JSHL program.
Redmond Brow – North East USA Scout
Redmond Brow is another one of the latest additions to the Chiefs scouting staff. Redmond brings a unique perspective to the group as he has an extensive background in goaltending. Last season, he was the Director of Goaltending for the Philadelphia Hockey Club. This upcoming season he will be working for the Salve Regina University as their goalie coach. Redmond has experience working under renowned NHL goalie coaches like Piero Greco and Mitch Korn of the NY Islanders which will be a big advantage when it comes to evaluating goaltending prospects.
Mike Porter – Michigan Scout
Mike Porter is a coach at the Detroit Catholic Central High School program. Mike had a solid junior career which he used to join the Michigan State Spartans (Mike is an ex-teammate of Coach Maloney). He turned his education into his new role as a successful lawyer. During the 2006 season Porter was an amateur scout for the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and he currently assists NHL and AHL coaches in the negotiations of their contracts. His knowledge of the Michigan area will be a massive asset for the Chiefs going forward.
Sean Coffman – Midwest USA Scout
Sean is back for his second season as a member of the Chilliwack Chiefs scouting department. Sean has been coaching for the past five seasons at the prestigious Compuware Major Midget program. Based out of Metro Detroit, Sean has experience scouting in the NAHL, USHL and OHL prior to joining the Chiefs ahead of last season. “Sean has been instrumental in us being able to expand our footprint in the US. He represents the Chiefs with class and professionalism and has been a massive help to our hockey department,” Rihela commented.
Matt Kuystermans – Alberta/Saskatchewan Scout
Matt Kuystermans is a young man with a lot of goals of moving up in the management/player assessment side of the game. The sports management industry is a huge passion for him. Last season he joined the Chilliwack Chiefs and did a great job of supplying the coaching staff with lists of talented prospects from across Western Canada. Matt spent two seasons scouting as an intern at ISS where he was awarded Western Intern of the Year.
