Coaches' Corner
GOALIE CAMP INSTRUCTORS
KATE KOWALCHUK-Head Goalie Camp Instructor
In addition to her club duties, Kate was appointed goaltending coach for both the Dutch Men’s and Women’s Senior National Teams in 2024, contributing to international success and national program development.
In 2025, Kate joins the French National Team as goaltending coach, continuing her impact on the global stage by preparing elite goalies for international competition. She will be focusing on the women’s program in their pursuit towards the 2026 Winter Olympics and division 1A world championship.
With a proven track record of success across multiple national programs and professional leagues, Kate is recognized for her technical knowledge, athlete-centered approach, and ability to develop goalies at every stage of their careers.
Playing Career
- 2011-12: Played for Weyburn Wings U15 in the AASAAHL U15 league. Showed promising potential during regular season and playoffs.
- 2013-14: Competed with Pursuit of Excellence CAHS (W), further developing skills in a competitive environment.
- 2014-15: Continued with Pursuit of Excellence in the CSSHL U18 (W) league, gaining valuable junior experience.
- 2015-16: Played at the collegiate level with Merrimack College in NCAA (W), appearing in 45 games with a Goals Against Average (GAA) of 1.87 and a save percentage of .870, demonstrating strong performance as a starting goaltender.
- 2017-18: Joined Mount Royal University in USports (W), contributing to the team's playoff run.
- 2018-19: Competed with Cochrane Chaos in the AJFHL (W), playing 20 games.
- 2019-20: Continued with Cochrane Chaos, significantly increasing ice time to 91 games, achieving an impressive save percentage of .951 and a GAA of 1.18, marking a standout season.
- 2020-21: League interuption.
- 2021-22: Injury recovery.
- 2022-23: Signed with Aisulu Almaty in the Kazakhstan women's league, playing 132 games with a GAA of 2.37 and a save percentage of .914, maintaining strong goaltending performance at an international professional level.
LIVIA LUCOVA-Head Coach, Shooter/Dryland/Fitness Instructor
A dedicated athlete and passionate coach, Livia brings a wealth of international experience, leadership, and athletic achievement to the game. A graduate of the NAIT Personal Fitness program, she holds both a Certificate in Personal Fitness and a Diploma in Human Resources—complementing her practical experience with academic knowledge in athletic development and team leadership.
Playing Experience
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Team Slovakia (IIHF) - 14-year national team member
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Served as team captain for 4 years
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Represented Slovakia at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics
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Banff Hockey Academy (AFHL)
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All-time single-season points leader (record holder for two consecutive seasons)
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NAIT Ooks Women’s Hockey
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5-year student-athlete
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ACAC Champion
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Coaching & Instruction
- Wolfpack Hockey Coach (2021-2024)
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Wolfpack Dryland Training Instructor (2021-2024)
With over a decade of experience competing at the highest international level and a strong foundation in sport-specific education, Livia is committed to developing the next generation of athletes—both on and off the ice.
DORIN GAY-Head Coach | Goaltending Specialist
Dorin Gay brings over two decades of coaching, mentorship, and goaltender development experience to the ice. A graduate of MacEwan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Psychology, Dorin blends academic insight with practical, high-performance coaching to support the growth of elite athletes across Alberta.
Playing Experience
- MacEwan University (ACAC)
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Concordia University (ACAC)
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Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL)
Coaching Experience
- Over 20 years coaching and mentoring goaltenders at all levels across Alberta
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Wolfpack Head Coach (2021-2024)
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Known for a calm, technical approach and a long-standing commitment to goalie development
Dorin’s dedication, leadership, and deep understanding of the mental and technical aspects of the position have made him a respected name in Western Canadian hockey circles.
Steve MacLeod (2012) - Coach Director - thepack94@gmail.com
Steve hails from Toronto, ONT and played his minor hockey career there.
29 years of coaching experience, with 20 of those being at the AAA/AA club level.
He has been recognized for many awards including 2015 and 2018 CAC, ‘Coach Of The Year’, and 2005 MMAA ‘League Coach Of The Year’!
Steve has his High Performance 1 Coach NCCP, checking, safety, and has attended numerous Hockey Alberta Coaching Clinics.
Currently Steve, is the Head Coach for CAC U15AAA team.
In 2015 Steve became a Wolfpack board member and assumed the position of ‘Coaching Director.’ This will be Steve's 11th year with the Wolfpack coaching at various levels.
“It is a privilege to be able to coach hockey. I take what I do seriously and do my best to make sure the athlete is coached in a positive environment enabling him/her to improve their potential.”
Travis Vanberg (2009) - thepack94@gmail.com
Travis, an Edmonton native, grew up playing minor hockey here as well as making appearances in Grande Prairie and Pigeon Lake area.
He has over 20 years of playing experience varying from initiation to Juniors and Adult leagues. As a player he played for the Sherwood Park Crusaders(Jr.A) and received an invite to try out for the Barrie Colts(CHL).
His coaching experience has dawned over 22 years, coaching various levels ranging from initiation-Bantam, and spring AAA. His most recent being an HC with our U15 Winter Wolfpack team for the past three seasons and since 2019 to present with our PHL Winter team. Travis was also part of our PHL PW Winter Championship teams coaching staff and led his spring 09's to a championship in Seattle.
From a board perspective he was the President of a Minor Hockey Association and has had a role since 2016.
"I'm a big proponent of development, hard work, and connecting with the players. Any coach can outline a play on the whiteboard, it's the ones who understand and motivate their players that win."
"The measure of who we are, is what we do, with what we have."-Vince Lombardi
Barclay Smith (2010) - thepack94@gmail.com
Doug Purdy(2013)-thepack94@gmail.com
Doug is a dedicated youth hockey coach with 20 years of experience fostering the growth of young athletes both on and off the ice. Known for their commitment to skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, He has successfully guided players to reach their full potential while nurturing a lifelong love for the game.
Doug began his hockey journey as a player where he developed a deep understanding of the game and a passion for sharing that knowledge. This foundation has shaped a coaching philosophy, emphasizing hard work, communication, respect and fun.
Having spent many years in St Albert at the Community, AA and AAA levels and with another spring organization, plus recent experience with a Minor Hockey Organization including a division title and high performance accelerated development throughout the past 3 seasons. A jack of all trades, his coaching experience extends to Junior Lacrosse (10+ years), Female Lacrosse and Fastball. His programs prioritize skill-building in skating, puck handling, and strategic play, while instilling life skills like discipline, resilience, and leadership.
With a proven record of helping players excel both individually and as team members, Doug is excited to continue to inspire the next generation of hockey players to thrive in every aspect of life and over a really fun spring season!
TBA(2014)-thepack94@gmail.com
Norman Dunroe (2015) - thepack94@gmail.com
Norman was born in Edmonton, but spent his childhood growing up in Calmar, AB. He was on skates when he was less than a year old and played competitive hockey for 20+ years, last playing Div 1 men's hockey.
He brings a very unique perspective to the game having refereed high levels of hockey including: Midget AA, AAA and Junior hockey.
"Norm" recently coached our PeeWee winter PHL team(2021/22), taking them to Champion the PeeWee Division; and he's currently our HSL 2015 Winter Head Coach. Previously he was involved as either an A.C, or H.C with Midget A/AA, in Thorsby; Midget AA in Fort Saskatchewan, as well as Bantam AA for CAC.
Norm has also been a previous Wolfpack Coach, having coached two springs ago, leading our 09 spring team to win Championships in the Stampede Challenge and International Star Tournament; in Calgary and Whistler respectively.
His love for the game and coaching has brought him back and is excited to see what he can do after all of his experiences over the years.
"I believe in creating a fun, inclusive environment with focus on skill and personal development."
Chad Bresnahan (2016) - thepack94@gmail.com
Ian Tokarczyk (2017) - thepack94@gmail.com
Ian grew up in Sturgeon County playing hockey starting from U7 all the way to Midget AA and Junior with the Gibbons Broncos. As an adult, he continued playing in various men’s leagues in and around Edmonton. He played Division 1 ball hockey during the summers.
Ian has 7 years of coaching experience with various age groups. He is currently the lead instructor for the Riviere Qui Barre Hockey Academy, as well as coaching his children’s teams.
Ian’s coaching philosophy is to encourage hard work, proper technique, and above all being a good teammate. He likes to run fun fast paced practices with limited time standing in long lines to maximize repetitions and keep the kids moving.
