Coaching Staff

Ryan Donald

Head Coach and General Manager

Ryan is the club’s first-ever head coach and general manager for the team’s inaugural season of 2020-2021. Donald spent 5 seasons at Yale University as an Assistant Coach before joining the Bucks in 2020. Donald also has had coaching stints in both Trail and Woodstock. Ryan played 2 years of junior A hockey himself and then went on to play for Yale University for 4 years, winning an ECAC championship along the way. He then played 3 years of professional hockey including a Kelly Cup championship with the Florida Everblades in 2012. Ryan and his wife Carly, have 3 daughters Georgia, Patricia and Theodora.

Colin Minardi

Assistant Coach

Roman Vopat

Assistant Coach

Roman joins the Bucks coaching staff with lots of experience both in coaching and as a player. Roman played over 100 NHL games and has also served as an assistant in the WHL for 5 years.

JJ Johnson – R.Kin, MScKin

Trainer and Equipment Manager

Johnson joins the Bucks with six seasons of experience in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League and one season in the Ontario Hockey League. Johnson has also served as Trainer and Equipment Manager for Team NOJHL at the Eastern Canada Cup, as well as Equipment Manager for Team Canada East at the 2019 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge. A Registered Kinesiologist, Johnson graduated from Nipissing University with a masters degree in Kinesiology and Bachelor of Physical & Health Education. He currently resides in Cranbrook with his golden retriever, Theodore.

Nathan Lieuwen

Goalie Coach

Nathan played professional hockey for 5 years from 2012-2017, including playing in the NHL for the Buffalo Sabres. He also played 5 years for the Kootenay Ice of the WHL, winning the Ed Chynoweth Cup and Playoff MVP in 2010-2011. He also runs a goalie coaching company Kootenay Goaltending.

After retiring due to injuries, Nathan now lives in Cranbrook, BC with his wife Breanne and their son Wesley and daughters Oaklynn and Scottie.

Kevin Ewaskow Team Chaplain