Our team
At Champions Hockey, we are proud to have one of the strongest coaching and support teams in Atlantic Canada. Our staff is made up of former professional and university players, highly respected coaches, and experienced leaders in athlete development and performance. With decades of combined experience across junior, university, and high level competitive hockey, our team brings deep knowledge, passion, and a commitment to helping players reach their full potential. Together, we deliver high quality instruction, proven development systems, and a supportive environment where athletes can grow on and off the ice.
Co-Owner
Dax MacLean is widely recognized as one of the most skilled goal scorers to come out of Atlantic Canada. A standout player throughout his minor hockey career in Chatham, he led the AAA Midget Rivermen to Provincial and Atlantic titles in 1991 before moving on to the Notre Dame Hounds, where he became a two-time all-star and team scoring leader. At the University of New Brunswick, Dax established himself as one of the top players in the country, helping the Varsity Reds win their first national championship and earning league MVP, Most Sportsmanlike, and All-Canadian First Team honors. He remains UNB’s all-time leading goal scorer.
STACY SMALLMAN
Co-Owner
Stacy Smallman is regarded as one of the top hockey talents to come from OLeary, Prince Edward Island. He played a key role in the Summerside Western Capitals winning the national Centennial Cup before continuing professionally with the Pensacola Ice Pilots in the ECHL. Stacy went on to join the UNB Varsity Reds, where he helped secure a national championship and a silver medal during his university career. His son Spencer was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2015 and is currently part of the Washington Capitals organization.
Director of Programs
Matt Wright is the Director of Hockey Programs at Champions Hockey and is now in his seventh year with the organization. Matt brings extensive coaching experience across U13 AAA, U15 AAA, and U15 AA levels in Fredericton, and continued his success with the CHA Eagles as Assistant Coach for U16 and Associate Coach for U17. He is currently the Head Coach and Assistant GM of the Chaleur Lightning Junior A team of the MHL.
Matt has played a key role in the Hockey New Brunswick High Performance Program, serving as Assistant Coach at U14 and U15 and most recently as Head Coach of the U14 team for the 2025 ACC. Known for his commitment to player development and performance, Matt is dedicated to helping athletes reach the next level. He divides his time between Fredericton and Bathurst with his fiancee Ashley and their dog, Ranger.
GABE GUERTLER
Head of Player Development
Gabe Guertler is the Head of Player Development at Champions Hockey, working closely with athletes through the CHA Development Academy and training programming. His elite playing background and passion for teaching make him a valuable leader in helping players elevate their game.
Originally from Plantation, Florida, Gabe competed at a high level across multiple leagues, including the University of Minnesota, the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL, and UPEI, along with a professional career in North America and Europe. He also represented Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and attended several NHL training camps. Following a career-ending injury, Gabe transitioned into coaching, where he now brings his experience, energy, and commitment to development to the next generation of players.
Matt Doherty
Miramichi Program Lead
Matt Doherty is the Miramichi lead for Champions Hockey and brings strong experience, leadership, and a player-focused approach to athlete development. With coaching experience from beginner to AAA, he is known for his technical skill, hockey IQ, and ability to connect with players.
A standout defenseman from the Chaleur region, Matt was named U15 AAA Defenseman of the Year, represented Atlantic Canada at the World U17 Challenge, and was drafted by the Acadie Bathurst Titan, where he played three seasons and reached two league finals. His playing career also includes time with the Miramichi Timberwolves, the UNB Reds, and captaining the Miramichi Phantoms to a league championship.
Matt is committed to helping athletes grow through hard work, respect, and accountability, and continues to build strong development opportunities in the Miramichi region.
Mike hannay
CFO
Mike Hannay is the Chief Financial Officer at Champions Hockey and has been a key member of the organization for the past nine years. In addition to overseeing financial operations, Mike brings more than 40 years of involvement in hockey through coaching, player development, and program leadership.
Mike has coached across multiple age groups and competitive levels, including U13 AAA Express, U15 AAA Caps, AAA Hounds, and the all female AAA Hornets, while also serving as an on ice instructor and coach for spring teams and elite tournament programs. His experience and commitment to teaching have helped support hundreds of athletes in their development.
Deeply connected to the game as both a coach and parent, Mike is actively involved in the hockey pursuits of his three children, who compete at Junior, Prep School, and U13 levels. He lives in New Maryland with his wife Tara and their children Jacob, Lucas, and Kate.
Jenna kennedy
Director of Marketing
Jenna oversees marketing and digital content for Champions Hockey, bringing creativity, strategic insight, and a strong passion for sport to the organization. She holds an MBA and an MA in Sport Management from the University of New Brunswick, blending academic expertise with real world experience in sport and communications. A nationally accomplished baseball and softball athlete, Jenna now enjoys competing on the golf course.
Originally from Nova Scotia, Jenna lives in Fredericton with her husband Shaun and their two children, Carter and Leah, both competitive hockey players. She remains actively involved in the local sports community, including coaching her son to a U11 Atlantic Championship in baseball and volunteering with multiple athletic programs in the region.
