Larry Woo

After several successful seasons as an assistant and skills coach with the Winnipeg ICE, as well as Head Coach of the U17AAA Bruins, Larry is now the head coach of the U18AAA Bruins and continues to lead all Laker Hockey Programs!

Larry had a notable playing career in the Western Hockey League with the Victoria Cougars and Swift Current Broncos before spending four seasons with the University of Manitoba Bisons. Following his playing days, he found both individual and team success as a coach. Since founding the Laker Hockey Academy in 2008, Larry has guided many young players through their AA and AAA years, helping them advance to successful junior careers. He has achieved notable success with both male and female teams, accumulating six city championships over the years.

Larry has also enjoyed watching his sons, Jett and Jonas, rise through the hockey ranks. Jett (born in 2000) was selected in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks and currently plays for the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL. Jonas (born in 2006) was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, by the Winnipeg ICE and was recently selected for the U-17 Team Canada Showcase. Witnessing both of his sons progress through AA, AAA, the bantam draft, various Hockey Canada events, and ultimately the NHL draft has given Larry valuable insight into the current state of hockey, as well as the work ethic and values needed to reach the highest level.

With an extensive background in hockey from playing, coaching, and parenting, Larry's passion for the game drives the Laker Hockey Academy. He sets high standards for his staff and athletes, fostering a successful environment for all.

Fun Fact: Larry made an appearance on the big screen, playing the role of Park Kim in both Goon (2011) and Goon: Last of the Enforcers (2017).

Adam Henry

An experienced skills coach, Adam specializes in leading sessions focused on skill development. This includes, edgework, general puck skills, scoring, and general hockey IQ development.

With many years of experience on the Laker Hockey team, Adam has built a strong reputation in the development of young athletes. His playing career began in Winnipeg, MB, where he won a Telus Cup with the Winnipeg Thrashers in 2011. As a 3rd round draft pick, he completed four successful years in the Western Hockey League with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Seattle Thunderbirds, Saskatoon Blades, and Portland Winterhawks. He then played for the University of Manitoba Bisons for five seasons, earning nominations to the CIS All-Rookie Team and the Canada-West Second All-Star Team, being named Bison Top Defenseman three times, and serving as team captain in his final season. Following his collegiate career, Adam played professionally for the Fort Wayne Komets in the ECHL.

Adam began his on-ice instructing at the age of 16 with Canlan Ice Sports and later spent two years as a skill development coach with The Rink before joining the Laker Hockey staff in 2017. He served as an assistant coach for Team Manitoba at the Brick Invitational in 2019 and has worked with various teams, including the AAA Sharks, AAA Bruins, AAA Eastman Selects, AA Twins, and AA Railcats.

With his extensive experience in coaching and player development, Adam continues to make a significant impact on the growth and success of the Laker Hockey program.

Josh Green

Josh joined the Laker Hockey Academy team in 2023, bringing extensive high-level playing and coaching experience. A 2nd round NHL Draft pick by the Los Angeles Kings, he played nine seasons in the NHL, tallying 76 points in 341 games, with notable stints at the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks. In addition, he played 435 games in the AHL and 278 games in Europe.

Josh began his coaching career in 2018 with the Winnipeg Blues in the MJHL before moving up to the Winnipeg ICE in 2019, where he served as an assistant coach for three seasons. He then transitioned to pro hockey, coaching with the Bakersfield Condors in the AHL for the 2023-24 season.

Bringing incredible energy and attention to detail to all his sessions, Josh ensures players experience a pro-caliber atmosphere every time they hit the ice with him!

Byron Spriggs

Byron has been working with Laker Hockey Academy since 2018. He is currently the goalie coach of University of Manitoba Bisons, and works with the Team Manitoba U16 POE Program. He also owns Spriggs Goaltending, where he has been leading goaltender development since 2017 helping develop goalies of all ages. Most importantly, Byron has a passion for working with kids at the hockey rink and strives to make the hockey rink a positive environment for every participant.

Byron has experience in various coaching roles, being an assistant coach with the Winnipeg ICE from 2020-2023, and the Winnipeg Blues from 2020-2024. His extensive coaching background includes a notable position as a goalie coach for Hockey Canada's Under-17 National Program in 2022.

Byron's playing career includes three seasons with the Winnipeg Blues in the MJHL, where he won the league championship in 2014 and earned playoff MVP honors. He also played five seasons with the University of Manitoba Bisons, where he was a three-time Team MVP and currently ranks 9th all-time in USports games played by goaltenders. After his time with the Bisons, Byron signed a Professional Tryout (PTO) with the Manitoba Moose in 2019.

Sophie Vandale

Sophie joined the Laker Hockey team in 2023. She played her minor career in Winnipeg, MB, for Shaftesbury Titans Prep and for the AAA Winnipeg Avros. She furthered her hockey career at the University of Prince Edward Island, where she played for five years and completed two degrees. She received the Rory Beck award which is presented to a student athlete with outstanding academic and athletic leadership. In addition, she was selected as an assistant captain for 3 years, and earned a captaincy in her final season.

During her time living in PEI, Sophie worked as an on ice-instructor for Andrews Hockey as well as coached two female spring hockey teams. Following her university career, Sophie played professional hockey in Germany and in Hungary.

Ashley van Aggelen

Ashley enters her second season as an instructor at Laker Academy. She has been coaching the AAA Winnipeg Avros in the MFMHL for 11 seasons. In addition, Ashley has coached in the MWJHL, U18 Team Manitoba at the Canada Games, U18 National Championships, and was just recently recognized as the 2019-2020 BFL & Hockey Canada High Performance Coach of the Year

Before coaching Ashley spent 4 seasons with the University of Manitoba Bisons, completing her Education Degree in her time there. She is now a teacher at St. James Collegiate.

Ashley will also lead our Female U18 Team Manitoba group when they head to the 2023 Canada Winter Games. Go TOBA!!!

Caiden Daley

After a four-year WHL career with Brandon, Saskatoon, and Regina, Caiden is currently playing university-level hockey at McGill University. Since joining the Laker staff in 2021, he consistently brings his energy and knowledge of the game to every skate.

Ty Naaykens

Ty joined the Laker Hockey team in 2022. He grew up in South-east Winnipeg playing his minor hockey for the AAA Warriors/Bruins. He moved on to the MJHL with the Steinbach Pistons and then the NAHL with Fairbanks. He currently is in his 4th year with St. Lawrence University in NCAA Division 1 where he was named as team Captain for the 2024-25 season. A forward with a dangerous shot and playmaking abilities, he loves helping Laker participants find their scoring touch!

Isaac Bellan

Isaac played his minor hockey in Winnipeg with the APHA Rangers and Winnipeg Monarchs, securing four city championships and one provincial championship. He continued his junior career in the MMJHL, earning three all-star selections and being named Defenseman of the Year twice.

Isaac brings extensive experience working with kids, coaching minor hockey since 2016 and spending his summers mentoring young athletes. He is also a gym teacher at Gray Academy. Currently, Isaac serves as an assistant coach with the U18AAA Bruins and has achieved numerous City Championships with both the U17AAA Bruins and U13 AA Railcats throughout his coaching career.

Corey Gurman

Cory is a long time Laker goalie instructor and continues to bring his passion for goaltending and teaching to the rink.

Corey has been working with young goaltenders for over 20 years. He has worked with MMJHL Seven Oaks Raiders, AAA U-18 Thrashers, AAA Bantam Sharks and Warriors, AA Railcats, and AA Saints. In his time working with various minor hockey associations, Corey has accumulated 6 City Championships and 1 Provincial Championship. He has been working with the Laker Hockey Staff for over 10 years.

Martin Gagnon

Martin (Marty) Gagnon played most of his career playing in Pembina valley. He played for the Hawks (U15AAA & U18AAA) and for the Twisters (MMJHl) winning a championship in the 2018-19 season.

He started volunteer goalie coaching at a younger age and progressed through the years. Gaining experience and knowledge working with: TM Goaltending, Rink, Shoot to Score as well as having his own programs. Martin has helped coach numerous teams throughout Pembina Valley, Winnipeg and Eastman regions. He is currently working with Spriggs Goaltending and in the goalie coach for the MJHL Winnipeg Blues and the U18 AAA Eastman selects.

Off-Ice Instructors

Stephanie Tomy

Steph has been developing athletes since 2018. She has built a strong rapport with her athletes by ensuring their strength, confidence, and skill fulfills goals are met. Steph believes in training for life to live better, longer, and stronger.

Tyler Brown (B.Kin, CSCS)

"Brownie" has a deep understanding of athletic development & what it takes to get to the next level. He is an alumni of the Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, & UM Bisons. Brownie uses his past experiences to provide a fun and engaging atmosphere. His expertise is driven by his passion for fitness and wellness.

Jesse Gibbons (BPE)

Jesse has been with Laker Academy since 2019 and is dedicated to providing a fun and inclusive environment for our athletes to thrive in. He spent time in the MJHL with Neepawa and currently plays competitive rugby. Jesse is in pursuit of Master's of Physical Therapy with plenty of knowledge in human performance.

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