U8 MD White - Ian Farquharson
With a passion for developing both skill and character, Coach Ian brings dedication, leadership, and a team-first mindset to the rink every day. Having played his entire minor hockey career with Whitby AAA, he understands the pride, commitment, and high standards associated with this program. He continued his playing career at the Junior C level while attending the University of Windsor, balancing the demands of competitive hockey with his academic pursuits.
Coach Ian has coached athletes at every stage of development — from U6 House League to U16 AAA — in Whitby and Barrie, giving him a strong understanding of long-term player development and age-appropriate progression.
In addition to coaching, he is currently a Level 4 Member of High Performance Official with the OMHA as well as WMHA's Referee Assignor, bringing advanced rule knowledge, game management experience, and a unique perspective to the bench.
Known for clear communication and a commitment to player growth, he emphasizes strong fundamentals, accountability, and sportsmanship to help foster a love of the game and create a positive and competitive environment where athletes can succeed both on and off the ice.
U8 MD Blue - Steve Cornelissen
Steve brings a lifetime of competitive hockey and leadership experience to the bench, highlighted by being drafted by the Kitchener Rangers (OHL) and competing at the NCAA Division III level with Potsdam State University in New York. A former Junior A Assistant Captain with the Bowmanville Eagles, he understands both high-performance environments and long-term player development.
As Head Coach of U8 Minor Development with the Whitby Minor Hockey Association, Steve focuses on building strong fundamentals in a structured, positive, and high-energy setting. His coaching philosophy emphasizes effort, teamwork, and respect, with development always coming before the scoreboard. Known for his calm presence and clear communication, he is committed to helping young players build confidence, love for the game, and develop habits that extend far beyond the rink.
U9 MD White - Matt Maccarone
A product of Whitby Minor Hockey himself, Coach Matt brings over a decade of teaching and coaching experience to the bench, accompanied by a professional playing career background, giving him a deep understanding, experience, and holistic approach to player development. A lifelong custodian of the game, who now self-admittedly loves the game more through the eyes of the players he coaches than he could ever have imagined, Coach Matt specializes in bridging the gap between fundamental individual skill development, and high-level team execution. His coaching philosophy centers on building a high-intensity, low tolerance, accountable "team-first" culture where discipline, sportsmanship, and a strong work ethic are non-negotiable. Known for his servant leadership style and ability to tailor instruction to individual learning styles, Coach Matt is dedicated to mentoring young athletes not just as hockey players, but as resilient leaders who carry the lessons of the rink into their everyday lives.
U9 MD Blue - Darby Hucaluk
Coach Darby brings over a decade worth of experience within the hockey community at various levels. Darby is a former CIS varsity hockey player, and a current National High Performance referee for Hockey Canada. She has also coached at a high level for over 9 years and brings a passionate, deep understanding of player development.. Having coached at various levels from U5 through U18, she understands and focuses on player-centered coaching that balances creative thinking and skill development with exceptional work ethic and teamwork. Her philosophy centers around progressive skill-building, dynamic playmaking, a high-intensity work ethic, and a structured team culture that builds character. Darby is known for her enthusiastic approach that fosters individual growth both as a player and as a young leader, on and off the ice. She is committed to helping each athlete reach their full potential while cultivating a lifelong passion for the game.