Raised in Paddockwood, a small village of 200 people in Northern Saskatchewan, I am the youngest of 4 boys and I began skating at 2 years old on our backyard rink. The hockey player I am today largely reflects the countless hours of FUN I had on that backyard rink. That FUN is the foundation of what I’m using to build upon today with player development.

At age 13, I was drafted 5th overall in the WHL Major Junior Draft. At 17 years old I played my first full season with the Prince Albert Raiders of the WHL. After having a successful first year I was eligible for the June 1993 NHL Entry Draft where I was selected in the 2nd round, 42nd overall, to the Los Angeles Kings. A childhood dream came true for me when at 18 years old, during an exhibition game in my second training camp with the Kings, I was put on a line with Wayne Gretzky and Jarri Kurri. They were the two players I idolized growing up when they were playing with the Edmonton Oilers.

I began my pro career at 20 years old with the Toronto Maple Leafs Organization. While in the AHL (St. Johns Maple Leafs) I was named Rookie of the Year, earning a small stint with the NHL Maple Leafs during my second year pro.

I went on to play 5 seasons of pro in the AHL, then took my game to Europe. I played in the top Finnish league, the SM-Liiga, for nine of the twelve seasons I was in Europe. I was selected as assistant captain and captain during the last 4 years in Finland. I was awarded by the fans, the teams, and the league throughout those years. On several occasions I was named Fan's Favorite Player, Player of the Month, Player of the Game, Hardest Working Player (given out monthly), Golden Helmet Award for leading scorer on my team, and I was selected to play for Team Canada in a mini tournament in Switzerland.

I have played over 1000 games in my career and I have to say that my player skills grew the greatest in Europe. I have always had the mental toughness that is established in the North American game but my knowledge of the necessary skills expanded greatly while in Europe and I am excited to share this with players from youth to professional.