Meet the Avs 2025-2026 Coaches

We are pleased to welcome Carson Loftsgard as the new Head Coach of the U18 EK Avalanche.

Based in Kimberley, Carson brings over a decade of coaching experience, including his long-standing roles as Assistant Coach and Skills Coach with the Kimberley Dynamiters in the KIJHL, as well as extensive involvement in minor hockey at both the regional and local levels. He is a certified Hockey Canada Skills Coach and has played a key role in player development through the Selkirk Hockey Academy, where he has helped many athletes advance to higher levels of play.

“I’m excited to contribute to and build on the strengths of the Avalanche program, which has seen success at the AA level in the Alberta Elite Hockey League and the Tier 1 level at the BC Hockey Championships,” says Loftsgard. “The Avs program is built to help athletes grow—not only as players, but also as students and people.”

Coach Loftsgard highlighted several features of the program that make it a strong option for aspiring hockey players: minimal disruption to academics during critical high school years, meaningful opportunities for affiliation with Junior A Tier 2 teams locally and beyond, and a competitive home schedule that allows players to perform in front of family and friends.

Looking ahead to the 2025–26 season, Loftsgard sees strong potential for new players to make an impact: “Last year’s team graduated 13 skaters—many of whom moved on to junior hockey—creating a great opportunity for local talent to step up and earn a spot on the roster.”

Please join us in welcoming Coach Loftsgard to the U18 Avalanche!

We’re proud to announce the return of Tom McLean as Head Coach of the U15 EK Avalanche for the 2025–26 season—his third year leading the program.

Last season, Tom had the opportunity to work alongside and be mentored by Hockey Canada Skills Coach Aaron Hoffman, further sharpening his approach to player development and team leadership. His coaching philosophy is grounded in building well-rounded athletes, and this year, his goals are clear: to help each player reach their full potential within a competitive, supportive, and team-first environment.

Under Tom’s leadership, the U15 Avalanche will focus on advancing individual skill development, hockey IQ, and disciplined play. Equally important, the team will prioritize character, accountability, and a lifelong love for the game.

We’re excited to have Coach McLean back behind the bench and look forward to another strong season of growth, development, and Avalanche hockey.

Still looking for a General Manager to round out our team—if you're passionate about hockey and community, we want to hear from you!  Send your resume to ekmhasecretary@gmail.com to apply!