2025 KBR Coaches
Coach Andre Glazer
Head Coach - 2013 Team
**Andre Glazer ("Coach Dre") – Coach, Mentor, Community Leader**
Andre Glazer, widely known as "Coach Dre," has been an influential figure in minor hockey since 1998. His journey began as a player, where he competed for the AA Mississauga Chiefs and the Mississauga Chargers as a center. After a two-year playing stint, Andre took a seven-year break from the ice, only to return to the rink with a passion for coaching. The transition from player to coach was seamless, as Andre applied the lessons he learned as an athlete to help young players develop both their skills and character.
Over the years, Andre has coached youth players in the U8, U9, U10 and U13 age groups, learning firsthand the key elements of successful coaching: education, fun, and positivity. He believes that hockey teaches more than just the game—its lessons extend to life itself, promoting values such as perseverance, drive, and dedication. These are all qualities that, according to Andre, are crucial to success both on and off the ice.
As a father with a young family, Andre understands the significance of moments and the deep bond that hockey creates within families and communities. He views hockey as more than a sport—it's a vehicle for teaching young athletes about life, responsibility, and respect. For Andre, good coaching is about more than technical skills; it’s about leaving a positive, lasting impression on athletes that will serve them in all aspects of their lives.
Beyond the rink, Andre is deeply committed to his community. He has played a pivotal role in organizing charity events, including supporting initiatives like *Toques from the Heart*, which provides warmth and hope to the homeless during the winter months, and collaborating with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and The Busby Center.
For Andre, the true passion lies in "life education." While hockey is a significant part of his world, his real focus is on teaching young people the lessons of resilience, respect, and personal growth that will guide them throughout their lives—whether they are on the ice, in school, or in their communities.
Ultimately, Andre’s goal is clear: to help young athletes become strong, well-rounded individuals who excel not only in hockey but in life.
Coach Gavin Hodgson
Head Coach - 2014 Team
Born and raised in Simcoe County, where I still reside with my loving and supportive family, my passion for hockey was sparked by the very community that surrounded me. From a young age, I fell in love with the sport and began my journey with the Midland Minor Hockey Association. Over the years, I developed my skills playing summer hockey with the Georgian Bay Selects, Central Ontario Selects, and Kawartha Canadians, all of which laid a strong foundation for my hockey career.
As I progressed, I advanced to AAA hockey with the Barrie Colts and the Wexford Raiders of the GTA, before continuing my junior career with the Tier 2 Wexford Raiders of the GTHL. I then played university hockey for Mount Allison University and the University of Calgary. Following that, I embarked on an eight-year professional career in the United States, playing 350 games of Minor Professional Hockey and winning a league championship. I concluded my playing career with the Orillia Tundra in the AAA Senior Men’s League, competing for the prestigious Allan Cup.
A natural defenseman, I also gained valuable experience as a right winger, playing the position for one season in junior, one in university, and one professionally. My game was built on strong defensive instincts, anticipation, and an ability to shut down top offensive units. Penalty killing was my specialty, and I took pride in excelling in that role.
The next chapter of my hockey career began when I stepped on the ice with my twin boys. That moment ignited my passion for coaching, and for the past five years, I have been dedicated to player development. As a coach, I focus on enhancing hockey IQ, skating, edge work, skill development, and both offensive and defensive tactics. More importantly, I strive to build strong character in young athletes and foster supportive relationships with quality families.
This year, I am thrilled to be part of the KBR family, where I look forward to assembling a competitive and fun team. Coaching, to me, is about more than just developing great players—it’s about shaping strong individuals and creating a positive, supportive hockey community. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and I am committed to being part of that journey.
Coach Jon Popple
Head Coach - 2016 Team
Coach Jon has been involved in minor hockey since 1984 as a player, coach, trainer and OMHA official. He began his coaching career with the Penetang Flames Minor Hockey Association, coaching U9 and U11 Rep. Following six (6) years of coaching he made the switch to officiating and worked as an OMHA official in Simcoe County, Muskoka and Halton Region. Following 15 years of officiating he returned to coaching in the Elmvale Coyotes Minor Hockey system coaching and coordinating over 40 players in the U7 age group from 2021 to 2023, the U8 LL and U8 Select teams in 2023/2024 and coaching the U9 MD team in Elmvale for the 2024/2025 season. Jon lead the Elmvale U9 MD team to a perfect 23-0 season capturing the Georgian Bay League Tier 1 regular season and playoff tournament championship.
For the 2025/2026 season Jon will be the Head Coach for the newly formed Georgian Bay Islanders U10 A Team out of Midland & Penetang.
Jon played his minor hockey with the Penetang Flames, playing Rep level hockey from U8 to U18. During these years he also played for the Huronia Huskies AAA program and in 1996 was selected for Team Ontario’s U17 Development Camp. Following his minor hockey career Jon joined the Penetang JR. C Kings Hockey Club as a defensemen for one season before going to Fleming College for his post secondary education.
Jon is a strong believer in defence first hockey, asking his players to play at both ends of the ice. He demands Dedication, Discipline and Desire from his players, while promoting fun and enjoyment of the game.
In addition to hockey, Jon has been involved in coaching minor baseball in Elmvale since 2022 and has been the head coach for Elmvale Expos U7, U9 and U11 fastball teams. In 2024, Jon once again coached the U9 Elmvale Expos team leading them to a regular season and playoff championship for the second straight year. Jon was also Assistant & Pitching coach for the U11 Team during the 2024 season. In 2025, Jon will once again be the Head Coach of the U9 Elmvale Expos team.
Professionally, Jon has enjoyed a 25 year career in Law Enforcement, working closely with the public, residents and community leaders to make the communities he has served a better place to live, work and play. During his career Jon also served as a Director, Vice President and President of the Municipal Law Enforcement Officers’ Association of Ontario. In these positions Jon was elected to represent and lobby on behalf of over 2000 law enforcement officers’ from across Ontario at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government.
Coach Paul Cunliffe
Head Coach - 2017 Team
Head Coach & Goalie Coach– Elmvale Coyotes
A dedicated and passionate coach with a deep understanding of the game, Paul brings a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. Starting his hockey journey as a AAA goalie, he played for prestigious teams such as the Barrie Flyers, North Central Predators and Georgian Bay Knights ( AAA Spring Hockey), before wrapping up his minor hockey career with Barrie Flyers AA.
Paul's coaching career has seen him serve as both a goalie coach and head coach for the Elmvale Coyotes, where his focus is on developing strong hockey systems, improving individual player skills, and fostering a positive team culture. His enthusiasm for the game is contagious, and he instills a love for hockey while emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Known for his ability to connect with players and parents alike, Paul believes in creating a supportive, family-oriented environment that encourages growth and development, both on and off the ice. Whether he's coaching goalies to refine their technique or leading the entire team to success, his goal is always to build a positive culture where everyone can thrive.