Bedford Minor Hockey Association is excited to announce our new Development Team for the 2026–27 season:

• Luke Green: Lead Technical Director – Player Development

• Ryan Hillier: Associate Technical Director – Player Development

• Joshua Ward: Technical Director – Goaltender Development

This group brings elite experience spanning the NHL, QMJHL, NCAA, and professional European leagues. Beyond their credentials, they share a modern, approachable methodology centered on individual skill growth, team dynamics, enthusiasm, and building player confidence.

Luke, Ryan, and Joshua will collaborate with BDMHA leadership to shape our overall development strategy, mentor our volunteer coaches, and support players and goaltenders across every division and tier. Look for a detailed development update with specific season priorities prior to the start of the official season.

Forward Planning & Ice Allocation

As our association continues to grow, optimizing ice usage and navigating facility constraints remains a top priority. Our Development Team will work proactively with executive leadership to implement creative forward planning—ensuring available ice is structured efficiently to maximize high-tempo, high-quality programming across all levels.

Our Three Pillars of Development

Our framework for the 2026–27 season is built around three core pillars led by our technical directors:

1. Player Development

Lead: Technical Directors

Helping every player improve their skills, confidence, and enjoyment of the game through quality practices, development sessions, and individual support.

• Skating and puck skills

• Hockey sense and decision-making

• Age-appropriate development

• Player progression at all levels

2. Goaltender Development

Lead: Goaltending Technical Director

Providing dedicated support and specialized opportunities for goaltenders while ensuring they are fully integrated into overall team development.

• Goalie-specific training

• Goalie mentorship and feedback

• Goalie development sessions

• On-ice support for team coaches working with goaltenders

3. Coach Development

Lead: Technical Directors & Goaltending Technical Director

Supporting our volunteer coaches with the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to create positive, effective learning environments.

• Hands-on coach mentorship

• Practice support and drill resources

• Coach education sessions

• Development materials and resources

Meet the Team

• Luke Green (Player Development): A BDMHA alumnus, Luke was selected 1st overall in the 2014 QMJHL Draft and 79th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2016 NHL Draft. His professional playing career spans the NHL, AHL, and top European leagues, highlighted by a 2023 IIHF Continental Cup championship and Best Defenceman honors. Since 2021, he has operated the Luke Green Hockey School, training athletes from U7 to the pro level. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University.

• Ryan Hillier (Player Development): Raised in Hammonds Plains, Ryan was a standout forward for the Halifax Mooseheads and a New York Rangers draft pick before playing at Saint Mary’s University. He brings over 15 years of dedicated coaching and strength training experience across all skill levels, specializing in power skating and high-energy skill instruction.

• Joshua Ward (Goaltender Development): Joining BDMHA from Ottawa, Joshua played for the Ottawa 67's, Ottawa Junior Senators, Amherst Ramblers, and NCAA Division III Castleton University, where he served as assistant captain. Mentored by former 13-year NHL goaltending coach Cap Raeder, Joshua has instructed over 300 young goalies and brings precise technical coaching to our program.

Please join us in welcoming Luke, Ryan, and Joshua to the BDMHA family as they bring their vision and energy to our players and coaches this season!

Sincerely,

Bedford Minor Hockey Association

U13-AAA Assistant Coaching Staff Announcement

Following our recent introduction of Head Coach Dave Byrne, the Bedford Minor Hockey Association is excited to announce our Assistant Coaching staff for the upcoming season: Jack Patterson, Evan MacEachern, and Matthew Graham.

Together, this group brings an incredible depth of playing and coaching experience spanning the QMJHL, BCHL, NCAA Division I, USports, and international play.

Meet the Coaches

• Jack Patterson – Returning for his second season with the U13-AAA team, Jack is a Bedford Minor Hockey alumnus who played for the U18 Major Halifax Titans and Junior A before competing five years at Ontario Tech University. He was also a member of Team Canada’s Bronze Medal team at the 2019 World University Games.

• Evan MacEachern – A former captain with the U18 Major Dartmouth Subways and the BCHL's Trail Smoke Eaters, Evan was drafted by the Halifax Mooseheads and finished his career playing four years at the University of Toronto. He represented Team NS at the Canada Winter Games and previously served as an Assistant Coach with the U15 Major Dartmouth Whalers.

• Matthew Graham – Former captain at St. Andrew’s College prep school and assistant captain with the BCHL's Langley Rivermen, Matthew played NCAA Division I at Robert Morris University before returning to Nova Scotia to play for StFX. He brings significant coaching experience from summer development programs at both the NCAA and USports levels.

Please join us in welcoming Jack, Evan, and Matthew to the bench for the upcoming season!

We Need You: Join Our Volunteer Coaching & Management Staff!

While our U13-AAA bench is set, BDMHA is still actively seeking Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Team Managers across all divisions and levels.

Minor hockey relies on the passion and dedication of volunteers to deliver a fantastic experience for our players. Whether you are an experienced coach, a former player looking to give back, or a parent wanting to get involved behind the bench or as a manager, we would love to have you on board.

If you are interested in volunteering for the upcoming season, please submit a coaching application or reach out to our executive board today.

June 17, 7 pm, GEC Multi Purpose Room