Head Coach Announcements: 2025-2026 Hockey Season

U11AA Head Coach:  Kevin Doste

Originally from Windsor, Ontario, Kevin has proudly called Cochrane home since 2013.

Kevin’s hockey journey began in his hometown, where he played AAA and Junior hockey in Windsor and Ottawa. His playing career reached a high point when he captured a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship with the State University of New York at Canton. His outstanding performance during the tournament earned him MVP honours.

In addition to his hockey background, Kevin has built a strong coaching resume in lacrosse, leading various teams over the years—including this summer’s Team Alberta squad at the Canada Summer Games.

Now bringing his leadership and coaching experience to the ice, Kevin is dedicated to supporting the development of young athletes. He aims to foster a positive and growth-focused environment that encourages excellence both on and off the ice.

U13AAA Head Coach: Jordan Smith

Originally from Newmarket, Ontario, Jordan has spent the last 18 years in Alberta and has called Cochrane home for the last 10.

Jordan’s playing career saw him play Tier 2 Junior A, where he ultimately earned a scholarship to Plattsburgh State University (NCAA - SUNY). Upon graduation, his passion for sports led him to his present career in the sporting goods sales industry. 

Over the years, Jordan has been an assistant coach at the Bantam and Midget AAA levels in Calgary, where he was part of a Sutter Cup-winning team in 2009. He also coached with his daughters U7 and U9 teams in Cochrane. Most recently, Jordan was Head Coach of the U11 AA Timberwolves and was awarded CMHA’s “Coach of the Year” award.

In his downtime, he enjoys spending time on the golf course, at the rink, and at home with his wife and two daughters.  Jordan is looking forward to this great new challenge of being the Head Coach of the U13 AAA Timberwolves in its inaugural season. Jordan emphasizes the importance of creating a fun and exciting environment where kids can continue to develop and grow their skills on and off the ice.

U13AA Head Coach:  TBA

U15AA Head Coach: Joel Litt-Jukes

Joel returns for his third season with the Cochrane Minor Hockey Association, bringing continued passion and leadership to the program.

A native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Joel has spent the past two seasons guiding the U13AA Timberwolves through successful campaigns, while also leading the Calgary Royals Blue Junior B team to consecutive finals appearances. His coaching experience spans over six years across both the AA and Junior B levels, where he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and development.

Joel is deeply invested in the growth of young athletes—not just as players, but as individuals. He brings a high level of energy and enthusiasm to the rink, placing strong emphasis on character-building and relationship development. His goal is to prepare players for success both in hockey and in life.

U16AA Head Coach: Nolan Spadafore

Nolan’s hockey journey began in Cochrane Minor Hockey at the age of six, proudly wearing the Timberwolves jersey at both the U13 and U15 levels. He later advanced to the AAA stream with the Edge School, where he played as a defenceman and capped off his minor hockey career with a CSSHL league championship in his Grade 12 season—alongside teammate and now Assistant Coach, Michael Wong.

Following minor hockey, Nolan competed in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), playing over 125 games across three seasons. His passion for the game continues today, as he remains actively involved both as a player and coach.

Nolan brings a strong foundation of experience and a deep understanding of modern hockey skills and strategies. As a seasoned skills coach, he has worked with athletes across various levels. In 2023-2024, he served as Head Coach of the Cochrane Generals Junior C team, where he enjoyed developing players and fostering a positive team culture. Most recently, during the 2024-2025 season, Nolan was the highly respected Head Coach of the U15AA Bow Valley Timberwolves, further cementing his reputation for leadership, development, and dedication.

Known for his energetic and hands-on coaching style, Nolan focuses on helping players reach their full potential through skill refinement, tactical awareness, and character development. He is a strong communicator who values meaningful relationships with his players, serving not only as a coach but as a mentor and role model on and off the ice.

Nolan is currently completing his Bachelor of Business at Mount Royal University with a major in Accounting. He looks forward to bringing his knowledge, experience, and passion for the game back to the Timberwolves program.

U18AA Head Coach: Russ Duffee 

Russ Duffee grew up immersed in the game of hockey—first chasing his older brother around the rink, and later competing at high levels across various Junior and Senior leagues in Saskatchewan. As the son of a coach, Russ learned early on what it meant to be a positive role model, developing the ability to absorb and emulate the best qualities of every coach he encountered. His experience as a goaltender gave him a unique perspective on the game—one that he brings to the rink every day as a coach and mentor.

A long-standing presence in Cochrane Minor Hockey Association, Russ has coached across nearly every age division within CMHA, starting with his son in Initiation. His coaching journey has been marked by notable accomplishments, including leading the U15 Tier 1 team to the Provincial Finals and earning the Coach of the Tournament award at the Coca-Cola Classic while coaching the U13 Tier 1 team. In addition to his work with CMHA, Russ has contributed to a spring development program based out of Calgary.

In the 2024-2025 season, Russ served as the Head Coach of the U16AA Timberwolves, where he was widely respected and highly valued for his leadership, player development focus, and commitment to team culture. His ability to connect with players and build strong, trust-based relationships remains one of his greatest strengths.

Russ believes that his greatest coaching success lies in the bonds he forms with his players. Drawing on a lifetime of experience in team sports and entrepreneurship, he understands the power of teamwork, responsibility, and accountability. His communication style fosters a fun, competitive environment grounded in discipline and respect—principles that guide every practice, game, and interaction.

Beyond coaching, Russ has given back to the hockey community through four years of volunteer service on the CMHA Board. He first served as Goalie Director before moving into the role of Vice President of Administration. After a brief hiatus following his son Ayden’s graduation from the AA Timberwolves program at the end of the 2022-2023 U18 season, Russ is excited to return and once again contribute to the success of the CMHA.

Russ and his wife, Karen, moved from Saskatoon to Calgary in 1996. They have two children—one currently attending the University of Calgary and the other at the University of Alberta. Their family’s journey through minor hockey began with Ayden’s time in Initiation and continued through to his final season, creating many meaningful memories within the CMHA community.