2026/2027 Capitals Coaches Announced, News (Credit River Capitals)

2026/2027 Head Coaches: 

U10 (2017) – Nelson Lajeunesse

[email protected]

416-801-4433

With over 20 years of AAA hockey coaching experience, Nelson has built a reputation for developing elite players and building championship-caliber teams. He began his AAA coaching career in 2003 and quickly made his mark, capturing OMHA Gold and Silver medals with the 1997 age group during the 2005 and 2006 seasons, along with multiple OMHA Championship appearances.

Throughout his career, he has guided several age groups to high-level success. He led the 2000 and 2002 age groups to Final Four appearances in both the SCTA Championship and the U16 OHL Cup Qualifier, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest levels of minor hockey. He also spent four seasons developing the 2009 age group, continuing his commitment to long-term player development.

For the past four seasons, Nelson has been behind the bench with the U16 (2010) Mississauga Senators, consistently leading his teams to elite tournament and league success. His accomplishments during this time include:

·       U13 Buffalo Invitational Champions

·       U13 GTHL Finalists

·       U14 Silver Stick Champions

·       U14 OHL Cup Finalists

·       U15 Kraft Cup Champions

·       U15 Little Caesars Champions

·       U15 London Champions

·       U15 GTHL Finalists

·       U16 Titans Finalists

Known for his strong leadership, attention to detail, and dedication to player development, Nelson continues to prepare his athletes for the next level while fostering a competitive, disciplined, and team-first culture.

U11(2016) - Kevin Cochrane
[email protected]

416-931-9589

The Credit River Capitals are pleased to announce Kevin Cochrane as the 2016 U11 AAA coach for the 2026/27 season.  Kevin returns to CRC for a second year, coming off a successful season of development at the U10 age group.  Kevin brings to us a vast amount of knowledge, experience, and skill from his playing days in Jr hockey in Ontario.

He also has over 25 years of coaching experience across various levels in the OMHA and GTHL, where he has won multiple championships.  Additionally, the elite 2006 AAA spring program he offered for many years contributed to the success of players currently playing in the OHL and Jr A leagues across Canada (many of which have gone on to be drafted into the NHL).  Kevin's coaching focus is the development of individual skill as a mechanism to support team play.  We are very excited to have Kevin return for a second season leading the U11 AAA team into the 2026/27 season.

U12 (2015) – Kyle Callaghan
[email protected]

647-993-8792

Kyle will be returning for year three with the 2015 age group. Kyle brings with him over 9 years of AAA coaching experience and a strong skill development background as the owner of Wild Wolf Hockey. Kyle will continue building and developing the skillset of the 2015 program with the foundation created this season.  Kyle is HP1 certified and through his association with the National Hockey League Coaches' Association has become a mentor within the BIPOC community.  The individual skill development is second to none and the outlook for the future of program is bright as the individual player skills and team play get stronger year over year.

U13 (2014) – Jeremiah Addison

[email protected]

647-200-2289

Jeremiah enters his second season with the program, continuing to build a culture centered on individual skill progression and strong team development. He is committed to developing skilled, confident, and well‑rounded young athletes. He brings a development‑first mindset to minor hockey, focusing on strong fundamentals, hockey IQ, and building positive team culture.

Jeremiah believes the minor hockey years are critical for establishing habits that support long‑term success. His coaching approach emphasizes effort, accountability, respect, and teamwork, while ensuring players are challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow. He is dedicated to creating an environment where athletes develop both as hockey players and as individuals as they progress through the Capitals program.

As a player, Jeremiah played five seasons in the OHL, was named team captain and won the Memorial Cup with the Windsor Spitfires in 2017.

U14 (2013) – Randy Smith
[email protected]
647-229-6175

After a very successful run with the 2010 age group, Coach Randy Smith will move down in age groups to take over the 2013 program.  Randy is a dedicated and results-driven hockey coach with a proven track record of developing competitive teams and fostering a winning culture. As head coach of the 2010 age group, Randy has built a program defined by consistency, discipline, and player development.

Under his leadership, the 2010 team qualified for the prestigious U14 OHL Cup, showcasing the group’s elite-level competitiveness. His teams captured four consecutive OMHA league championships, demonstrating sustained excellence and the ability to perform under pressure year after year.

On the provincial stage, Randy guided his team to a Silver Medal at the OMHA Championships, further solidifying their standing among Ontario’s top programs. The season was highlighted by a Gold Medal performance at the U14 Winter Games, where his team displayed resilience, skill, and championship character.

With an impressive average win percentage of .827, Randy’s success is rooted in his commitment to player development, structured systems, and a team-first philosophy. He emphasizes accountability, work ethic, and sportsmanship, preparing his athletes not only for high-level competition but also for long-term growth within the game.

Randy Smith continues to set the standard for excellence, building strong teams and helping young athletes reach their full potential both on and off the ice.

U15 (2012) – Dwayne McKillop
[email protected]
416-998-2056

We would like to welcome back Dwayne and his staff for their third year with the Credit River Organization. With 18 years of head coaching experience in the GTHL, OMHA & Junior hockey Dwayne comes to us with a proven track record of success.  Dwayne has coached a variety of age groups at the rep level including ’02, ’04, ’06, ’08, Junior A & B and will join the Caps to lead our 2012’s on their hockey pathway.  With over 400 coaching victories on his resume and his background working in professional sports and event management Dwayne believes that sports are more than just a game.  It is a great way to teach many life lessons while working hard and still having fun in competition and the sport you enjoy.  Dwayne is a Hockey Canada High Performance certified coach and former Canadian University player.  Known for being a communicator and teacher Dwayne & his staff have helped graduate many of his former players to the GOJHL, OJHL, BCHL and OHL.   

U16 (2011) - Tom O’Grady
[email protected]
905-781-1798

Tom played his Junior hockey locally for the Bramalea Blues and Brampton Capitals before receiving a full athletic scholarship to Merrimack College – Division 1 Hockey East. Post school, Tom went on to pay professionally in Germany for 10 years. Tom has coaching experience in Minor Hockey coaching for 10 years in Germany with additional experience at the AAA and Junior level since 2008 in the GTHL, OMHA and OPJHL leagues.
Tom is back for his third year with the CRC organization.

U18 (2009/2010) - Mike Sardella
[email protected]

647-274-0525

Mike joined the Credit River Capitals organization last season after a successful period with the 2009-born Vaughan Panthers, winners of the International Silver Stick, three-time winners of the Pro Hockey Life Cup, two-time winners of the GTHL Playoffs, and an OHF Championship.  

Mike and his staff are returning for their second year with the U18 program, after a successful 2025-2026. 

In their first season, the U18 Capitals reached the finals of the Titans Prospects tournament and the International Silver Stick, while improving to 3rd place in the OMHA West.

In 2026-2027, the U18 program will continue to progress in its on-ice success and development of players for Junior hockey.