Management & Staff — Prairie Hockey Academy

Founder and Director of the Prairie Hockey Academy, Justin Simpkins first developed the AAA Crusader program in Caronport in 2009. His mission and goal was to work at developing a program that was dedicated to inspiring more than just athletes, but life champions with a heart first approach to hockey development on and off the ice.

Justin is active in leading his team in the vision and execution of PHA. His commitment and investment to the program is exemplified in his approach to the young athletes that each and every one of them feel connection, respected and valued on the team as an athlete and person.

“The heart of Prairie Hockey Academy, is to create an authentic community that welcomes student athletes in and lets them know that they are loved and cared for, for who they are and not what they do.”

Justin resides in Moose Jaw with his wife, two daughters and son.

Erik Robitaille

general manager 📧

Originally from central Saskatchewan, Erik grew up playing hockey in Moose Jaw and Prince Albert before continuing his playing career with the Briercrest Clippers from 2012–2015, where he was twice named the team’s Top Defenseman.

Erik has more than 15 years of coaching and hockey development experience, working with athletes from ages 5 to 20. He has coached at every male division within the CSSHL and has been part of Prairie Hockey Academy since its inaugural season in 2017, serving in a variety of coaching, hockey operations, and leadership roles.

Now serving as General Manager, Erik oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the Academy while working closely with PHA’s coaches, staff, families, and partners. He is passionate about creating an environment where student-athletes are challenged to grow as hockey players, students, leaders, and people.

Erik lives in Caronport with his wife and two children.

Travis Ehrhardt

Director of Performance 📧

Drafted in the first round of the 2004 WHL Bantam Draft, Ehrhardt spent some of his WHL career with the Moose Jaw Warriors as well as the Portland Winterhawks. In 2009, he was signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Detroit Red Wings. During that contract, he played in the Wing's minor league affiliates, the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) and the Toledo Walleye (ECHL). Ehrhardt spent time with two other AHL teams, the St. Johns IceCaps (2013-2014) and the Utica Comets (2014-2016). Between 2012 and 2020, Travis spent several seasons abroad, spending time in Finland, Norway, Switzerland, China, Scotland, and England.

Since retiring from professional hockey, Travis has spent his summers training young athletes in the gym while also putting his MBA to work at a local insurance brokerage. With his passion for strength and conditioning and his broad playing experience, Travis has been a fantastic addition to the PHA team, specifically serving as our Strength and Conditioning coach off the ice and Power Skating and Skills Coach on the ice. Alongside our Director of Player Development, Scott King, they help provide a world-class development opportunity for our student-athletes here at PHA.

Travis resides in Moose Jaw with his wife, Stephanie, and daughters, Wren and Fallon.

Scott King

Director of player development 📧

Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Scott King brings decades of playing, coaching, and player-development experience to Prairie Hockey Academy. His playing career included time with Boston University in the NCAA and the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL, where he recorded 97 points in 68 games and was named the team’s Rookie of the Year.

After signing with the Montreal Canadiens, Scott played four seasons in the AHL and ECHL, earning AHL All-Star honours and being named both the ECHL Scoring Champion and Most Valuable Player. He then spent 14 seasons playing professionally in Germany, where he was a five-time All-Star and finished his career among the league’s all-time leading scorers. Scott also represented Canada five times at the Deutschland Cup, winning championships in 2005 and 2008.

Following his playing career, Scott transitioned into coaching and player development, including serving as Hockey Canada’s Head Skills Development Coach. He later joined the Moose Jaw Warriors, where he has held coaching and player-development roles and now serves as Head Coach.

As Prairie Hockey Academy’s Director of Player Development, Scott brings his professional playing and coaching experience into the daily development of PHA student-athletes. He is passionate about helping players improve their skills, hockey sense, habits, and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the next level.

Scott lives in Moose Jaw with his wife and their son and daughter.

Kevin Thiessen

Director of TEAM Development 📧

Originally from Souris, Manitoba, Kevin Thiessen brings more than 25 years of pastoral, coaching, leadership, and athlete-development experience to Prairie Hockey Academy. A multi-sport athlete, Kevin played basketball and soccer at Briercrest College before finishing his collegiate soccer career at Trinity Western University.

Following university, Kevin served with Athletes in Action, working in chaplaincy, camps, and international sport ministry across Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa. He later spent time as a youth worker and coach in Dublin, Ireland, before returning to Canada and earning a Master’s in Leadership and Management from Briercrest Seminary. Kevin went on to serve in pastoral ministry in Victoria, BC, before returning to Briercrest in 2020 as Dean of Students.

As PHA’s Director of Team Development, Kevin serves as team chaplain, oversees the Academy’s leadership and educational curriculum, and provides support and care to student-athletes, coaches, parents, and Briercrest partners. He is passionate about integrating faith and sport and helping student-athletes discover their purpose while developing into life champions on and off the ice.

Kevin and his wife, Cristy, live in Caronport with their five children.

Bryan Arneson

u18 Prep Head Coach 📧

Bryan Arneson joins Prairie Hockey Academy after nearly a decade with the Canmore Eagles in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), where he won a league championship in 2026. Before his coaching career, Arneson played collegiately at MacEwan University, where he was part of two championship-winning teams while earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He went on to play professionally in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers and Worcester Railers, and in the SPHL with the Mississippi RiverKings and Huntsville Havoc.

Arneson previously served as Associate Head Coach and Assistant General Manager with the Canmore Eagles, and his coaching résumé also includes representing Hockey Canada - Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge, where he won a gold medal in 2023.

Curtis Pereverzoff

u17 Prep Head Coach 📧

A Nelson, British Columbia native, Curtis brings more than 10 years of coaching and leadership experience to PHA, including the last four years in the Western Hockey League.

Curtis most recently served as the Assistant Coach for the Moose Jaw Warriors, including time as a development coach prior to his time on the bench. A former head coach at the U15 AA level with both the Moose Jaw Warriors and Calgary Royals, as well as the 4 years with the Saanich Braves U18 Program in Victoria, British Columbia. He is very passionate and committed to developing players both on and off the ice while building and contributing to a winning culture and environment.

Curtis’ playing career includes 2 years in the KIJHL. He represented Team BC at Hockey Canada’s Provincial selection camp in 2009 and represented Team Kootenay at the 2008 BC Winter Games.

Curtis holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria. He currently resides in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan with his Fiancé.

Gary Clark

U17 Head Coach 📧

Born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Gary brings more than 30 years of coaching, management, and player-development experience to Prairie Hockey Academy. During his playing career, Gary won a Gold Medal at the Canada Winter Games and a Canadian Junior A Championship before attending Brandon University, where he earned a Bachelor of Education.

Gary’s coaching career has taken him throughout Canada and Europe, including roles in Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, and Italy. His international experience includes coaching at the Spengler Cup and working with Hungary’s U20 and Men’s National Teams at multiple World Championships. He has also worked extensively with U18 and U20 programs, including Okanagan Hockey Academy Europe.

With a background in education, Gary approaches coaching as teaching and believes strongly that “it’s not what you say, it’s what they hear.” His priority is using hockey to help young athletes grow, develop, and prepare for success both on and off the ice.

Todd Cole

U15 Prep Head Coach 📧

After spending two seasons in an assistant and coach mentor role with our U16 Prep and U17 Prep teams, Todd took the reigns of our U15 and now U15 Prep program. ⁠
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Todd brings over 30 years coaching minor hockey at all levels as well as serving on numerous Boards. He spent 10 seasons with the Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) as Video and Stats Assistant Coach⁠. Along with his wealth of experience, he notes the U15 age group as one of the most rewarding ages to coach.

Todd has been around PHA since the academy launched in 2017 and has not only participated in our growth but experienced it as a parent as well, as his son, Chance, spent four seasons with PHA.⁠
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Todd is happily married and a proud father of three, residing in Moose Jaw and a successful executive career in the Agriculture sector.

Micah Abbott

Assistant Coach 📧

Micah is from Three Hills, AB, and played minor and junior hockey in Alberta. After playing out his junior eligibility, Micah pursued a Business degree at Briercrest.

He played ACAC hockey with the Briercrest Clippers for five years and served as an assistant captain for one year. After graduating from Briercrest, Micah decided to stay in Saskatchewan and became an assistant coach with Prairie Hockey Academy. He has coached with PHA since the 2018-19 season.

Micah is passionate about helping student-athletes grow both on and off the ice in skill and character and leadership development.

Already a master electrician, Micah recently earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Regina, and has been hired by PHA’s educational partner Briercrest Christian Academy to teach their Practical and Applied Arts class.

Connor Middleton

Assistant Coach 📧

Connor is an enthusiastic coach with an impressive track record in AAA hockey coaching across Alberta. He has over seven years experience as an assistant and associate coach in the AEHL U15 AAA, U16 AAA and U18 AAA divisions.
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Connor has honed his skills in player development, game strategy, and opponent analysis. This past spring, Connor served as the Head Coach for Team Capital Royal at the 2024 Hockey Alberta Prospects Cup and as a Skills Coach for Hockey Alberta, contributing to player development in camps throughout the province. Beyond coaching, Connor’s dedication to inclusivity is evident through his work as a summer camp coordinator for the Paralympic Sports Association, where he designed accessible activities and fostered a supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.
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Committed to ongoing growth, Connor has completed various coaching courses, including Hockey Canada certifications and the Commit to Kids for Coaches program. As a coach, he prioritizes providing immediate feedback and support to help players reach their full potential.
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A graduate of the University of Alberta with a degree in Kinesiology, Connor’s passion for sports and coaching is matched only by his belief in the potential of individuals both on and off the ice.
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Jake Arsenault

Assistant Coach 📧

Originally from Richmond, Prince Edward Island, Jake brings extensive playing and leadership experience to Prairie Hockey Academy. His playing career included time in the QMJHL with the Moncton Wildcats, Sherbrooke Phoenix and Charlottetown Islanders, followed by two seasons with the Summerside Western Capitals of the MHL.

Jake continued his career at Briercrest College, where he played four seasons with the Men’s Hockey program and served as team captain for his final three years. Following his collegiate career, Jake pursued professional hockey in the United States before joining Prairie Hockey Academy in January 2026.

Jake brings a strong passion for the game and an intentional approach to developing student-athletes. Drawing from his experience as both a player and leader, he is passionate about helping athletes grow in their hockey development, character and leadership both on and off the ice.

Cale Kindrachuk

Assistant Coach 📧

Cale came on staff with PHA in the Spring of 2026. He is a multi-sport athlete who had opportunities to pursue more than one sport at a higher level after high school. His passion for hockey and growth as a person directed him to become a student athlete at Briercrest College with the Men’s Hockey program in the ACAC.

He served on their leadership team for two seasons before injuries redirected his path away from playing to pursuing a coaching role.

He is passionate about player safety, seeing people grow, and serving others to the best of his abilities. Cale wants to see players reach their fullest potential, to take advantage of the opportunity in front of them to grow as athletes and people in an academy setting.

Darryl Osborn

Assistant Hockey Operations / Facilities MANAGER

Darryl is a lifelong hockey fan, and multi-sport high school athlete. Darryl combines strong hockey knowledge with analytical and video experience to provide in game analysis and statistical trends to the coaching staff, and players. Darryl started working with Prairie Hockey in 2017 as an intern, and has been providing value to his colleagues and student-athletes ever since.

As our Facilities Manager, Darryl serves behind the scenes at the rink taking care of our 80 student-athletes and being a mentor and support off the ice. His care and attention to detail ensure a professional support system for all our student-athletes and coaches.

Adam Evanoff

Goaltender development coach 📧

Originally from Manning, Alberta, Adam brings extensive experience as both a player and a leader. He spent three seasons at Okanagan Hockey Academy, part of the CSSHL, just like Prairie Hockey Academy. This shared background in education-based hockey is a tremendous asset as he guides our student-athletes.

Drafted in the 10th round of the 2015 WHL Draft, Adam played four seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Moose Jaw Warriors and Victoria Royals. He then continued his career at the University of Regina, earning a degree in Sport and Recreation Management while competing at the collegiate level.

Adam’s passion for goaltending and understanding of high-performance environments make him an outstanding addition to our program. His firsthand experience balancing academics and athletics will inspire and support our goalies in their development.

Evy Stalker-Gingras

INTERN - Social Media and Game Day COordinator

Originally from Falkland, British Columbia, Evy now lives in Caronport, Saskatchewan, where she is studying Business and Kinesiology at Briercrest College. Her passion for hockey began at a young age, watching Hockey Night in Canada with her mom, and eventually led her to Briercrest to pursue an education that combined sport with a biblical foundation.

Evy joined Prairie Hockey Academy in 2024 as a member of the Game Day staff before stepping into the role of Game Day Coordinator for the 2025–26 season. Her role has since expanded to include social media, photography, content creation, game reports, feature stories, and academy communications.

As PHA’s Media and Game Day Coordinator, Evy helps create a first-class game day experience while sharing the stories, people, and moments that make Prairie Hockey Academy unique. She is passionate about using creative content to keep families connected and capture memories that student-athletes can carry with them long after their time at PHA.

Cole Neufeld

Video & Analytics Coach

Cole Neufeld is entering his second season with Prairie Hockey Academy. During his first season with PHA, Cole supported the coaching staff and players through in-game video, providing clips and video resources throughout games to assist with real-time analysis, game preparation and development. He continues in this capacity as the academy’s Video & Analytics Coach for the U18 prep program.

Cole has coached minor hockey at various levels and has worked with Hockey Saskatchewan programs as a powerskating and skills instructor. He brings a strong interest in player development and the use of video and technology to help players and coaches better understand the game and identify opportunities for improvement.

Cole lives in Wymark with his wife and their three children.