About NAX

Message from the Director

“On behalf of Dynamic Hockey Development and the Northern Alberta Xtreme, I am once again very excited to welcome everyone to the 2022-2023 Female and Male Team Programs.

As always it is very important to once again acknowledge and thank all the businesses and individuals that have graciously sponsored this media guide in support of the Xtreme program. The success of our program depends upon this support as it helps to ensure that many of our young players have the opportunity to pursue their passion for the game. I would like to personally thank our parents and players for all of their hard work and dedication in making this media guide an important tool used for the promotion of our players to Hockey Programs across North America.

Once again it is with great enthusiasm that I look forward to yet another year filled with tremendous competition as we get set to embark on another year as an Elite Hockey Program in Western Canada. These young student-athletes will be competing against some of the most prestigious hockey organizations across North America and it is our goal to help each and every athlete in their pursuit of excellence and to assist them in their advancement to the next level. It is also with great enthusiasm that I announce our continued membership within the Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL) for both our Female and Male Teams and we look forward to this tremendous opportunity to further establish the Xtreme program name as a premier hockey program in Western Canada.

On behalf of the entire hockey staff, I wish to thank all of you for continuing to support the Northern Alberta Xtreme. I would like to thank our partners in the community (Town of Devon) and our partners in Education (Black Gold School District’s John Maland High School and Riverview Middle School).”

“Welcome to all the returning and new student-athletes. How exciting it is to embark, for some, on a new adventure at a new school and in a new environment; and for others to continue along your path for development and success. As the Director of Academics, it is my role to help families and student-athletes navigate the academic gauntlet that is created when one chooses a life of academics and elite athletics. My goal is for all NAX student-athletes to feel success and growth in the classroom, to work hard and persevere through challenging coursework and to develop a work ethic to assist them in their future academic endeavours.

I graduated from the University of Alberta with a BCOM in Finance, International Business, and Business Law. I earned my teacher’s certification through the After Degree Program at the University of Alberta focused on Business Studies and Mathematics. Over my 15 plus year teaching career, I have had the privilege of teaching at Metropolitan Preparatory Academy in Toronto, Ontario, for five years and here in the Edmonton/Devon area for the remainder. It is my belief that all student-athletes are capable of achieving both their academic and athletic goals without sacrificing success in either area. It is due to this belief that I am honoured to be part of Northern Alberta Xtreme.”

Matt returns to NAX for his eighth season, after leading the U18 Prep team to a CSSHL championships in 2017/18 and 2018/19. After playing his minor hockey in Fort Saskatchewan, Tassone was drafted in the eighth round of the 2004 WHL Bantam Draft by the Swift Current Broncos, a franchise he would play 199 WHL games for. Tassone was a sixth-round pick by the Dallas Stars in the 2008 NHL Draft and played a total of 196 professional hockey league games across three leagues.

“I’m honoured to be a part of the NAX coaching staff. I’m excited to be able to express my passion for the sport and to be able to share all that I have learned throughout my professional experience as a hockey player. I’m looking forward to helping educate our players about what it takes to be able to thrive as an individual athlete as well as a teammate and bring out the maximum potential of every player on and off the ice. I’ve learned a lot throughout my own experiences with hockey and I’m thrilled to be able to pass on that hard-earned knowledge to our players. I have high standards for our NAX athletes and look forward to helping them reach their goals. I’m excited to watch our athletes continue to develop into well-rounded players who meet their full potential and, most importantly, grow into strong young men.”

Nicole returns to the NAX staff for her fourth full season having played 13 years of hockey, including two years of U18 for St. Francis Xavier High School. Nicole spent two years as a trainer with a Bantam AA team before moving to NAX, and has experience coaching kayaking in the Western Canada and Canada Summer Games. Nicole recently graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Kinesiology.

“I am excited for my third year with Northern Alberta Xtreme, working as the Safety & Communications Liaison and Medical Coordinator. It is a big privilege to me, having played on the team five years ago and now working with the multiple teams. I am very passionate about rehabilitation/athlete recovery, which lead me to go to school for my Kinesiology Degree. My job is to ensure the players are safe and able to play to the best of their abilities with any circumstances they may face during the 2021-22 season. Overall, I am most excited to work with such talented athletes and be part of such an amazing team.”

Steve returns to NAX for his eighth year, and second with the Female U18 Prep team, after joining the U16 Prep team during their inaugural season in 2015/16. Currently a scout for the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos, Steve has helped coach the U16 Prep to two CSSHL Championship Titles, including in 2017/18 which was highlighted by an undefeated regular season, and a championship victory at the 2017 Rockyview Raiders Prospect Cup.

“I am extremely excited to be back coaching at NAX this season. As a program we’re committed to developing winning habits, including a focus on character and compete. As a former University student athlete my focus remains on helping our players push themselves to be the best they can be on the ice and in the classroom.”

Chris Dingman returns to the NAX staff for his second year, and first as Female U18 Prep Head Coach.

A two time Stanley Cup Champion, WHL Champion, and first round pick in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, Dingman played 601 professional games between the NHL, AHL, Sweden, and Denmark. Dingman joins NAX with eight years of coaching experience including winning a Pee Wee State Championship and being the only undefeated team in SAHOF (Statewide Amateur Hockey of Florida) history.

Former NHLer Kyle Chipchura is in his first season as U17 Prep head coach, having joined the program in 2021/22 as an assistant coach of the U15 Prep team.

The first overall pick by the Prince Albert Raiders in the 2001 WHL Bantam Draft, Chipchura represented Team Canada twice including being named captain of the U18 team and the U20 World Juniors team when Canada won gold in 2006. In 2004 Chipchura was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the first round, 18th overall. He would spend the 2006/07 season with their affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, winning an AHL Calder Cup. Chipchura spent nine seasons in the NHL playing 481 games for the Canadiens, Anaheim Ducks, and Arizona (Phoenix) Coyotes before spending the last four seasons in Russia in the KHL.

David Schlemko returns to NAX for his first season as head coach of the U17 Prep Travel team, after a season as an assistant with the U16 Prep team.

A fourth round pick by the Medicine Hat Tigers in the 2002 WHL Bantam Draft, Schlemko played 198 WHL games and won a WHL Championship with the Tigers in the 2006/07 season. That year he would lead all WHL defensemen in assists with 50. Schlemko would then go on to have a professional career spanning 12 seasons and 415 games at the NHL level, and another 158 in the AHL.

Brayden returns to NAX for his sixth year, and second as head coach of the U15 Prep team after leading the U16 Prep team to a CSSHL League Championship in 2018/19. The youngest coach on staff, Brayden has won a Bantam AAA Coach of the Year award during the 2016/17 season and was part of the NAX 2018 John Reid Memorial Tournament championship staff.

“I’m excited and proud to be a part of the Northern Alberta Xtreme Hockey Academy. I’m honoured to be working with the U15 Prep team. It’s a fun environment working with such high-end student-athletes who share the same passion for the game of hockey. As a coach I am here to encourage and push our athletes to further their expectations and find new potential in themselves, on and off the ice. As part of NAX we create a comfortable environment in which all our athletes can find success. To achieve this, it is important to build relationships and form bonds throughout the program. I look forward to the development of our student-athletes over the course of the year.”

Adam Stuart returns to NAX for his second season as the programs U15 Head Coach.

Stuart spent the 2020/21 COVID shortened season as an assistant coach with the Cranbrook Bucks of the BCHL, after spending the previous two seasons in the CSSHL with Edge Academy as an assistant with their U18 Prep team. Before beginning his coaching career Stuart played three years and 160 games between the AJHL and BCHL. He would spend the 2010/11 season at York University before playing 319 SPHL games over six seasons. In 2017/18 he would suit up for French club Brest in what would be his last season of professional hockey.

"I'm excited to take this position as Head Coach of the U15 team at NAX! I have seen first hand how strong this program is and I'm very excited and proud to join them. I look forward to getting going and developing these young players and providing a winning culture."

Kane returns to NAX for his fourth season as a Technical Skills Coach.

A veteran of 500 professional hockey games at the AHL and ECHL, Kane played his minor hockey in Edmonton, Alberta before playing with the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL. Kane would then move on to the NCAA and the University of Alaska-Anchorage where he would spend three seasons. Kane would sign his first professional contract for the 2010/11 season with the ECHL’s Alaska Aces, becoming an ECHL Kelly Cup Champion with the team in 2013/14. On July 2, 2017 he would sign his first NHL contract with the New York Islanders. Kane was the winner of the 2012 The Hockey News "Name of the Year Tournament", with voters giving his name the edge over Boston Bruins' draft pick, Wacey Rabbit.

“I was fortunate enough to work with some of the brightest minds in hockey throughout my career and it’s a privilege to be able to share my knowledge with such a great group of devoted athletes. The last three years with NAX have been a rewarding experience. Development is such an important part of our game and I look forward to the responsibility of providing these athletes with a solid foundation as they learn to navigate their own path in the game of hockey. It’s an honour to be a part of such a great program that is committed to providing the best possible environment for these athletes to grow into great young men on and off the ice.”

The current Goalie Coach for the Camrose Kodiaks of the AJHL, Allen returns to NAX for his fifth season. Last season Allen was named the Goaltending Coach for Team Canada West at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge. While coaching has become his main focus, Allen still plays senior men’s hockey.

A sixth-round pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Allen played his junior career in the AJHL with the Camrose Kodiaks where he won back to back AJHL and Doyle Cup championships, as well as the RBC Cup Top Goaltender award. He then went on to play three years with the RPI Engineers in the NCAA, capping his college career off by leading the Engineers to their first tournament appearance in 20 years. Allen would spend the next six years playing professional hockey in the NHL, AHL and ECHL, before starting his coaching career.

Derek returns to the NAX staff for his fourth season as an assistant coach with the U18 Prep team. Derek spent four years in the WHL playing alongside U18 Prep Head Coach Matt Tassone with the Swift Current Broncos playing a total of 246 games. After captaining the Broncos his final WHL season Derek joined St. Francis Xavier University where he would play another three years.

“I am looking forward to returning to the NAX program for the upcoming season and school year. It is an honour to have the opportunity to work with such talented young adults and assist with their growth as student athletes. I am grateful for my experience playing high level hockey as well as excelling in the classroom. I am a major advocate for the importance of being a leader on and off the ice and I am eager to learn and help this team develop a winning mentality in all aspects of life.”

Rob is in his first season at NAX. He has 21 years of coaching experience spanning across U15 & U18AAA, Jr A, and Mens College. Rob scouted in the WHL for 5 years and spent 2 as the Head Scout in BC Hockey’s Program of Excellence capturing Gold with Team BC’s 2002 born group. As a coach and GM he most recently captured a U18AAA BC Provincial Championship with the Valley West Hawks in 2016 and in 2020 led the Okanagan Rockets Program to a historical finish of 83-10-3-6 with +302 goal differential across the 3 AAA teams.

"When NAX asked me to join its program and staff it was an easy decision to jump on board. My belief of what measures the ultimate success of a program is consistently moving athletes with strong character, work ethic, and ability on to the next level. NAX has been at the top of this since its inception and I look forward to contributing in any way I can."

Tyler Palmer returns to NAX for his third season, having previously been with the program as a U15 Assistant Coach. Palmer spent time playing in the AJHL, ACAC, SPHL, and ECHL before opening his open gym as a personal trainer.

Dudas joins the NAX staff for his first season as an assistant coach. Dudas spent five seasons in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Prince George Cougars, Swift Current Broncos and Regina Pats. A sixth-round NHL pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Dudas played 11 professional hockey seasons in North America and Europe.

Kevin Undershute returns to NAX for his second year as an assistant coach in the program.

A former WHL Champion in 2006/07 with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Undershute was a seventh round pick by the Brandon Wheat Kings in the 2002 WHL Bantam Draft. He would go on to play 188 WHL and 4 Memorial Cup games with the Tigers and Portland Winter Hawks. After his WHL career he would play 111 games in four seasons at St. Francis Xavier University, two of which were with current U18 Prep assistant Derek Claffey. Undershute would then head to Europe playing professional hockey in the Netherlands, Germany and France, with stops in between in the SVHL, before retiring at the end of the 2018/19 season.

A fourth-round pick in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburg Penguins, Rob recorded 464 points in 597 career NHL games. A two-time WHL champion, a U20 World Juniors Gold Medalist, and one-time AHL champion, Rob has won MVP league honours for the WHL and IHL (NHL's previous farm system), as well as the CHL player of the year in 1986-87.

A former skills coach for the Edmonton Oil Kings, Rob takes skill repetitiveness /reinforcement and blends it into hockey IQ development. He works on stick handling, distributing and receiving different types of passes, and shooting with different angles and strides. He makes players think about split-second decisions, allowing players to make smarter plays during the game.

A third-round pick by the Calgary Flames in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Paul played a total of 534 career professional hockey league games, including 8 in the NHL and 9 seasons in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (German Professional League).

Paul focuses on player development by teaching at both ends of the ice, incorporating transitional skating and situational play that enhances both the technical and tactical development of all players both offensively and defensively.

The former Edmonton Oilers defenceman was a third-round pick by the New York Islanders in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. A two-time Memorial Cup and WHL Champion, Jason appeared in 681 NHL games, recording 55 points. He is currently a radio host on TSN 1260.

Jason takes game situations such as board battles, one on ones and transitional game-play to create an environment that teaches the fundamentals of playing without the puck. Jason also works with defensemen to develop interplay between partners by working on puck retrieval, puck movement and getting shots through to create offence.

Barry Butt and his Premier Strength & Conditioning Inc staff are joining NAX for their first season in charge of strength, flexibility, mobility, and conditioning for the Xtreme program. Barry comes to the program with a ton of qualifications, certifications, and experience including:

Qualifications & Certifications:

• BPE (University of Alberta)
• CSCS (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist)
• CEP (Certified Exercise Physiologist)
• MES (Medical Exercise Specialist)
• FMS (Functional Movement System Level 2)

Experience:

• 19 years’ experience Training Professional Athletes
• Founder/Director Premier Strength & Conditioning Inc.
• Trained three Olympic Gold Medalists (Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014)
• Instructor in Physical Education Program at MacEwan University
• Strength & Conditioning Coach Louis St. Laurent Hockey Academy
• Strength & Conditioning Coach St. Francis Xavier Hockey Academy
• Strength & Conditioning Consultant with Hockey Canada (National Women’s Program)
• Strength & Conditioning Consultant for the Chilliwack Bruins Junior Hockey Club (2006-200
• Assistant Coach Grant MacEwan College Men’s Hockey Team (1998-2006)
• Strength & Conditioning Coach MacEwan University – Responsible for Hockey, Basketball, and Volleyball (1998-2008)

The Northern Alberta Xtreme incorporates a variety of technical skills coaches to assist with player development in the program. As such, NAX works alongside Making Stridz owner Brian Shackel who has been recognized as an expert power skating instructor in the Edmonton area. Brian is a graduate from the University of Manitoba with a Masters Degree in Sports Biomechanics and a Bachelors Degree in Exercise and Sports Science. He has been working in the field of Sports Biomechanics for five years as a research assistant at the University of Manitoba and with Making Stridz Athlete Development. His area of expertise is on the mechanics of skating, but he has worked with athletes of all ages and skill levels in over 30 different sports skills. Through the utilization of technology along with Brian’s years of expertise, he is able to improve upon the skating technique and abilities of our student-athletes by incorporating his services into our program’s weekly routine on-ice.

Currently the goaltending coach for the Swift Current Broncos, Dave possesses an extensive background in goaltending having played for the WHL’s Tri-City Americans and the Penticton Panthers of the BCHL. Furthermore, he suited up for the University of Alberta in parts of three seasons from 2002-05 while attaining a Bachelors of Physical Education in Sports Management.

The product of Penticton, BC also owns and operates Above the Crease Goaltending in which they work on developing goaltenders across various leagues.

“I’m happy to be returning for my third year with NAX as the Academic Director at Riverview Middle School. As a proud mom to two dedicated student-athletes, I watched my son advance in hockey through the CSSHL, to Junior A, and most recently to the NCAA, while my daughter has maintained honors while playing elite volleyball through junior high and high school. I understand first-hand the hard-work and dedication that goes into being a successful student-athlete as well as the challenges that student-athletes face. As an educator for more than 20 years and a classroom teacher for over 15, I am passionate about helping our players learn to balance their schedules, develop strategic study habits and, most importantly, fortify a strong work-ethic that will lend to their success in both academics and athletics for years to come. I am honoured to be part of the NAX program and to be able to assist our student-athletes both in the classroom and on the road.”

Message from the Principal

“John Maland High School is a very special school in that we offer almost everything you could hope to find at a big city school, but we do it in a small school setting where everyone knows your name! besides having an excellent record of outstanding Academic Achievement in our traditional core classes, we offer an amazing number of complementary courses. We have a second to none Fine Arts Program with a brilliant Band program that includes Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Stage Band components; a great Drama program with both Drama and Musical Theatre, and an excellent Art program. We also have a brilliant CTS department, where we offer Wood Working, Welding, Mechanics, Foods, Cosmetology, Sports Medicine, Digital Photography, Computer Design Studies, and Graphic Design. Off-campus courses are also offered where students can take the Green Certificate Program, the Registered Apprenticeship Program, as well as the Work Experience Program. Finally, we have a fantastic Athletics Program where we have seen our small school win many banners in Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field, Cross Country, Rugby, Badminton, and Golf.

However, what I am always most proud of is the quality of students we have here at John Maland High School. I truly do make it my business to get to know every one of my students and I love that the building is just small enough for me to do so. We continually have some of the most pleasant, polite, and mature students here at John Maland High School. The culture that has been developed here is one of great respect for each other. Because of that culture, we were quite confident that adding the Northern Alberta Xtreme Hockey Program here would be a success. I am very happy with how well the students have begun to blend together, and the level of acceptance and inclusion by all students and staff for each other. Furthermore, I am very happy that the students in the NAX program perpetuate the same culture of respect that we have demanded form our students here at JMHS. The NAX students who have been here this year have been outstanding; they have once again been a great addition to our school.”