Learn to Play Ice Hockey

Originally from Montreal’s Lac St. Louis region, Mark played for the John Abbott College Islanders before beginning a successful coaching career that has spanned North America and Asia. From 2007 to 2020, he worked extensively in Beijing and Shanghai, guiding players from grassroots to elite levels and helping several advance to national and international programs. His teams captured multiple championships, including Beijing’s first city title and the inaugural Asia Youth Hockey League championship.

During his time in China, Mark coached hundreds of players across multiple rinks while also promoting the growth of the game throughout the region. He partnered with the Canadian Embassy, Consulate, and Chambers of Commerce on hockey development initiatives and served as a consultant on China’s emerging professional hockey scene—contributing advisory work to the KHL’s Kunlun Red Star and supporting the NHL’s first China projects.

After returning to Canada in 2020, Mark coached a wide range of age groups in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), working with players from U11 through U18. His experience included developing technical fundamentals and game sense in younger players, as well as advancing tactical play, leadership, and consistency among older age divisions preparing for junior and prep-level hockey.

He later joined the Canadian International Hockey Academy (CIH Academy) as Head Coach and Student Services Coordinator, working primarily with high school–aged student-athletes (U15–U18). In this role, Mark designed and delivered high-intensity training sessions, managed long-term player development plans, and supported athletes in balancing their academic, athletic, and personal growth. His structured yet player-centered approach helped many move on to junior and collegiate programs across North America.

Fluent in English, French, German, and Mandarin, Mark connects easily with players and families from diverse backgrounds. His focus with the Junior Tigers will be on skill progression, hockey IQ, and team play—helping each athlete reach the next level while fostering a positive, competitive team culture.

Growing up in Montreal, Philippe found hockey a way of life. Starting at the age of three, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the top players in his age group. This early success instilled in him the values of dedication, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence – qualities he carried with him throughout his athletic career.

Philippe’s competitive spirit led him to excel in American football, where he was a key member of one of Quebec’s most dominant juvenile teams. Their back-to-back national championships testify to his commitment to strategy, discipline, and pushing limits – attributes that translate seamlessly to the ice.

As a coach, Philippe is passionate about sharing his knowledge and inspiring young athletes. His experience in teaching defensive strategies in football provides a unique perspective on hockey, emphasizing the importance of positioning, anticipation, and reading the play. He understands that success in both sports requires not only physical skill but also mental toughness and a strong work ethic.

Beyond the rink, Philippe is a successful partner at a leading immigration law firm, demonstrating his ability to excel in diverse fields. He also proudly represents Hong Kong in international ball hockey competitions, proving his enduring love for the game. With Philippe, your child will learn from a coach who embodies the spirit of a champion, both on and off the ice. He’ll instill in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and strategic thinking, helping them reach their full potential as hockey players and individuals.

Gregory Smyth is the Chairman and Founder of iNetAsia, an established Asian performance marketing and digital marketing business headquartered in Hong Kong. In addition, Mr. Smyth is a serial entrepreneur, involved in a number of successful internet start-ups and multiple global property investments. Over the past 15 years, Mr. Smyth has served as Co-Founder and the Executive Director of the China Hockey Group in Hong Kong, spearheading the Greater Bay Lions, Junior Tigers, Asian Super League, Greater Bay Hockey League and China Ice Hockey League playing a pivotal role in the growth of ice hockey in Asia.

Gregory Smyth had an impressive collegiate hockey career, playing five years of varsity hockey in the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU), now known as U Sports, with both the University of Western Ontario and Dalhousie University. His time in these competitive programs showcased his talent and dedication, making significant contributions to his teams on the ice. Gregory’s collegiate experience in the CIAU was instrumental in shaping his understanding of the game, which he later applied to his various roles in hockey, including ownership of the Coquitlam Express in the BCHL. With a deep passion for hockey, Smyth has been instrumental in promoting the game at both grassroots and competitive levels, fostering a thriving community of players and enthusiasts. His background as a university athlete helped him understand the value of development and competition, which he has applied in nurturing the next generation of hockey talent across continents.

Smyth’s dedication to promoting hockey in Asia also includes coaching and mentoring young athletes, organizing leagues, and creating development programs that emphasize skill growth, teamwork, and sportsmanship. His leadership has been instrumental in making the sport more accessible and inspiring the next generation of hockey players.