North Okanagan Minor Hockey members will receive the benefit of Aaron Hoffman’s exceptional skill set, through on-ice instruction, skills evaluations, and ongoing mentorship for both players and coaches. His leadership ensures that NOMHA athletes have access to the same professional-level training and development strategies used across Canada’s top programs.
Aaron Hoffman‘s Professional Coaching Biography
Hockey Canada Level 3 Certified Skills Coach and High Performance 1 Certified Coach with over 20 years of experience developing players and coaches across Canada and internationally.
Aaron’s commitment to hockey education, player development, and mentorship has made him an invaluable part of the North Okanagan hockey community.
He is passionate about helping players grow their skills, confidence, and creativity — while empowering coaches with the tools and knowledge to build stronger, more connected teams.
Aaron has worked extensively with Hockey Canada, BC Hockey, and numerous regional associations to design training programs, mentor coaches, and deliver high-performance skill development for athletes of all levels.
🧭 Coaching Experience & Leadership
Hockey Canada
Level 3 Certified Skills Coach and Coach Mentor
Developed and implemented U7–U13 skills evaluations in six development phases
Wrote and narrated official Hockey Canada Network App drills and descriptions
Delivered on-ice and classroom sessions at national and regional coaching events
Hockey Canada Representative at the IIHF Women’s 3-on-3 Tournament in São Paulo, Brazil (2024)
Skills Instructor at Provincial High Performance Camps – University of Newfoundland (2022–2024) and University of New Brunswick (2022)
BC Hockey
High Performance 1 Coach Certified
Player Development & Coach Coordinator
Branch Mentorship Coordinator
Instructor for Coach 2, Development 1, and Specialty Clinics
Developed the COVID-19 Return to Play Alternative Training Plan (2020)
Regional & Local Coaching
Lead Skills Instructor – North Okanagan Minor Hockey Association (NOMHA)
Head & Assistant Coach – Minor, Rep, and Regional teams including U17 Okanagan Region (BC Cup Champions 2006)
Instructor – Vernon Hockey School, Salmon Arm Hockey School, and Hockey Canada Skills Camps across Western & Northern Canada
Assistant Coach – Perth Thunder (AIHL) – reached Grand Final (2013)
Head Coach – multiple youth teams in hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track & field
🏆 Athletic Background
Aaron’s playing career includes time with the Surrey Eagles and Merritt Centennials (BCHL).
He also competed semi-professionally with the Perth Thunder (AIHL) in Australia.
A lifelong athlete, Aaron has completed:
7× Ironman Canada Finishes
Multiple Marathons and Ultramarathons
World Tough Mudder participant
Team BC Floorball national champion (2011)
This multi-sport background reinforces Aaron’s belief that athletes develop best through variety, balance, and challenge.
💡 Coaching Vision
Aaron’s vision is to develop skilled, confident, and creative hockey players while building a positive and inclusive hockey environment that values teamwork, effort, and enjoyment.
He strives to create programs that:
Identify and address individual skill gaps
Encourage multi-sport participation for balanced athletic growth
Provide age-appropriate skill assessments to guide player and parent understanding
Strengthen collaboration among players, coaches, and families
Promote transparency, mentorship, and community connection
“When coaches, players, and parents work together with purpose and honesty, we create an environment where every player can thrive.”
🏒 Coaching Beliefs
Development Over Specialization: Variety builds adaptable athletes.
Accessible Hockey: Every player deserves affordable opportunities to improve.
Coach Collaboration: Shared knowledge strengthens the entire hockey community.
Assessment for Growth: Skill tracking supports progress and confidence.
Creativity Builds Confidence: Learning through play promotes smarter, bolder players.
Community First: Great hockey starts with great people.
🌟 Personal Philosophy
Aaron believes hockey should challenge players to grow — not only as athletes, but as people.
His coaching focuses on building lifelong learners, strong teammates, and respected community members who carry the lessons of sport far beyond the rink.
📱 Connect & Follow
Stay connected with Aaron’s work in player and coach development through North Okanagan Minor Hockey, Hockey Canada, and BC Hockey initiatives.
Follow the journey, share your hockey stories, and celebrate growth in the North Okanagan and beyond.
🔖 Hashtags
#NorthOkanaganHockey #AaronHoffmanCoaching #NOMHA #HockeyCanada #BCHockey #SkillsCoach #CoachDevelopment #PlayerDevelopment #MinorHockey #HockeySkills #HockeyCommunity #CoachMentor #HockeyLife #GrowTheGame #CanadianHockey #HockeyCulture #TrainWithPurpose #YouthSports #HockeyEducation #LeadershipThroughSport #LoveTheGame