Hockey Northwestern Ontario has announced the HNO Coaching Staff and HNO Rosters for the U14 and U15 Cross Border Challenge!
HNO Coaching Staff
Jacob Gushue is an experienced Junior A Hockey Coach with strong team system play, individual skill development and elite coaching methods. A proven track record of leading teams to successful seasons on and off the ice. Jake is currently the Head Coach and General Manager of the Dryden Ice Dogs Jr. A Hockey Club in the SIJHL. He is an SIJHL Coach of year (2024/25) and has coached at the AAA level for several years in British Columbia.
Eric Donaldson’s coaching philosophy is to have players compete, work hard and come together as a group while teaching skills that will help them succeed in the game and transfer into life skills. A successful season as told by a coaching mentor that he believes is that all players return to play the following year in some capacity and have that love for the game continue. Eric says the most rewarding part of coaching has been having players reach out after they have graduated and ask for a reference for jobs or scholarships. Eric is currently the Head Coach of the U18AA West End Bruins. Eric coached the HNO Program of Excellence camp in 2017, 2023, 2024, and 2025 and was also an assistant coach in 2024 for the Cross Border Challenge for the U15 Team Ontario and last year for the 2025 U14 OHL Cup Northwest Explorers as an Assistant Coach.
Max Ukrainec is dedicated to fostering player development, team discipline, and a winning culture while emphasizing sportsmanship and character. Max has been coaching since 2019 and is currently the U14 AAA Thunder Bay Kings Head Coach. Max was also a part of the 2023 U13 Provincial team that won Bronze. As a head coach Max has been leading all aspects of team operations, including training, strategy development, and game-day management. He is a big believer in mentoring and developing athletes by providing constructive feedback, performance reviews, and individualized improvement plans.
The U14 and U15 Cross Border Challenge is taking place on May 14-17 in Ottawa, ON.
U14 Roster
F – Lucas Ianni – Thunder Bay
F – Nathan Pugliese – Thunder Bay
F- Jagger Hautanen – Thunder Bay
F – Jones Kochan – Thunder Bay
F – Kaden Clower – Thunder Bay
D – Allister Knutsen – Fort Frances
D – Liam Desando – Thunder Bay
D – Austin Roy – Thunder Bay
D – Vaughn Runge – Sioux Lookout
G – Laird Morden – Thunder Bay
U15 Roster
F – Jack Koski – Thunder Bay
