Dan Waschuk
Lead Instructor
Dan’s two-decade hockey career, highlighted by his time in the WHL and leadership as captain of the Grant MacEwan University team, set the stage for his extraordinary coaching journey. Transitioning from a celebrated player to a revered coach, he led numerous successful hockey camps across Alberta and played a key role in the University of Alberta Golden Bears’ National CIS Championship win during his time there. His coaching style is unique, focusing on the mental aspects of the game, teaching stress reduction, centering, and visualization techniques. Dan’s comprehensive approach not only hones physical skills but also instills mental resilience, making him an invaluable mentor for aspiring hockey players. Working with Dan offers a rare chance to learn from a seasoned expert who excels in both strategy and player development.
KENNEDY GANSER
On Ice Skill Instructor
Kennedy Ganser, a former captain of the University of Alberta Pandas hockey team and a graduate in education, epitomizes leadership in women’s hockey. Her impressive five-season tenure with the Pandas showcased her athletic and academic prowess. Now, as an assistant coach for the team, she passionately dedicates herself to growing the female side of the game. Kennedy’s journey is a testament to how commitment and skill can inspire and empower the next generation of female athletes.
- kennedy@competitivethread.com
Joel Jackson
Strength & Conditioning
Joel Jackson, a trainer on the Edmonton Oilers staff and with Competitive Thread brings a rich blend of experience as a former player in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League and ACAC, and as a certified personal trainer. Armed with a degree in Kinesiology and Sport Studies from Augustana University and a Masters (UofA) in the same field, Joel offers a unique perspective on athlete development. At the University of Alberta, he expertly trained both the Bears and Pandas teams, emphasizing the importance of off-ice training in player growth. His approach, deeply rooted in academic achievement and practical experience, focuses on harnessing the off-season for substantial player development, making him an indispensable asset in the realm of sports training.
Greg Doll
On Ice Instructor
Greg Doll has been involved as a player and instructor with hockey for the past 18 years. He grew up in Peace River AB, where he played his minor hockey. Greg went on to play for the Bonneville Pontiacs of the AJHL, and then pursued an education while continuing to play hockey at Grant MacEwan University in the ACAC. Greg served as an alternate Captain for his final two seasons on the MacEwan Griffins. Greg has a strong passion for all competitive sport and obtained a degree in Physical Education from the University of Alberta. Currently, Greg is working as a Lead Instructor with Donnan and Vimy Hockey Academy, and has a keen interest in the instructional and developmental aspects of the game.
SARA DIAMOND
Power Skating Instructor
Sara hails from Bonavista, NL, and brings a rich and diverse background in both figure skating and hockey. Beginning her hockey journey at age 12, she quickly rose to prominence, captaining Team NL U15 and U18, and leading her team at the 2007 Canada Games in Whitehorse, YK.
Sara’s exceptional leadership skills carried her through five impactful years of CIS (U Sports) hockey at Mount Allison University, where she also earned a science degree. Since 2006, she has been imparting her expertise at hockey schools, becoming a lead instructor at the Danny Cleary Hockey Program in NL and, more recently, at the Oilers Foundation Hockey School.
Her coaching credentials are impeccable, with HP1 certification and extensive experience coaching the NL U15, U16, and U18 high-performance provincial teams. Notably, she was an assistant coach for the NL U18 Canada Games team in 2019 and has coached both male and female AAA programs from U13 to U18 in NL. Additionally, Sara served as an assistant coach and skills coach for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in the AJHL from 2022 to 2024.