Coaches Clinic: From Pro to Grassroots

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Mastering the Modern Game with Hockey’s Greatest Minds

May 22–23, 2026 | Saskatoon, SK Staybridge Suites & Merlis Belsher Place

Join us for an immersive coaching experience designed to bridge the gap between elite professional strategies and the minor hockey rink. This clinic is not about complex systems you can’t use—it’s about Translation & Action. Our mission is to take the cutting-edge tactics used in the NHL, WHL, Collegiate and Hockey Canada and turn them into actionable, age-appropriate tools for every coach, from U7 to U18.

Headline Speakers

• Dave King – The "Legendary Mentor": Join us for a rare opportunity to learn from Canadian coaching legend Dave King, whose career spans three Olympic Games and over a decade in the NHL. Dave will be sharing his world-class insights on player development and the evolving strategies of the modern game, offering a masterclass for coaches at every level.

• Mike Johnston – The "Tactical Architect": We are thrilled to welcome Mike Johnston, President and General Manager of the Portland Winterhawks. With over 15 years as a Head Coach in the WHL and a decade of experience as a Head/Assistant Coach in the NHL, Mike is one of the game’s premier teachers. He will bridge the gap between pro-level execution and junior development, showing coaches how to build elite habits in their players.

• Perry Pearn – The "Veteran Teacher": Perry’s resume spans 20 years in the NHL and a decorated history in the collegiate game, where he famously built a powerhouse program from the ground up. Most recently the Head Coach for Team Canada’s Women’s National Team at the World Championships, Perry offers a unique masterclass in technical precision. His experience is a major asset for coaches in the female game looking to implement elite-level habits and high-IQ play at any age.

• Dean Seymour – The "Technical Specialist" Approach: Join us as Dean Seymour, Hockey Canada’s Manager of NextGen and Player Development, shares his blueprint for maximizing athlete potential. In addition to his national development role, Dean’s work as a Video and Skills Coach for Canada’s National Para Hockey Team gives him a unique perspective on teaching high-level habits and technical skills to players of all abilities.

• Scott Flory – The "Championship Culture" Focus: We are honored to welcome Canadian Football Hall of Famer and Saskatchewan Huskies Head Coach Scott Flory. A three-time Grey Cup champion and two-time CFL Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, Scott will share his expertise on building high-performance team cultures and the universal pillars of championship leadership that apply from the gridiron to the ice.

"Our clinic features an elite roster of current Pro, Junior, and Collegiate coaches. While many are currently chasing championships, we have secured commitments from a deep pool of talent. Final appearances will be confirmed as the playoff brackets settle, ensuring you hear from the sharpest minds currently active in the post-season."

What You Will Get

Classroom: Strategy Scaling (Staybridge Suites)

High above Griffiths Stadium, we break down the modern game. We won't just look at pro systems; we will show you how to simplify and scale them for your specific age group.

• Leadership & Relationships: Transitioning pro-level accountability into 'character-building' for youth. You will learn how to connect with your players on a personal level, building the mutual respect and confidence needed to help them reach their full potential.

• Game-Play & Development: Identifying the 'Must-Have' habits of elite players that even a U9 player can start practicing today. We bridge the gap between the whiteboard and the whistle, ensuring every tactical concept taught in the classroom has a direct, age-appropriate counterpart for your next practice.

• The Seasonal Roadmap: Learn to map out your entire year, moving from fundamental skill-building in the fall to cohesive, confident team play in the spring. This strategic approach ensures you aren't just coaching game-to-game, but creating a steady, rewarding development path for every player on your roster.

On-Ice: The Transition Lab (Merlis Belsher Place)

Watch elite clinicians break down pro-level skills, then immediately see the "Grassroots Progression" in action.

• Dean Seymour (Hockey Canada): Lead On-Ice Clinician. Dean will demonstrate "Game Transferable Skills"—drills that look like the pros but are designed for the high-repetition needs of minor hockey stations.

• Perry Pearn: Will provide a "Technical Masterclass" lens, offering his veteran perspective on the high-level habits and technical precision required for players to advance to the collegiate and national levels.

• Mike Johnston (Portland Winterhawks): Will share his "Tactical Translation" framework, detailing how elite-level concepts can be effectively adapted into development-focused practices for minor hockey players.

• Dave King: Will share insights on "Read and React" game structures, showing coaches how to foster hockey sense through simple, scalable on-ice environments.

The Actionable Playbook (Your Season in a Box)

Every attendee leaves with a Personal Coaching Playbook. This isn't just a collection of complex drills; it is a "Translator's Guide" for the 2026-27 season:

• Adaptable Drills: Pro-level drills and "Grassroots Variation" to suit different skill levels.

• Season Planning: Step-by-step guides on how to introduce team concepts throughout the year.

• Digital Access: Re-watch the demonstrations at home to ensure you’re teaching the proper technique to your team.

Logistics

• Certification: Hockey Sask PD Points

• Schedule:

  •  May 22nd: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Presentations, Social/Networking (Staybridge Suites)

  • May 23rd:  8:00 am – 5:00 pm – Presentations, On-Ice and small group break out sessions (Merlis Belsher Place & Staybridge Suites)

• Locations: Staybridge Suites and Merlis Belsher Place.

• Meals: Breakfast (May 23rd), Lunch (May 23rd)

Registration

• Early Bird Registration: $175/attendee – register before February 28th, 2026

• Late Registration: $225/attendee – if registered on March 1st, 2026 or later