U18AA HEAD COACH ANNOUNCEMENT

U18AA Head Coach: Russ Duffee 

Russ Duffee grew up around the game of hockey, first chasing his older brother around the rink and then playing competitively for many years, finishing up in Saskatchewan with stints in various Junior leagues and Senior hockey leagues.  As coach’s kid he learned what it took to be a positive influence for the players and developed the ability to emulate the special qualities of each coach he played for.  As a goaltender, he learned to see the game from a different perspective and brings this perspective to the rink everyday. 

Russ has spent many years in the coaching ranks for CMHA and supporting a spring program out of Calgary. Starting with his son in Initiation, Russ has coached at each age group at some point during his coaching career within CMHA. He has enjoyed successes such as taking the U15-T1 team to the Provincial Finals, to winning the Coach of the Tournament award at the Coca Cola Classic while coaching the U13-T1 team.  Most recently, Russ was Co-Coach of the U16AA Timberwolves.  Russ has also spent 4 years as a volunteer at the CMHA Board level. First acting as the Goalie Director, he then moved into the roll of VP Administration. 

His greatest success, however, comes in the relationships he is able to forge with his players.  Having spent his entire life around hockey and other team sports and with his experience owning businesses, Russ has learned the value of the Team. His communication style allows him to create a fun, competitive environment while always maintaining his most important pillars of responsibility, accountability, and discipline.

Russ and his wife, Karen, moved to Calgary from Saskatoon in 1996.  They have 2 kids, one attending the University of Calgary and one enrolled at the MRU.  They became involved in CMHA through their son Ayden who was part of CMHA from Initiation through the end of his minor hockey career.