Klevr Super League
Klevr Championship Weekend
Tilt in Toronto – Scores & Standings
Stoney Creek Standoff – Scores and Standings
Klevr Holiday Klassik – Scores
The People of the KSL: An Interview with Performance Coach and Owner Kyle Allard
Kyle Allard’s love for hockey comes from his family. He started playing as early as 4 years old, just trying to keep up with his older brothers. He played junior growing up but eventually he ended up taking a break from it. Later in life he stopped playing hockey but he began his impressive coaching career.
Allard was born and raised in Petawawa, Ontario and comes from a family of 13 and a family full of hockey players. He started his junior career at age 15 with Brockville (CCHL) and went on to play with a number of teams, all of which allowed him to showcase his talent and love for the sport.
Now Allard is an elite Performance Coach with Perfect Skating where he trains minor to NHL athletes as well as develops coaches. He is also the CEO of Perfect Skating Durham Inc and owner of the Durham Mustangs.
Kyle Allard’s brother Shawn Allard founded Perfect Skating which teaches over 350 NHL athletes per year as well as minor players. Sean gave the passion for player development to Kyle and together they work on the development of hockey players.
Allard is a proud entrepreneur and businessman and brought this into the world of owning and coaching hockey. He loves building relationships with others and being a leader for future athletes and other coaches.
For Allard a big reason why he loves coaching and being an owner in hockey is to help build the game. He emphasises the importance of keeping hockey focused around the athletes and to help them.
“It has to be about the athletes and the kids and to love the sport that we do and to grow it and to evolve with the game… Everything about the game keeps getting better, faster, more skilled and how do we do that for the young ages coming up in the system.
Allard has a really big love and passion for hockey that he brings with him to his franchise everyday. He enjoys all the aspects of owning a franchise, whether it is talking on the phone with player development or doing video clips. But what he loves the most is being able to share his love for the sport.
“I love talking on the phone with player development, with our coaches… doing video clips… just being on the ice with these guys and teaching more coaches to deliver our methods…I got three boys coming up that I want to give the best to as well and teach them the proper methods… I just want the best for every athlete.”
Allard got involved with the KSL because he used to train Kris Versteeg when he was playing pro. Through this, he and Kris became good friends and Kris thought Allard would be a good fit for the KSL.
“I’m glad to be a part of it. It’s just awesome seeing these young kids grow, play full ice hockey and develop the right way through the KSL”
The way Allard approaches coaching is about accountability and hard work. He also is about showcasing that effort to his players by always being on the ice and doing the drills full out just like the athletes.
“I get the best out of every athlete that works with us… if you see me on the ice I do the reps at high tempo, high energy.
He also pays close attention to details and takes that into account when working with his players. Allard puts a big focus around always striving to improve and trying to better his athletes as all around hockey players. There are some skills he pays extra attention to like skating, movement and hockey IQ.
“I’m very detailed with what I do and why I do it. Every kid is a bit different, how they play, and you know try to bring those elite skills out even more of an athlete.
When trying to keep athletes in his organization motivated he puts a big emphasis on energy and the culture of the group. He mixes having high energy while also constantly pushing the kids to keep them engaged.
“I’m a true believer of energy creates energy… I’m always an energizer… we’re [also] all about love. I give an athlete a high five or hug on the ice when they do a good job and when they do a bad rep, this is when we need to fix it and be accountable… you kind of feel everyone’s personality… you have to have different coaching styles sometimes with different athletes.”
Allard wants to be remembered as a coach who pushes athletes to always try to improve and creates a space where all the players are able to love playing hockey. He prioritizes building a good culture and environment within the Durham Mustangs and Perfect Skating.
“It is all about the culture and the positive culture we [have] with all our guys. And how we teach it and how we deliver it… We’re growing the sport. We want kids to come back, we want kids to love it and we want kids to get better.”
Kyle Allard continues to bring his longtime passion for hockey and his immense knowledge of player development and training to the hockey world. He is another reason why hockey and the KSL are so special. Thank you so much Kyle and good luck to the Durham Mustangs!!!
The People of The KSL: An Interview with Head Coach Anthony Dynak
Like many coaches, Anthony Dynak’s love for hockey started as a kid. He played AAA and Jr growing up but ended up taking a break from it. Once he had children he gravitated back to hockey and it spurned his interest in coaching. He kept many of the contacts he had from playing so it was a pretty seamless transition back into the sport.
Dynak grew up in Toronto playing for the Mississauga Reps U18 AAA team. From there he played for 5 years with the OPJHL playing for the Brampton Capitals, the Bramble Blues and the Vaughan Vipers.
Today Anthony Dynak is the Head Coach of the Toronto Raiders and recently led his 2015 Tier 1 team to the championship during the KSL season opener.
The reason he likes coaching comes down to the everyday impact you can have on children.
“At this age you see the growth, you see the growth week over week, month over month, so it really feels like you’re helping [and] you’re contributing to their development.”
For Dynak it’s more than just their hockey development. He loves coaching hockey because he sees the human development in the players.
“So much of what we do in our program is actually overall messaging. We are really big on being a good teammate, having a good attitude. So a lot of the success with me coaching and my program overall is just those human lessons we teach…”
Dynak got involved with the KSL by initially meeting Jamie Stone when he was coaching his son at the Brick Invitational a couple of years ago. Jamie eventually introduced Dynak to Kris Versteeg and when the KSL came about he was excited to be a part of it because he felt like the KSL would be a positive change for minor hockey.
“The one thing I knew from my conversations and the one thing that has been proven to me through the execution of the first couple of months here is that they are putting kids first.”
Throughout the years Dynak has developed his own way of coaching. His main philosophy is about contributing to their human development. In his program he devotes time to making sure everyone learns the importance of having a positive attitude and being respectful.
“The stables of what I do [are] we really are not too caught up in wins and loses. We are really trying to develop human beings.”
Dynak also says that he likes to combine ways that he was coached as a kid with new things he has learned along the way.
“I think I’m a bit of a hybrid where I have a little bit of an old school approach… given how I was coached but also… you communicate with kids a lot differently now than when I played… I think I have a nice little mix of bringing both approaches”
When it comes to motivating the players Dynak acknowledges the challenges that can come with keeping the kids motivated during a long season. His approach to keeping players engaged is by practising often and building habits during those practices.
Dynak creates what he calls “stables” which are important habits or ideas he wants to instil in the players. He has an understanding with his team that they always work as hard as they can all the time.
“The one non-negotiable is you work as hard as you can all the time and we take that very seriously in practice… a lot of those habits we create in practice translate into games.”
He also explains that a big part of keeping kids motivated is by making it fun for them.
“And really you just want the kids to have fun… if you make it fun that’s all the motivation… as long as they are having fun and they are with their friends and know they are getting better and learning, that’s all the motivation they need.”
Dynak wants his organization to be remembered as one that always puts the kids first. They prioritize helping the players get to where they want to go.
“We are here to help kids keep that love for the game and also help them get to where they want to get… we want to be there for them and help them accomplish what they are looking to accomplish”.
Anthony Dynak brings this extensive experience and knowledge to the Raiders and the KSL and is a part of what makes the KSL so special.
Dynak and the Raiders got off to a great start and are looking to continue that at the next event, Klevr Halloween Havoc taking place October 27th-29th in Toronto. Thank you so much Anthony and good luck to the Toronto Raiders!
The People of The KSL: An Interview with Owner/Coach Gary Sage
Gary Sage’s love for coaching hockey started early. In his 20s it was helping out his friends’ teams but after having kids it became so much more. He wanted to give back to the community and the sport he loves.
Today Gary Sage is the program director of the Eastern Ontario Klevr Young Kings and one of the coaches. Why he loves hockey comes down to the team aspect.
“All your team members [need] to be pulling on the same rope” explains Sage. “Your goalie, defence and your forward all have to work together and you win as a team and lose as a team”
Through his son playing hockey, Gary got to know Jamie Stone and Kris Versteeg who had aspirations of starting the Klevr Super League and asked him if he would be interested in being a part of it. From there he became a chartered member, started a program and now has 7 teams playing in the KSL.
Over the years of coaching he has developed his own style. His organization focuses on providing the players with skills they will need in life and making sure there is always a good culture throughout the team.
“We try to focus on providing the kids with a positive environment, trying to teach them respect and discipline. Some of the traits they are going to need as they move on in life.” Sage said.
Sage also stresses the importance of motivating the kids and teaching them qualities they can bring back with them to school.
“Always pushing the kids to try to be better every time they step on the ice, teach them how to be good teammates, how to be leaders [and] all the good qualities of young athletes in sports… and be leaders for their peers”.
The importance of building good culture around the team is very important to Sage. It is one of the many reasons he loves coaching hockey.
“The biggest thing is seeing the players improve, build self-confidence, believing in themselves, watching them come to the rink everyday with smiles on their faces, trusting each other and building those relationships with their teammates and coaches”.
Motivation is an essential part of coaching and everyone has a different approach to keeping players engaged. Sage explained that having an overall good culture around the team is important to keeping everyone motivated. Him and the rest of the coaching staff focus on lots of positive feedback and constructive criticism.
We could see all of this in action during the KSL Season Opener which Gary Sage’s Tier 1 2016 team won.
“[The] tournament was awesome…a very good experience for all our players, and all our parents, and all our coaches. Everybody had great things to say about the entire weekend and to top it all off we ended up winning so that made it even more special.”
Although the tournament ended up going great there were some obstacles along the way. During the last game the team was losing by 2 goals going into the last period. The big turning point was when their goalie made a big save for them and they were able to go back and score. From here they carried the momentum, tied it up and won in overtime.
“The kids had to face some adversity, they had to keep battling and stick to the game plan and eventually it payed off”
Sage wants his team to be remembered for their hard work and determination. He wants their players to always be respectful to other teams, to referees and to coaches.
“The KSL will be strong because of the quality of character of its people. Gary is a perfect example of the [type of person] we want in our league” stated Jamie Stone, commissioner of the Klevr Super League.
Gary and the Eastern Ontario Young Kings are working hard to prepare for the next event, Klevr Halloween Havoc scheduled to take place October 27-29th in Toronto. Good Luck EO Young Kings and thank you Gary!
Everything You Need to Know About The KSL Season Opener
Welcome to the 2023-2024 KSL season! Get ready as we countdown to the much-anticipated Klevr Super League season opener! All the players will take to the ice, showcasing their skills, passion and dedication to the game. The KSL’s season opener is a glimpse into the Klevr Super League and also the bright future of hockey. The players and coaching staff are eager to showcase their skills and have been dedicating their time to prepare for the season and this tournament. In this league we strive to constantly raise the standard through competition and high-quality matches. This tournament is a great opportunity for our athletes and teams to inspire each other to improve their game and promote healthy competition.
The first event consists of 48 teams spanning from Kingston all the way to London. The teams participating are the KSL’s charter and affiliate members. We also can’t wait for everybody to meet Penalty, the KSL’s very own mascot. At the event each player will get a welcome package courtesy of Pro Hockey Life, our sponsor. They are also our official gear supplier and have everything any of our athletes might need. We also would like to shout out Biosteel which provides additional products to our league. Thank you Pro Hockey Life and Biosteel!
We are so excited to start the league and would like to give a huge thanks to everyone involved. A special thank you to the coaches who have provided their experience and unwavering dedication by playing a pivotal role in shaping young athletes. They have spent countless hours on the ice and their mentorship goes beyond the game. To the parents who are the backbone behind every young player who cheers in the stands and ensures their child’s attendance. It is their belief in the potential of these kids that fueled the passion for this tournament. To our team which is what makes the KSL possible and to the organizers, volunteers and all the passionate individuals that have made this event possible. We can’t wait to see everybody at the tournament!
Klevr Super League Announces Event Schedule
The KSL will open play on the inaugural season on September 29th in Stoney Creek.
From there the league will hold one event per month with Toronto, Belleville, and Stoney Creek being host locations.
The season will conclude with the Klevr Championship weekend scheduled for March 22nd through 24th.