GET TO KNOW OUR COACHING TEAM
We’ve put together an elite team of Canmore & Kelowna locals—seasoned players and passionate mentors—driven to inspire and elevate the next generation.
sam jones
CO-FOUNDER/LEAD PERFORMANCE COACH
Sam spent a considerable amount of time living and playing in the Okanagan & Canmore & has a decorated career that continues to this day.
Sam has spent time across many leagues before landing with the Sheffield Steelers in the EIHL—making a name for himself there for 4 seasons. After a brief stint with the Guildford Flames he’s now playing for the Belfast Giants. He’s also represented Team Great Britain several times at the World Championships playing against the best there is.
While playing Sam co-founded Be a Pro Hockey training and opened the first location in Canmore, AB in the summer of 2024. Since then Sam’s goal hasn’t changed. Provide players in Canmore with a development pathway to the professional level. Something that Canmore didn’t have when he was growing up there.
On top of that, Sam runs an elite-level online hockey training/nutrition program with a diverse hockey clientele (@samjoneshockeyperformance). He will be designing and operating the off-ice portion of our program.
Sam is the epitome of a pro. He’s expanded his game, his brand, and most importantly as a quality teammate and friend. He cares about the community and is excited to share his expertise and collaborate with other locals pursuing the game we all love. His extensive knowledge of hockey, training, and nutrition is a massive asset to our team.
noah philp
CANMORE - CO-FOUNDER + GUEST ON-ICE COACH
Noah grew up in Canmore, AB and has played hockey since he was 5 years old. He progressed through minors in Canmore, Calgary, Cochrane, and Airdrie.
After his first professional season in Bakersfield, Noah stepped away from hockey to experience life outside of it. A feeling to do so lingered in his conscience for years. Once he left the game, he became increasingly interested and practiced in meditative philosophy. It’s now a vital aspect for him every day, and he’s incredibly grateful for exploring new avenues. Noah is now coming off his third professional season where he is now playing full time with the Edmonton Oilers.
He plans to bring a newly balanced approach to the hockey world through this program. Noah will be assisting Ryan with Canmore’s on-ice program and integrating mindfulness into the entire process. Noah loves athletics and loves to share knowledge. He’s passionate about hockey and the psychological aspect of sport and life in general.
Noah will be joining us for periods of time throughout the summer as he visits his family. He will be spending a large part of the summer away visiting in-laws but will continue to train in the gym with the same off-ice training program our Jr-Pro group uses. This shows the faith he has in the training program he helped build.
DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION WITH THE BEST IN THE BOW VALLEY
Our coaches are carefully selected from professional hockey players who not only have impressive careers and extensive experience at the highest level of the game but are also proud natives of the Bow Valley. These players bring their passion for hockey and commitment to the local community, striving to develop and inspire the next generation of players. With deep roots in the valley and a shared goal of fostering talent, they are dedicated to helping local athletes reach their full potential.
ryan barrow
PROGRAM COORDINATOR/HEAD ON-ICE COACH
Ryan Barrow, a Banff native, has spent his life immersed in hockey, developing a deep understanding of the game. From minor hockey to his collegiate career at the University of Denver, Ryan earned a reputation as a disciplined, versatile player who thrived under pressure.
At Denver, Ryan excelled in various roles—driving offence, shutting down opponents, and leading by example. His hockey IQ and dedication to preparation were key to his success, traits that have only strengthened during his professional career with the Cardiff Devils in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL).
Ryan’s ability to connect and communicate sets him apart, making him a natural mentor on and off the ice. Teammates describe him as someone who elevates those around him with clear guidance, encouragement, and a calm, composed presence. His diverse hockey experience gives him a unique perspective on technical and mental player growth.
As a coach, Ryan’s analytical approach and firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed make him a valuable resource for players seeking to elevate their game. Whether teaching strategy, fostering discipline, or building mental resilience, Ryan’s well-rounded hockey background is an asset to any team aiming to reach the next level.
Ryan will oversee the day-to-day operations of all our programs in Canmore and will design all on-ice programming.
luke philp
HEAD ON ICE COACH
Luke grew up in Canmore with his brother Noah and Simon. Competing locally and advancing steadily, Luke’s career highlights his dedication to the game. He started in the AJHL with the Canmore Eagles before moving to the WHL, where he played with the Kootenay Ice and Red Deer Rebels.
After junior hockey, Luke joined the University of Alberta’s Golden Bears, excelling over three seasons in USPORTS. His performance launched a professional career in the AHL, where he played three seasons with the Stockton Heat and two with the Rockford IceHogs. Three seasons ago, he made his NHL debut, appearing in three games with the Chicago Blackhawks. He is now with Färjestad BK in the top level of Swedish hockey.
Luke’s accomplishments include captainships, awards, and a deep understanding of the game. He’s faced and overcome challenges, giving him unique insight into mental management. Passionate about hockey and sharing his knowledge, Luke has teamed up with Noah and Ryan to bring a hockey program to the valley.
Luke will assist Ryan with designing the on-ice curriculum, making guest appearances with all our programs while head coaching our week long U11/U13 hockey camps.
ross heidt
ON ICE COACH
Ross grew up in Alberta’s hockey culture and quickly earned a reputation as a dependable, hard-working player. As a standout forward in the BCHL, Ross served as a captain and leader—known for his work ethic and ability to impact the game in all three zones. That leadership and consistency opened the door to an NCAA Division I career at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he continued to thrive against top competition.
At UAF, Ross became known for his attention to detail, his ability to play in any situation, and the steady presence he brought to the locker room. Coaches trusted him. Teammates followed his example. He carried himself like a pro in how he prepared, practiced, and competed.
Ross left his hockey career nehind and chose to follow his passion for teaching and mentorship. He stepped away from competitive hockey to become a full-time teacher at the Outdoor Learning Center, where he now leads students in backcountry travel, paddling, skiing, and environmental stewardship.
Ross brings that same calm leadership and clear communication to Be a Pro. His mix of BCHL captaincy, NCAA Division I experience, and day-to-day teaching makes him a well-rounded coach who knows how to develop both players and people.
Ross will serve as head coach for our U15 development skates, our U11/U13 hockey camps, as well as an assistant coach for our 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 elite groups.
Ayrton Chapman
ON-ICE ASSISTANT COACH
Ayrton grew up in the Bow Valley, where his love for the game developed early—first as a player. Ayrton played Midget AAA as well as Jr Hockey for the Banff Hockey Academy, Coachrane Generals, Vancouver Rangers and Golden Rockets. He started assisting at the Messier Hockey Camps at just 16, giving him a unique early start in teaching the game.
In 2021, Ayrton moved to Halifax for a season, working as an assistant coach the local Bantam AA program. He then returned home and dove headfirst into year-round skills development with Andy Boudreau, working with players of all ages and levels. Since then, he’s been on the ice with programs like Gretzky Hockey School, Be A Pro Summer Programs, and a variety of skill and skating sessions throughout the valley.
Last season, Ayrton led sessions with Banff Minor Hockey and volunteered with the local POND program—contributing to grassroots hockey while continuing to develop as a coach. He is now working with the Canmore Eagles AJHL team while coaching minor hockey programs in the valley. Known for his energy, relatability, and ability to connect with young athletes, Ayrton brings a strong mix of experience, patience, and passion to every session.
Whether he’s working with elite juniors or first-year players, Ayrton is all in—focused on helping kids fall in love with the game and build confidence through hockey.
Ayrton will serve as an assistant coach for out Jr-Pro group, U15 development skates, our U11/U13 hockey camps, as well as our 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 elite groups.