Coach Profiles

MIKE MCCOURT Hockey Director & Head Coach

mike_mccourt@ridleycollege.com Born & raised in Brockville, Ontario, Coach McCourt has enjoyed an extremely successful playing career followed by a long & distinguished coaching career. McCourt played three seasons with the Brockville Braves of the CCHL before pursing post-secondary hockey at St. Lawrence University where he was a four-year letter winner & captain of the 1991-92 ECAC Champions & NCAA Quarter Finalist Saints. Following graduation, Coach McCourt embarked on an eight-year professional career, which included stops with the Canadian National Team, the American Hockey League and the International Hockey League as well as three seasons in Europe. After a career-ending shoulder injury, McCourt began his coaching career with the Fresno Falcons where he captured a WCHL Championship. McCourt then proceeded to Clarkson University (ECAC) as an Associate Coach before being named Head Coach and General Manager of his hometown Brockville Braves. McCourt’s ability to develop players then led him to Robert Morris University as an Associate Coach before joining the Niagara Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League. Over the course of his coaching career, McCourt has graduated numerous players on to the NCAA, CIS and OHL as well as producing a number of National Hockey League draft picks including first round picks Alex Pietrangelo, Dougie Hamilton, Ryan Strome and Mark Visentin. Mike is currently in his tenth season as Ridley’s Director of Hockey & Head Coach of the Prep Boys Hockey Program. During his tenure, Coach McCourt has led the Tigers to five MPHL Champions (in six years) and multiple CISAA Finals.

ZACK JONES Assistant Coach

zack_jones@ridleycollege.com

Born & raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, Coach Jones grew up playing varsity hockey in Niagara including four years of Junior B as part of the St. Catharines Falcons and Thorold Blackhawks organizations. Following his playing career, Zack worked as a power skating instructor alongside Kathi Plug and Chris Risi’s and has helped numerous athletes pursue major junior, collegiate and professional opportunities. Zack completed his undergraduate degree in Community Recreation and Leisure studies from Brock University before earning his teaching degree at Medaille College in Buffalo, NY. Zack joined the Prep Boys Hockey program in 2015 and wears many hats as not only a coach, but also a member of both the Residential Life team and Upper School faculty.

JASON BARRON Goalie Coach & Hockey Operations

jason_barron@ridleycollege.com

Born & raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, Coach Barron grew up playing competitive hockey in Niagara before moving on to become a coach. Jason is a NCCP Goaltending 1 & 2 certified coach and has extensive experience developing goaltenders from Tyke to Major Junior hockey. Jason has been a facilitator of goalie development for the OHL/OHF U15 Program of Excellence as well as the Goalie Coach for Team OMHA at the OHL Gold Cup in 2016, & 2020. Currently the Assistant Director of Player Development for the Erie Otters of the OHL, Jason oversees the development of Erie’s goaltender prospects. Jason has worked with Ben Vanderklok Goaltending for over twelve years and has helped numerous players move on to major junior & collegiate hockey careers. Jason has an undergraduate degree from Brock University in Sport Management.