Coaches
At the heart of the Calgary Grizzlies Speed Skating Club lies a dedicated team of professionals ready to push the boundaries and usher in a new era of champions. As we skate into the 2023-2024 season, we’re proud to introduce our elite coaching roster:
Joffrey Larocque
Head Coach - Advanced Group Lead Coach
Stepping into the role of Head Coach for the Grizzlies, Joffrey is no stranger to our community, marking his second year with the club. A former speed skating prodigy, he proudly secured a commendable 7th position at the Junior Worlds in 2001 and the top 8 speed skaters in Canada for Short Track, during his career. Beyond his athletic prowess, Joffrey has honed his coaching skills on the world stage, having imparted his expertise at international championships.
Off the rink, Joffrey isn’t just a man of speed but also precision and vision. An engineer by profession, he spearheads his own renovation company. And if you ever wonder where he refuels his energy, you might spot him either pushing his limits on a trail run or gracefully descending snowy slopes, indulging in his passion for telemark skiing.
James Monson
Learn to Train Lead Coach
A pillar in the speed skating community for over three decades, Coach James embarked on this icy journey at the tender age of eight. His illustrious 20-year competitive career saw him representing not just clubs but the nation, as part of the esteemed Canadian National Team.
James isn’t just known for his prowess on the ice; he’s a virtuoso when it comes to speed skating equipment. His deep understanding, ranging from the aerodynamics of racing suits to the intricate details of boots, has set new standards in the sport.
Now, as the Lead Coach for the Learn to Skate group and an invaluable assistant for the Learn to Train program, James continues to share his wealth of knowledge with budding athletes.
Additionally, since 2008, he’s been the trusted Skate Shop Coordinator at the iconic Olympic Oval, ensuring every athlete is geared up to perfection.
Brittany Yuen
Cubs Lead Coach
Since 2018, Coach Brittany has fortified the Grizzlies with her expertise, but her foray into speed skating coaching began over a decade ago. As the lead for the Cubs program, she’s not just any coach – she’s NCCP certified at both the FUNdamental and Intro to Competition levels.
Trained by the Olympic Oval Program and having raced at several national championships, Brittany’s skating background is robust. Post-competition, she’s dived into CrossFit, and, ever the learner, she’s broadening her coaching skills to encompass strength training.
Away from the ice and gym, Brittany immerses herself in nature through activities like hiking, backpacking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. With a Bachelor’s in Community Rehabilitation, she’s also committed to Disability Services, making meaningful impacts in the community.
And, for those NHL discussions, be prepared; she’s staunchly in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ corner.
Matej Pederson
Learn to Skate Lead Coach
With a rich history of 16 years in speed skating, Coach Matej has been making waves on the national circuit since the young age of 11. His journey has taken him from the Youth Long Track Championships to the pinnacle of the Olympic Trials in Short Track. On the international stage, he’s donned the maple leaf twice, racing for Canada at the World Junior Short Track Championships.
The allure of Montréal called him for four seasons, where he trained with the National Next Gen Team. While there, he not only honed his skating but also developed a love for fresh bread and picked up some catchy Québécois phrases. Now, back in Calgary, Matej is channeling his energy into Long Track, both as a competitor and a coach for the Grizzlies.
Off the ice, he’s diving deep into computer science, continuing a degree he began out east. But Matej isn’t just about codes and skates. In his downtime, he’s either crafting melodies, stargazing, or mastering the art of ordering a drink in various languages.
Victoria Goplen
Coach
In her third season with the Calgary Grizzlies, Coach Victoria confidently guides the Learn to Skate group. A dedicated athlete, she boasts a 17-year tenure in speed skating and is presently honing her prowess in stage 3 Long Track at the Olympic Oval. Juggling the intricacies of coaching, competing, and academia, Victoria exemplifies dedication.
Off the rink, she cherishes tranquil moments by the river, dives deep into her books, and is on a quest to discover the best coffee shops around the city with friends.
Brendan Yamada
Advanced Group Coach
Discovering speed skating at the age of 12, Coach Brendan quickly fell in love with the sport. It did not take him long to begin displaying his talents across Alberta, and he was soon turning heads at the national level. Brendan has won medals at the Western Canadian Championships all the way to the Junior Canadian Championships and Canada Winter Games. His hard work and skills have allowed him to represent Canada internationally, and to train with the National Short Track Team in Montréal.
Beyond athletics, Brendan has a deep love and appreciation for art, enjoys travelling, and can often be found climbing the various bouldering walls throughout Calgary. Discovering his artistic side during covid isolation times lead him down the path of tattoo artistry, and is now a senior artist at Skull and Lotus Tattoo, specializing in the traditional style.
Alison Desmarais
Coach
Returning for her fourth season, Coach Alison brings a wealth of experience and passion to the Grizzlies’ coaching team. While she previously spearheaded the Learn to Skate program, she has transitioned this season to a substitute coach role, allowing her to further concentrate on her own illustrious skating journey.
As a pivotal member of both the Long Track and Short Track National Teams, Alison’s dedication was spotlighted during her international debut at the Calgary world cups. With ambitions high, she aims to once again champion Canada on the global stage this season.
Beyond the rink, Alison merges her love for health and fitness with academia, holding a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Physiology from the University of Calgary. This passion extends professionally as she guides athletes as a strength coach at Calgary’s Zeal Performance gym.
And for a delightful twist: in her downtime, Alison transforms her kitchen into a bakery, crafting scrumptious delicacies to delight her friends.
Nicole Maseja
Cubs Coach
Emerging from the prestigious Oval Program in Short Track, Coach Nicole epitomizes both athleticism and intellect.
As she delves into her Bachelor of Health Sciences, she’s been at the forefront of pioneering research on adolescent and young adult cancer. Boasting a BA in French Language & Literature, she truly shines in academia.
Off the rink, the Rockies call her name, and she answers by traversing their trails. When seeking solace, Nicole finds comfort alongside her two cherished feline friends.
Anneke Pederson
Coach
From the age of three, Coach Anneke discovered her passion for the ice, which eventually brought her to Calgary and its renowned Oval Program. After dedicating roughly four years there, she embraced a new path, channeling her creativity at the Alberta University of the Arts as she pursues a Bachelor of Design. This season, Anneke will be a substitute coach while focusing on her studies.
Among her notable achievements: securing Canada’s 18th speed skating spot, designing the acclaimed 2019 Canada Winter Games short track suit, and impressively maintaining her Japanese fluency despite not visiting for over a decade — a place she’s keen to return to.
When not focusing on design or skating, Anneke delves into video games, engages in critical analysis, or finds herself becoming fast friends with everyone’s pets.
Max Poulin
Coach
Skating as a grizzly not long ago, Max has 14 seasons of speed skating under his belt. While he is currently pursuing long track, Max is a decorated skater in both disciplines. He is a Canada Games medalist in Short Track, and has even taken part in Junior World Cups! On the long track side of things, he took part in the Junior World Championships for Long Track, where Max and his teammates claimed the title of World Champion in the team pursuit! His successful season placed him on the Long Track Canadian Next Gen team, where he trains with the best in Canada.
On the leisure side of life, you can catch Max hitting the slopes skiing, or looking for the next travel destination. You’ll also be able to find him out on the green chasing par, or playing tunes on his guitar.
Want to be a Grizzlies coach?
At the Calgary Grizzlies Speed Skating Club, we understand the critical role our coaches play in the development and success of every skater. Each of our coaches not only brings a wealth of expertise and passion for the sport but is also meticulously vetted to ensure they uphold the standards and values of our esteemed club.
As part of our commitment to excellence, we rigorously screen all coaching applicants and reserve the right to request references at any point during the selection process. For the Calgary Grizzlies Speed Skating Club, skater safety and well-being are paramount. By meticulously screening our coaching applicants and potentially requesting references, we ensure that our skaters are in safe hands and receive guidance from individuals who truly uphold the club’s values and standards.