Coaching Staff / Hockey Operations Staff

Director of Hockey Operations

Assistant General Manager

John Stuart

With over 20 years of experience as a Manager, Recruiter and Scout from all levels of hockey from Major Midget, to CSSHL, the BCHL, and the WHL. John Stuart brings a wealth of experience to the job. He has been parts of championship seasons with the 2004 Kelowna Rockets, the 2007 Vancouver Giants, and the 2014/15 Delta Wild Bantam Elite Team. His knowledge and expertise are helping to build a championship culture in Merritt.

In addition to the hockey world, Stuart has served as the Head Coach of Team Canada Men's Fast Pitch since 2015 winning a World Championship in 2015, a 2015 Pan Am Championship, and Bronze Medals in the World Championships in 2017 and 2019.

Contact: hockeyops@merrittcentennials.com

Head Coach/ General Manager

Derek Sweet-Coulter

Sweet-Coulter was formerly the Head Coach and GM of the Red Lake Miners of the SIJHL for the past 4 seasons. Derek had a record year, as he was awarded Coach of the Year in the SIJHL, as well as getting recognized with an honourable mention for the CJHL’s Coach of the Year for his efforts this past season. Behind the bench last season, with the Miners, he went 38-15-3 leading his team to a 2nd place finish. The season concluded in the SIJHL Bill Salonen Cup Finals, falling to the Thunder Bay North Stars.

Sweet-Coulter brings 12 years of Junior Hockey experience - all as a Head Coach. He's also been on the coaching staff for Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge as an assistant coach in 2017 and 2018, winning gold and bronze medals respectively.

Contact: dereksweetcoulter@gmail.com