Meet the Coaching Staff leading Team BC enroute to the 2026 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships
As Team BC prepares to take the national stage at the 2026 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC), the foundation of the program lies in the strength of its leadership. I∙SPARC is excited to highlight the volunteer coaches, managers, and trainers who will support our athletes during the May 4–10, 2026 tournament in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Set to compete at the Co‑operators Centre on Treaty 4 territory, Team BC enters the NAHC backed by a passionate group of individuals whose experience, cultural knowledge, and dedication to Indigenous youth in sport continue to shape meaningful pathways for success.
WOMEN’S TEAM
Alex Hendrickson – Head Coach (Métis Nation BC)
Alex brings extensive coaching and playing experience to her role as Head Coach. She currently serves as an Assistant Coach with the South Valley Havoc U15 AA in the Pacific Coast Elite Hockey League and previously coached with the Surrey Falcons U15 A1 program.
Her coaching accomplishments include silver medals at the 2024 and 2025 Provincials, as well as the PCAHA League and Playoff Banners in 2025. Alex has been part of Team BC’s coaching staff at the NAHC since 2023, contributing to a bronze medal in 2024 and a silver medal in 2025.
A native of Abbotsford, Alex played minor hockey locally before competing at the Ontario Hockey Academy and later at Finlandia University, where she played four seasons of NCAA Division III hockey and served as team captain for two years.
Jade Ridgewell – Assistant Coach (First Nations)
Jade represented Team BC at the NAHC as a player for two seasons, gaining valuable experience in high-performance, short-term competition.
As a coach, she is dedicated to athlete development and emphasizes hockey IQ, confidence, and consistency. Jade is committed to fostering a positive and competitive team environment that supports athlete growth both on and off the ice.
Jonathan “JJ” Holmes – Assistant Coach (Syilx First Nation)
JJ is a coach and player development specialist with over a decade of experience across grassroots, provincial, and national levels. He is the founder of Slaxt Hockey Development, a community-based program focused on skill development, confidence, and character.
JJ has served as a coach and evaluator with Team BC’s Performance of Excellence camps and was selected as an Aboriginal Apprentice Coach through the Aboriginal Sport Circle. He helped lead the U18 Female Team BC to a gold medal at the 2022 Canada Winter Games.
A former Team BC player at the 2003 NAHC, JJ brings a holistic coaching approach grounded in culture, performance, and community values.
Daley Forbes – Trainer (Hesquiaht First Nation)
Daley Forbes holds a Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy from Camosun College and is a practicing Kinesiologist with the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists. She has extensive experience working with contact sports, including hockey, rugby, and Olympic freestyle wrestling.
A former competitive athlete, Daley applies a sports medicine approach that emphasizes strength and mobility to support recovery, performance, and long-term wellness. She is committed to increasing awareness of Athletic Therapy within Valley and Nuu‑chah‑nulth communities.
Valerie Holbech – Manager (Métis Nation BC)
Valerie has been involved in minor hockey for many years, managing rep teams and supporting athletes as they progress through the sport. She brings over 20 years of professional leadership experience, with strengths in organization, communication, and team management.
A proud Métis citizen with Métis Nation BC and a volunteer at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Valerie is passionate about creating a positive, supportive environment for athletes and staff.
MEN’S TEAM
Derry Menard – Head Coach (Métis Nation BC)
Derry Menard returns to Team BC with an extensive experience as both a player and coach to his role as Head Coach of the Men’s program. He has been a full-time coach in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) for nine seasons and is currently the Head Coach of the North Shore Warriors U17 Prep team. Derry has served on the coaching staff of Team BC Men’s NAHC Program for the past four years, with 2026 marking his fifth year leading Team BC.
As a player, Derry competed at elite junior and professional levels, including four seasons in the BCHL and junior experience split between the WHL and BCHL. He went on to play one season on scholarship at Red Deer College before embarking on a 10-year professional career within the San Jose Sharks organization and across Europe, competing in countries such as Germany, Italy, Finland, Wales, and Sweden. Following his playing career, Derry has spent the past 20 years coaching and instructing at various levels of the game.
Doneau Menard – Assistant Coach (Métis Nation BC)
Doneau Menard returns to Team BC as an Assistant Coach with extensive experience in elite player development as both a coach and former professional player. He is currently the Head Coach of the North Shore Warriors U15 team and has coached in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) for several years.
As a player, Doneau competed at the major junior level, skating four seasons in the WHL with the New Westminster Bruins and Victoria Cougars, followed by two seasons in the BCHL with the Chilliwack Chiefs and New Westminster Royals. His coaching career includes experience in the BCHL with both the New West Royals and Chilliwack Chiefs during the early 1990s, bringing a strong foundation of high-performance knowledge and leadership to the Team BC staff.
Narcisse Baptiste – Assistant Coach (Osoyoos Indian Band)
Narcisse Baptiste is a member of the Osoyoos Indian Band and currently resides in Oliver, British Columbia. He has been coaching U18 hockey in the South Okanagan region for five seasons, working with both the South Okanagan Minor Hockey Association and the OMAHA South U18 AA regional program.
Narcisse’s coaching accomplishments include being named Coach of the Year in his home association in both 2023 and 2024. His teams have achieved strong competitive success, highlighted by a gold medal at the 2022 U18 BC Provincials and a bronze medal at the 2024 U18 BC Provincials. He brings a community-focused and achievement-driven approach to the Team BC Men’s coaching staff.
Noelani Avveduti – Trainer (Alexander First Nation)
Noelani returns for her third year as lead trainer with Team BC. She is Cree from the Alexander First Nation in Treaty Six Territory and the head athletic therapist at Shawnigan Lake School on Vancouver Island.
Neolani’s career includes experience as a student athletic therapist for the University of Victoria’s men’s basketball team, highlighting her involvement in university-level sports medicine.
Beyond her professional duties, she actively participates in Indigenous community events and initiatives, such as contributing to Shawnigan Lake School’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and supporting cultural programs emphasizing Indigenous heritage.
Tana Mussell – Manager (Sqwá First Nation)
Tana is a proud member of the Sqwá First Nation in Chilliwack and a passionate advocate for Indigenous youth in sport.
Tana volunteers her time as Manager for the Team BC Men’s Hockey Team, making sure the players are supported both on and off the ice. From coordinating travel logistics to ensuring the team is well-fed and organized throughout the NAHC tournament, she helps keeps things running smoothly so the athletes can focus on performing their best.
Tana sees sport as an integral and influential part of youth growth and development, particularly for Indigenous youth who benefit from strong community support, mentorship, and positive outlets for their energy and talent. By helping create safe and supportive environments in sport, Tana contributes to building stronger futures for the next generation.
About the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC)
The NAHC was founded in 2002 by the Aboriginal Sport Circle and is sanctioned by Hockey Canada. This tournament is the premier forum for elite U18-age Indigenous hockey players from across Canada. It is the only annual national event that showcases and celebrates the athletic abilities of Indigenous athletes from across the country, and aids in fostering cultural unity and pride. Team BC is represented by a men’s and women’s team, featuring the top players from across the province.
