Ontario to Join 2025 USA Challenge Cup: Top Coaches Announced for Provincial All-Star Teams
Ontario to Join 2025 USA Challenge Cup: Top Coaches Announced for Provincial All-Star Teams
Ontario – October 2, 2024 – The 2025 edition of the USA Challenge Cup will see a new contender on the ice: the Canadian province of Ontario, represented by some of the most talented hockey players across the region. Under the leadership of Ryan Wood and his renowned Purple Cobras coaching staff, Ontario will field all-star teams for this prestigious, invitation-only event. These teams will compete against elite state all-star teams from across the U.S. in a bid to be crowned the 2025 USA Challenge Cup champions.
Coaching Staff Announcement
We are thrilled to announce the head coaches who will guide Ontario’s all-star teams, bringing a wealth of experience, passion, and proven success at every level of hockey:
2011 Team – Tim Madsen
Tim Madsen, a former standout player for the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL and NCAA Division 1 player at Niagara University, has spent years developing elite players both on and off the ice. With six seasons as Associate Head Coach at Niagara University and head coaching roles with the Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) and St. Scholastica (NCAA Division 3), Tim has a rich background in player development. He now leads Nex Level Hockey Advisors, where he helps guide players to successful college hockey careers.
2012 Team – Slava Pinin
Slava Pinin, Director of Player Development for the Purple Cobras, has earned a stellar reputation for training and developing AAA talent in both OMHA and GTHL. Slava’s commitment to player development is evident in his coaching of the 2017 Purple Cobras in the Klevr Super League, and his passion for nurturing young talent will be instrumental in shaping Ontario's 2012 all-star team.
2013 Team – David Lang
David Lang, Director of Spring Hockey for the Purple Cobras and Assistant Coach for the 2013 Markham Majors, brings deep experience in managing and developing elite hockey programs. His background includes serving as General Manager for OJHL teams like the Lindsay Muskies and Haliburton Wolves. David currently scouts for UPEI in the Usports league, giving him a keen eye for identifying top talent.
2014/2015 Teams – Ryan Wood
Ryan Wood, Director of Hockey Operations for the Purple Cobras, will oversee the 2014/2015 teams. With over a decade of coaching Jr A hockey in the GMHL, NOJHL, and MJHL, Ryan has successfully built championship-caliber teams at the U9 and U10 levels. His track record of sending players from the Purple Cobras to AAA programs speaks to his expertise in player development and competitive success.
Ontario’s Participation Marks a New Era for the Challenge Cup
Ontario's involvement in the 2025 USA Challenge Cup signals an exciting new chapter for this high-octane event. With teams built through an invitation-only process, featuring top players from across the province, Ontario’s representation will showcase the next generation of hockey talent at the highest levels of competition. The Purple Cobras staff is dedicated to ensuring Ontario's teams will be prepared to compete at an elite level and proudly represent their province.
Stay tuned for further announcements, including player selections and tournament details.
For more information, please contact:
Ryan Wood
Director of Hockey Operations, Purple Cobras