Hockey Operations

Chris Byrne, Head Coach and General Manager

 Chris Byrne is in his third season as Head Coach, first season as GM and 6^th season as a member of the 67’s organization (he was an Assistant Coach under Brian Kilrea).  Prior to that, Chris was Head Coach and General Manager of the Nepean Raiders Central Junior team, where he won consecutive championships in 2003 and 2004.  He was also named CJHL “Coach of the Year” and league “Executive of the Year.” 

Chris’ bottom line for players is that they can’t be satisfied with the fact they’ve made it to the OHL.  They must be committed to skill development and conditioning to reach a higher level of performance.  Byrne stresses that players are accountable to each other, the organization and the fans.

Larry Skinner, Assistant Coach

As a hockey player, Larry Skinner was a swift-skating centreman in the OHL, AHL, NHL and Europe.  As an offencive coach, he’s in his second season with the 67’s working on skill-development and sharing his knowledge of what it takes to become a professional hockey player. 

Skinner has coaching experience in the Central Junior League with the Ottawa Jr. Senators and the Nepean Raiders.  He lives in Nepean with Laurie, his wife of 29 years.  They have two children and a grandchild.   

Bobby Brooks, Assistant Coach 

Bobby Brooks is a power-skating specialist, with 11 years of experience making players quicker and stronger on their skates.  He also specializes in the utilization of video to improve performance.

Brooks joined the 67’s after working as assistant with the Nepean Raiders Jr. “A” team where he also worked with Larry Skinner. Prior to that, he was with the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL.

Tom Dempsey, Goalie Coach   

Born and raised in Ottawa, Tom Dempsey has been a goalie coach for the last 18 years, including 5 with the 67’s.  He has also worked with the Gatineau Olympiques and Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, and he’s currently involved with the Carleton University men’s and women’s teams.

You’ll find Tom working with 67’s goaltenders before and after 67’s regular afternoon practices.  In the offseason, Tom runs elite level camps and clinics for goaltenders. 

Chris Hamilton, Equipment Manager/Assistant to Hockey Operations

Chris is in his third season with the 67’s and his first in a hockey operations role.  He started playing hockey at the age of three and continued in the Cumberland Barons organization until entering Ottawa where he graduated with a BA, Minor in Leisure Studies.  As a player, Chris was a goalie.