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Our Coaches

Linden Saip - Whales Hockey Coach & Owner

Linden Saip

Director Of Hockey
Linden’s playing career included time in the WHL, BCHL, and Canadian University Hockey League, where he graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Kinesiology; specializing in High-Performance Strength and conditioning.

Linden has gained lots of experience providing exceptional skill development for players of all ages; specializing in Defence Specific Skills and Tactics.

Linden has been an important part of the Surrey Eagles (BCHL) Coaching Staff for the past 4 seasons as an Assistant Coach and director of Strength and Conditioning and spent a portion of the 2018/19 BCHL season as the team’s Head Coach.

In his current position as Director of Hockey for the Richmond Jets Minor Hockey Association, Linden oversees the player development for the Jets entire program, as well as mentors coaches in all divisions to give every Richmond player the very best hockey experience possible.

In 2020, Linden co-founded the Vancouver Whales Hockey Club.
Kirk - Whales Hockey Head Coach

Kirk Darbyshire

Head Coach
Having over 14 years of coaching experience, Kirk brings a long history of high-quality skill development; working with players from minor hockey to the pro level.

Kirk has held the title of Lead Skills Coach for Pacific Elite Hockey School, Selects Hockey BC, Richmond Minor Hockey, Cloverdale Minor Hockey and Richmond Jets Minor Hockey Association. In 2014 he launched the Pacific Predators Hockey Club. As owner/operator Kirk’s program enjoyed much success, at one point icing 12 spring teams winning countless tournaments around North America.

In 2017, he began working for the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL as Director of Hockey Development. During his time in this role, Kirk was responsible for the relaunch of the Junior Eagles spring hockey program as well as the launching of Junior Showcase Hockey League (JSHL) which included BCHL affiliated U18 and U16 teams competing in a showcase style league.

In 2020, Kirk co-founded the Vancouver Whales Hockey Club.
Hockey Coach Picture - Vancouver Whales Club

Harry Fredeman

Goalie Coach
Harry has over ten years of high-level hockey experience.

His hockey career includes four seasons playing in the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL), where he secured a scholarship to Trinity Western University (BCIHL). After two seasons with the Spartans, Harry pursued professional aspirations overseas.

After a season with IFK Ore in the second Division in Sweden, he transferred to the University of Alberta-Augustana, where he played three seasons for the Vikings of the ACAC to finish off his playing career.

Harry holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Alberta-Augustana, and founded Stage One Goaltending Inc. in August 2018 following the completion of his Undergraduate Degree. He has been working with goaltenders from numerous Minor Hockey Associations and Junior Hockey programs throughout the Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley since its inception.
Josh - Vancouver Whales Hockey Coach

Josh Dias

Coach & Asst. Goalie Coach
Josh made his first big splash when he was playing for the Valley West Hawks (2016 -2017) by being named Goaltender of the Tournament at the Mac’s Major Midget Tournament. This catapulted him on to a successful junior career where he spent time playing in the AJHL with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (2018) and Lloydminster Bobcats (2019), before finishing his junior career in the BCHL with the Merritt Centennials (2020).

Josh’s playing career wrapped up playing with the University of Saskatchewan (2021-2022) and professionally with Danbury Connecticut (2022-23)

Josh’s coaching career has seen him work with players of all ages from the grass roots minor hockey level with Saskatoon Minor Hockey, Surrey Falcons Female Hockey, Semiahmoo Minor Hockey and the New Western Bruins, to the junior hockey level with the White Rock Whalers of the PIJHL.

Josh’s ability to help players of all ages is enhanced by the unique perspective and advice he can give his players by having seen the game from a completely different view from the goalie crease for so many years.
Hockey Coach - Vancouver Whales Club

Reegan House

Coach & Power Skating
Reegan played four seasons in the PIJHL, his first two with the White Rock Whalers and his final two in Delta with the Icehawks.

Reegan’s coaches always complimented him on his ability to skate at a high level, and after his playing career ended Reegan turned his talent into a profession by spending three years as a Head Power Skating Coach with Elite Skating. During his time at Elite, Reegan worked with players ranging in level from Minor Hockey to Professional to improve their skating skills and help them reach their potential in the sport.

Reegan then went on to open his own skating school called Prestige Skating in 2023. He is currently the Lead Power Skating Instructor for the Richmond Jets Minor Hockey Association and is the Head Coach for their U13 A2 team.

He began working with the Vancouver Whales in 2022 as an Assistant Coach with our Vancouver Whales U15 team that played in the HSL. He has also been a Head Coach in our spring program during the 2023 spring hockey season.
Dakoda - Whales Hockey Coach

Dakoda Miller

Coach
Growing up in North Delta Dakoda played his minor hockey at Sungod Arena with North Delta Minor Hockey. After Bantam Dakoda moved on to play in the CSSHL with Delta Academy before finishing his final two years of Midget with the Valley West Giants U18 in the BCEHL.

Dakoda then moved to the PIJHL where he played with the Richmond Sockeyes for three seasons (2020 – 2023) being named an Assistant Captain in his final year.

Having finished his playing career, Dakoda has stayed involved in hockey by taking an Assistant Coaching position with his former team the Valley West Giants. He has lots to offer and looks forward to helping other young players develop and succeed in hockey as he did.
Kendra - Marketing Director

Kendra Voth

Marketing Director
From In the City Entertainment is a respected Marketing Producer, Director, and Social Media Strategist, she has been dedicated to producing outstanding marketing materials for TV, Film and Sports. Kendra has built a reputation both locally and internationally for providing incredible creative content for her clients campaigns.

Kendra help’s drive online engagement and amplify brands presence through captivating content, that resonates with audiences across various social media platforms

Kendra’s diverse client base includes television networks, studios, advertising agencies, sports programs, commercial agencies, international promotional companies, lifestyle programs, and digital and social partners.

Contact Whales Hockey

Please message us any of your questions, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.