Meet your 2026-27 Head Coaches:
Trevor Smith (U10 - 2017)
Trevor Smith brings over seven years of youth hockey coaching experience and a strong passion for player development. A proud Grey Bruce Highlanders alumnus, Trevor spent five years in the program and is excited to give back to the organization that played a key role in his hockey journey.
Trevor focuses on developing the whole athlete by combining clear instruction, age-appropriate skill development, and strong team-first values. He is known for bringing energy, structure, and positivity to the rink while creating a competitive and supportive environment where players can build confidence and enjoy the game.
Trevor currently coaches with the Lake Huron Lightning program and has served as an Assistant Coach with the Owen Sound Ice Hawks and Owen Sound Jr. Attack. He holds his Development 1 Coaching Certification and PEP Certified Trainer credentials, along with executive leadership training from the Ivey Business School.
His playing background includes AAA, Junior, and Senior hockey, with leadership roles at each level. Trevor was a draft pick for the Owen Sound Attack (OHL) in 2004.
Mike Rocca (U11 - 2016)
Coach Rocca currently serves as Head Coach of the U10 Grey Bruce Highlanders, bringing
previous experience as an Assistant Coach with the U9 Bruce County Bucks and various spring hockey programs. With more than 10 years of Senior AA men’s hockey experience and a minor hockey background with the Ajax/Pickering Raiders (U8–U15), he brings both playing experience and passion to the bench.
His coaching philosophy is built on discipline, teamwork, perseverance, respect, and hard work. He emphasizes giving 100% effort until the whistle, buying into team systems, and building habits that translate beyond the rink.
He is especially proud of the development shown by this year’s U10 Highlanders and finds the greatest joy in seeing players achieve goals they’ve worked toward.
Dedicated to developing skills, fostering teamwork, and instilling a strong work ethic, Coach Rocca is committed to helping players grow both on and off the ice.
Tyler Rennie (U12 - 2015) 
The 2026-27 season will mark Coach Rennie’s third season with the Grey Bruce Highlanders, having previously coached at the U10 and U11 levels. During that time, his U10 team earned a second-place finish at the 2024-25 OMHA Championship, while his U11 team captured titles at both the Hamilton Steel Classic and the Taylor Hall Classic.
Passionate about teaching and developing young athletes, Coach Rennie believes creating the right environment is key to success — one where players have fun, work hard, build character, and learn to compete as a team. He is proud to be part of the Highlanders community, which he describes as a true “hockey family.”
For Coach Rennie, the greatest reward is watching players grow, not only as hockey players, but as people, while developing skills and habits that will allow them to enjoy the game for life.
Tim Nicol (U13 - 2014)
Coach Nicol returns for his second season with the Grey Bruce Highlanders, continuing the growth and development built over the past year. Prior to joining the organization, he coached U10A and U9 MD in Owen Sound.
A former Highlander from the program’s inaugural 1995 season, Coach Nicol went on to play Jr. C with the Hanover Barons, winning multiple championships. He also played Jr. A with the Durham Huskies, and was a draft pick of the Plymouth Whalers (OHL).
As a coach, he is committed to leading by example and creating a safe, positive, and disciplined environment that supports both player and personal development. Clear communication, mutual respect, and helping each athlete reach their individual goals are central to his approach. His coaching motto, “WE over ME,” reinforces the expectation that every player competes and contributes to the success of the team.
For Coach Nicol, the greatest reward is seeing young athletes achieve something they once thought was out of reach and the pride that comes with it.
Steve Taylor (U14 - 2013) 
Prior to leading the U11, U12, and U13 groups over the last three years, Coach Taylor served as Head Coach of the U10A Collingwood Blues and Assistant Coach of the U9B Collingwood Blues, and holds his Development 1 Certification.
A former player with the Sudbury Nickel Capital Wolves, Collingwood Blues, Humboldt Broncos, and Lindsay Muskies (Jr. A), as well as Ryerson Men’s University Hockey, Coach Taylor brings valuable competitive experience to the bench.
Focused on mastering fundamentals and the daily process, he believes attention to detail leads to results. During the 2025-26 season, his team captured the Windsor Border City Memorial Cup and advanced to Sunday finals in three of four tournaments they attended.
Coach Taylor is committed to creating a positive environment that promotes growth on and off the ice. A true players’ coach, he builds strong relationships rooted in respect to help athletes develop within a team-first structure.
Chris Minard (U15 - 2012) 
Coach Minard is an HP1-certified coach with over seven years of experience at the AAA and A levels.
A former Highlander player himself, Coach Minard was drafted 9th overall in the 1998 OHL Draft. He went on to play four seasons in the OHL, followed by a 15-year professional career across the NHL, AHL, ECHL, and five seasons in Germany’s DEL. He was also a member of the 2009 Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.
Known for a structured, demanding, and fair coaching environment, Coach Minard emphasizes high standards, accountability, and attention to detail while developing complete players prepared for the next level, both on the ice and as individuals off the ice.
DJ Selkirk (U16 - 2011) 
Bio coming soon!
Grayson Hannivan (U18) 
Grayson Hannivan brings over 17 years coaching experience, having coached across AAA, Rep, and Local levels. His coaching career includes roles as a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Trainer.
Grayson is known for his player-focused coaching philosophy, emphasizing respect, responsibility, and a lifelong love of the game. He prioritizes strong fundamentals, high-tempo, and engaging practices, as well as long-term skill development to help athletes grow with confidence both on and off the ice.
His teams have achieved success at multiple levels, including OMHA Championships, Silver Stick Championships (including International Silver Stick), and numerous tournament titles in both seasonal and Spring AAA programs. Grayson brings extensive coaching education through Hockey Canada and NCCP, with Development 1 certification.
Grayson is passionate about building positive, competitive team environments where players are supported, challenged, and prepared for the next level.