Our Team

Gary McKinley

Gary has been involved in Fredericton Youth Hockey Programs for many years, coaching all age groups and levels from Mites (Timbits) to Juvenile.

Gary and his wife Carol continue to Coach in FYHA today. Their mission is to help the younger age groups achieve basic skating and puck handling skills so they have the tools to enjoy playing the game as they progress through the various levels.

The “McKinley’s” are best known for the founding of the Fredericton Midget AAA Hockey Program in 1984. As General Manager and Business Manager Gary and Carol enjoyed a very successful run lasting through to 1996, which resulted in a number of Provincial and Atlantic Championships including attendance at the National Midget AAA Championship on four occasions.

Gary and Carol are volunteer Instructors in the Brendon Oreto Hockey School, a Program dedicated to raising funds to assist families who have difficulty providing equipment and fees for their children.

Awards:
1979-City of Fredericton Athletic Achievement
1980-Nashwaaksis Recreation Council Recognition of Service
1990-FYHA Manager of the Year
1996-FYHA Award of Distinction
2005-Hockey New Brunswick Volunteer of the Year
2006-City of Fredericton Sports Wall of Fame

Carol McKinley

Carol has been involved in Fredericton Youth Hockey (FYHA) Programs for a number of years with a particular interest in the development of skating skills of the younger age groups; Mites (Timbits), Novice and Atom. Many of her techniques and delivery are evident in the Hockey Canada Initiation Program used today by FYHA for ages 5-8. Carol is currently Coach and Coordinator of the Nashwaaksis Novice Program.

Carol also enjoyed a long association with both the Nashwaaksis and Fredericton Figure Skating Clubs.

In conjunction with her husband Gary, the “McKinley’s” are best known for the founding of the Fredericton Midget AAA Hockey Program in 1984. As General Manager and Business Manager Gary and Carol enjoyed a very successful run lasting through to 1996, which resulted in a number of Provincial and Atlantic Championships.

Carol and Gary are volunteer Instructors at the Brendon Oreto Hockey School, a Program dedicated to raising funds to assist families who have difficulty providing equipment and fees for their children.

Awards:
1994--FYHA Award of Distinction
2005--Hockey New Brunswick - Volunteer of the Year
2006--City of Fredericton Sports Wall of Fame

Jamie McKinley

Jamie began his hockey career in Fredericton playing at elite levels in the FYHA system. He played on numerous Provincial Championship teams as well as the 1982 Bantam "AAA" Atlantic Championship team and the 1984 Midget "AAA" Provincial Championship team.

Jamie played 4 seasons with the OHL Major Junior "A" Guelph Platers and was a member of the 1986 Memorial Cup Championship team. His success led him to being drafted by the New Jersey Devils where he ultimately signed a 3 year contract.

After his time in the New Jersey organization, Jamie went on to pursue a professional hockey career in Europe. During his 16 year career in Germany, he captained several championship teams and performed the responsibilities of a Player, Coach and Professional Team Manager. Jamie was heavily involved in professional player development including directing on ice and dry-land training programs, directing skills development and leading team practices. In his later years in Germany, he was heavily involved in the Youth Hockey Programs implementing innovative training techniques. Jamie brings a wealth of professional hockey knowledge and experience to " McKinleys Open Ice".

More About Jamie

Kirk Gormley

Kirk played his minor hockey all over eastern Canada, winning a provincial title in Nova Scotia. He eventually moved to Fredericton where he moved up through the ranks and graduated to the Midget "AAA" Canadiens. During his two years with the Canadiens, they won two Provincial titles and one Atlantic title, which led to an appearance at the Air Canada Cup in 1993.

Kirk went on to play 3 years of junior hockey in Ontario, the last 2 with the Collingwood Blues of the OPJHL. During his time in Collingwood he set several team records, was voted runner up for league rookie of the year, and was picked up by the Cobourg Cougars for the Dudley Hewitt Cup in 1996.

Upon the completion of his junior hockey career, Kirk signed his NCAA letter of intent with Canisius College. That was his intended destination until his hometown UNB Varsity Reds offered him a position. It was during his first year at UNB that they won the programs first National Championship. During his years at UNB he was selected Male Athlete of the Week, and still holds the team record for the lowest goals against average in a season.

Beyond his playing experience, Kirk brings over 15 years of experience in goaltender training and development. He has been the goalie consultant for the Male U-15, U-16 and Female U-18 Team New Brunswick, as well as running goalie schools all over North America. Kirk is currently the goalie coach for the Fredericton Midget "AAA" Canadiens.