Our Team

Gary McKinley | Carol McKinley | Tyson Flynn | Kirk Gormley

Gary McKinley

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

Through the Open Ice facility, Gary and his wife Carol, continue to pursue their mission to help the younger age groups learn basic skating fundamentals and puck handling skills so they have the tools to enjoy playing the game as they progress through the various levels. Their Learn to Skate Program for children ages 3 and over is growing in popularity.

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 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

Tyson Flinn

Tyson is an NCCP Advanced 1 certified coach who brings with him a wealth of playing, coaching and professional experience.

Having played his minor hockey in the Fredericton “AAA” Canadiens system, Tyson moved on to play Major Junior, Junior A and University hockey, winning National Championships in 1997, as part of the Summerside Western Capitals (Junior A) and in 1998 with his hometown UNB Varsity Reds.

As a coach, Tyson recently completed his eight season as assistant coach with the Fredericton Midget “AAA” Canadiens, winning five Provincial Championships and capturing two silver medal at the Atlantic Championships in that time. Tyson has also worked in various capacities, with Hockey Canada’s Under 17 Team Atlantic programs, Hockey New Brunswick’s High Performance Program and was recently named as assistant coach of New Brunswick’s men’s hockey entry for the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax.

Currently working for the Province of New Brunswick, Tyson’s previous professional experiences are as a teacher and physical education specialist. His professional and coaching experiences, combined with a diverse playing background, make him an effective teacher of the game and allow him to assess and correct player difficulties quickly and effectively.

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.

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