Coaching Staff

Darcy Findlay – Head Coach/Assistant GM

2017-2018 marks Findlay’s fourth season in the CCHL and second full season as Head Coach of the Raiders. A graduate of NCAA Division 1 Bemidji State University (2012), Findlay played in three NCAA Tournaments, one NCAA Frozen Four, one Midwest West Regional Championship, a WCHA Final Five, two College Hockey America Championships and was named to the NCAA All-Academic team in all three eligible years.

Since becoming the Head Coach, Darcy has continued to be recognized as one of the up and coming young coaches in the CCHL and in Ontario.

-Represented the CCHL at the 2016-2017 Oswego State All Star game as one of the coaching staff. The leagues best 20 year old players representing the CCHL vs NCAA D3 powerhouse Oswego State University

-Named to the 2016-2017 Canadian Junior Hockey League prospect game coaching staff.
The CJHL Prospects Game is one of the premier Junior A hockey events in the country and provide tremendous exposure for CJHL Players to play in front of scouts from all over the hockey world – including the NHL, NCAA, Major Junior and Canadian universities and colleges.

-Coach of the 2016-2017 Hockey Eastern Ontario OHL Cup team, respresenting HEO’s champs Eastern Ontario Wild from 2015-2016

-Coach of the 2016-2017 Hockey Eastern Ontario OHL gold cup team. As part of the revamped Hockey Canada Program of Excellence there is a transition to the Under-16 OHL Gold Cup from the Under-17 Regional Camps previously hosted by HEO, HNO and OHF Member Partners. The change is to create a continuum of development through camps and competitions for the players in their selection and preparation to participate in the international events in the Hockey Canada Program of Excellence.

“My goal is to identify and recruit players who’s focus, passion and drive is to play hockey at the highest possible level and help them achieve their goals.” Said Coach Findlay.

Before his time at Bemidji State, Findlay captained the Cornwall Colts in a RBC National Junior “A” Championship and was named tournament MVP.

Darcy is a tenured highschool teacher and personal trainer.

Phone: 819-351-3810

email – darcyfindlay6@hotmail.com

Twitter – @darcyfindlay6

Peter Howes – Assistant Coach

Peter began coaching competitive minor hockey in the Ottawa area in 1994, which led to his first Junior ‘A’ coaching position in 2004 with the CCHL Gloucester Rangers. From there, Peter was able to continue his development with the CCHL Orleans Blues, CCHL Ottawa Jr. Senators and finally with our Nepean Raiders Jr. A hockey club.

Peter’s coaching philosophy is to provide players with the opportunity to develop their skill set in a structured learning environment. One that constantly challenges them while providing encouragement and support in an effort to maximize their potential.

Sean Bamford – Assistant Coach

CCHL Alumn (Cumberland Grads)
Sean joins the Raiders organization after spending four years under the direction of Marty Johnston and the CIS powerhouse
Carleton Ravens.
During his time at Carleton Sean was a 2x Division champion and 2x National Champion participant.
In 2015-2016 he also skated in a 1-0 exhibition game win vs. Ottawa Senators AHL affiliate Binghamton Senators.
During the summer of 2016 – Sean spent his time coaching in Bejing China for the Bejing Cavaliers.
He also spends his time as a power skating instructor for Performance Plus and represents CarletonU at community events and camps.

Rick Besharah – Goaltending Coach

Rick Besharah joins the Nepean Raiders for the 2015-16 season; his first season as the goaltending coach for both the Raiders Junior A and U18 teams.

Most recently, Rick’s position as the goaltending coach for the Ottawa Senators Major Midget AAA team during the 2014-15 hockey season helped the team’s goaltenders finish with the top 2 Goals Against Averages in the league. During this season, the team went on to win the OEMHL Championship, leading to their 4th place finish in the province.

Having trained under and worked with goaltending guru, François Allaire (Colorado Avalanche, NHL), and his brother, Benoit Allaire (New York Rangers, NHL) for 14 years, Rick brings experience and professional understanding to the goaltenders which he trains. Through communicating the importance of goaltending theory and efficiency, Rick enables his students to develop and perform at their best through implementing techniques which are customized to their individual playing styles.

Having reached the semi-professional level, Rick’s passion for the goaltender’s ever-evolving position easily led to transitioning to a coaching role for highly skilled goaltenders. In addition to being the goaltending coach for the Nepean Raiders, Rick works with minor hockey teams and associations to develop goaltenders of all ages and calibres through his goaltending school, Goalie Army Academy

C- 613-408-2422

email – rick@gaahockey.com

Jordan Bent- CSCS

A graduate of Brock University, and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association, Jordan started the Strength & Conditioning Program for Varsity Hockey at Brock in 2013.

2017-2018 marks Jordan’s fourth season at the Ontario Hockey Academy where he is the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach. He has also operated his own hockey strength & conditioning business, Hockey Development Training, since 2009.

He played junior hockey for the Cornwall Colts and Woodstock Slammers, University hockey for Brock, and minor pro for the Mississippi Riverkings.

Alex Matheson – Video Coach

Alex Matheson

Ben Northgrave – Stats

Ben Northgrave

Sheldon Adams – Head Trainer

Sheldon Adams

Head Trainer