Tryout Schedule, Waxers AAA (Markham Waxers)

Dan Daoust

Dan Daoust has coached minor hockey teams for over 20 years, winning a few OMHA Championships and All-Ontario AAA/Central Region Championships—most recently representing Ontario/Central Region at the 2024 Telus Cup U18AAA Canadian Championships. Teams he has coached include the 2006 born Markham Waxers which featured several high-end OHL draft choices.

Dan is a former NHL player and is a Toronto Maple Leaf alumni.  He has been a head coach at the Jr. A level and assistant coach in the AHL.×

Shaz Ahmad

Shaz has been a head coach with the Markham Waxers AAA organization for the past three years. He has extensive knowledge and experience with student athletes, gained through his ten years of skills instruction, three years AAA assistant coach, and professional background.

Shaz is passionate about developing athletes to their highest potential. His coaching philosophy focuses on team character building, accountability, and the knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a student athlete representing the Markham Waxers organization.

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Michael Grabovski

Mikhail Grabovski, a former NHL center, built his career on relentlessness, tenacity, and an unwavering will to compete. He was known for his fearless play, elite work ethic, and ability to push the pace—qualities that now define his approach as a coach.

After a decade in the NHL with the Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Capitals, and Islanders, he transitioned into coaching, bringing that same intensity and attention to detail to player and team development. Along with his experience as an Assistant Coach in the KHL and General Manager of the Belarusian National Team, he has spent the past two seasons as Head Coach of the Klevr League Northern Saints Gold and the past season as Head Coach of Waxers U14 AAA, developing young players through a principled, high-tempo approach. Grabovski’s leadership is built on accountability, work ethic, and a demand for excellence—qualities he instills in every team he coaches.×

Raffi Torres

Hockey is at the heart of our Markham community, and the Coach Torres’ team is built on hard work, character, and a commitment to development. Led by Raffi Torres, a former fifth overall NHL draft pick, World Junior bronze medalist, and 12-year NHL veteran, our program emphasizes competing at the highest level while fostering a culture that feels like family.

We emphasize:

• Good Habits – Success starts with the little details, in practice and in games.
• Compete Level – Maximum effort every shift, every battle, every day.
• Playing the Right Way – Discipline, teamwork, and respect for the game.
• Development First – Skills, mindset, and growth come before the scoreboard.

Coach Torres knows what it takes to succeed at the next level, and he’s committed to helping young athletes develop both their skills and mindset. If you bring the effort, the Waxers will help you take your game to the next level—on and off the ice.

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Brandon Pantaleo

Brandon Pantaleo, a proud Markham Waxers alumni, brings 10 years of AAA coaching experience, including five seasons at the U16 level. His coaching philosophy focuses on a "team first" mentality, blending competitive play with fun and skill development. He’s supported by Assistant Coach Adam Lamarre, a defense and skill expert with NCAA experience and championship success with the Markham Waxers, and Amanda Pantaleo, a former NCAA player who adds additional skill development expertise. Together, they create a supportive environment that helps players grow both on and off the ice.×

Mathew Goodwin

Matthew has a long history in the game of hockey as a player, instructor, and coach. He played minor hockey in Whitby and was drafted by the Brampton Battalion of the OHL He played two years of Junior A hockey in Ontario before attending university where he pursued a degree in Criminology and Justice.

He has coached both of his children in minor hockey since 2021. Prior to that, he volunteered his time as a coach for multiple minor hockey, lacrosse, and baseball teams. Matthew is currently a scout for the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL and the head scout for the St. Michael's Buzzers of the OJHL. He is also an instructor at the OHL's Performance Development League.

Developing young hockey players is something Matthew is extremely passionate about. He is looking forward to a fun and successful 2025/26 season.

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Mike Angelidis

Mike brings extensive knowledge and passion to the game with his experience playing pro hockey for 12 years in the NHL and AHL and coaching youth hockey for several years. His philosophy to coaching is to create a positive environment for the youth to grow their skills, knowledge, and passion for the game. With his professional experience and commitment to player development, he continues to inspire the next generation of hockey players. ×

Jon Wonch

With 10 years of coaching experience at the AA and AAA levels, including time in both the OMHA and the GTHL, Jon is passionate about helping players develop on and off the ice. He grew up playing hockey with the Stouffville and Richmond Hill hockey associations. He’s dedicated to passing on my love for the game while helping players reach their full potential.

Outside of hockey, Jon enjoys spending time with his family and golfing.

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