Board, Executive, Staff & Head Coaches (Markham Waxers)

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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Mikhail 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 spent two seasons as Head Coach of the Klevr League Northern Saints Gold and is the 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.×

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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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.×

Dave Turner

Dave Turner has coached minor hockey teams for over 10 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’s coached include the 2006 born Markham Waxers which featured several high-end OHL draft choices.

Dave Turner has extensive championship experience winning eight OFSAA Medals, including three OFSAA Championships while coaching at St. Brother Andre Catholic High School.

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Tyler McKeag

Tyler is a dedicated coach who cares deeply about the development of young athletes. He focuses on teamwork, respect, fun, and GRIT while fostering their physical, intellectual, and emotional growth. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, hard work, and creating a competitive yet supportive environment where players can be creative while participating in an organized team structure. With years of coaching experience, he is committed to helping players reach their full potential while instilling lifelong values that extend beyond the game.

Tyler's passion for hockey started at the age of seven in the Scarborough Hockey League with the Scarborough City Cougars (now the Scarborough Ice Raiders in the GTHL). A dedicated power forward, he was part of the SHA Championship-winning team in 1991 before playing AA for the Scarborough Stallions from 1992 to 1994. From 1995 to 1998, he played for the Hillcrest Summits in the MTHL (now the GTHL) and competed at the collegiate level for Sir John A. Macdonald CI from 1996 to 1998. 

In 2017, he began coaching with the Markham Waxers. Over the years, Tyler has worked with young athletes at all different levels and age groups, including house league, U9 Select, U10AA, U11AA, U13A, and 14A. And has dedicated himself to developing the next generation of athletes.×

Jeremy Chitiz

Jeremy, the founder of XCEL Hockey Development, has played high-level hockey in the GTHL and Canadian college. As a premier skills coach, he works with top teams and organizations including NHL players, elite summer programs like Gary Roberts Training and BioSteel Camp, and professional teams.

Passionate about developing young athletes, Jeremy focuses on improving their skills, hockey IQ, and most importantly confidence. His goal is to inspire players to push their limits and reach their full potential.

Known for his energy, enthusiasm, and passion, Jeremy creates a contagious atmosphere that players embrace and emulate. He fosters a strong team bond and a positive culture, starting in the dressing room and carrying onto the ice.

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Kim Rasmussen

During the past five years, the Waxers U18 AA team has cemented its place as the most successful U18 hockey team in the province. With a remarkable record that includes winning the 2022 OHF Championship, qualifying for every OMHA Championship Tournament, capturing 16 tournament victories, and claiming five consecutive YSMHL league titles, the achievements speak volumes. Notably, the Waxers U18AA team operates more like a Junior program or 'AAA' team than a typical AA team, with an incredible average My Hockey Rating of 91.20 and more than 250 wins across the past five seasons. Twice ranked #1 overall at the end of the season by My Hockey Rankings, success is no accident. It's not just about talent—it's the direct result of consistent coaching, a relentless commitment to player development, and a strong culture of excellence, discipline, and teamwork on the ice. Off the ice, the Waxers cultivate a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie, with regularly scheduled team activities ensuring a well-rounded, rewarding experience for every player and their family.×

Brendan Murray

Brendan grew up in North York playing minor hockey, primarily for the Goulding Park Rangers. Having several great coaches throughout the years, this was his opportunity to give back to the community.

Brendan has been a head coach since 2018 beginning with the Unionville Jets and then transitioning to the Waxers. This will be his third year as head coach of the A team, helping these athletes reach their goals.

Brendan is a big proponent of helping our community and the team has participated in a number of charitable endeavours throughout the year. His goal is to ensure these teammates are seen as leaders in our community. Brendan was honoured to receive the Paul Giallonardo Coach of the Year Award in 2023-2024 for the A Division.

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Trevor Boothe

Trevor Boothe is a dedicated hockey coach with eight year’s experience coaching with the Markham Waxers organization. He has a passion for developing players both on and off the ice. Growing up and playing in Southwestern Ontario, he has firsthand experience competing at higher levels ending his player career in Junior hockey. Trevor brings a deep understanding of the game and the skills required to excel.

His coaching philosophy is centered on growth and development. Trevor believes that each player has the potential to improve—not just as athletes, but also as individuals. He is dedicated to creating a positive environment—fostering a culture where fun, team-first mentality, and commitment are paramount. This approach ensures that players love the game while working hard to achieve their personal and collective goals.

As a coach, Trevor is committed to providing constructive feedback to help players advance to higher levels of competition. By focusing on individual strengths and areas for improvement, Trevor aims to equip each player with the tools necessary to elevate their game.

Through strategic and personalized coaching, Trevor is dedicated to shaping the future stars of hockey, preparing them for success both on the ice and in life.

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Mario Ilari

Mario grew up in the town of Markham and played his entire minor hockey career with the Markham Waxers. As a coach, Mario has been successfully developing his teams as they have moved up multiple division levels from "Selects" to "A". Through mentorship and guidance Mario is dedicated to on-ice development, having the children grow a love for the game, building lifelong memories, and, most importantly, having fun.   

Mario is a D1 Certified Coach and was the recipient of "Coach of the Year" for the Markham Waxers in the 2022-2023 season at the BB/MD division. The teams he has coached over the years have successfully reaching the YSMHL Championship Finals, multiple tournament finals, and most recently won the U13A CAN/AM Challenge Cup tournament and Gold Medal at the Skills Competition in Montreal. 

Mario has a passion for creating a fun, inclusive environment where the kids can develop both on and off the ice. As a coach, Mario will encourage hard work, team first mentality, and sportsmanship while in the pursuit of achieving individual and team goals.×

Connor Ritchie

Connor Ritchie is a passionate coach dedicated to fostering athletic and personal growth. Growing up in Toronto, he played AA and AAA hockey and OYSL soccer, shaping his belief in the value of multi-sport participation.  

Connor prioritizes fun, effort, and coachability, creating an environment where players feel valued and motivated. He coaches across three age groups at both hockey and soccer, including as a strength and fitness coach with the Markham Soccer Club’s OPDL program.  

A strong advocate for balanced teams, he ensures equal opportunities for all players. Proud to work with an excellent coaching staff, Connor believes in coaching as a team, emphasizing collaboration and shared goals. Above all, he cares deeply about the person behind the player, using sports to build confidence, resilience, and joy on and off the ice.×

Sal Paglialunga

Sal has coached the 2010-aged Markham Waxers at the "A" level every year since 2018, when he was named the coach of U9 (Novice) team. Over these seven seasons, he has maintained the same mission statement: for all team volunteers and parents to work cohesively to create a fun and supportive environment that will help develop our young athletes in both their hockey and life skills.

Sal began playing hockey at the age of four and still plays the game regularly. In addition to playing and coaching, Sal also referees hockey in the Markham Waxers organization, which allows him to stay current on rule knowledge and interpretations.

Sal's teams have always been successful both on and off the ice. In addition to admirable results at the rink during games and achieving exceptional skill development during practices, the team has always incorporated a charitable element into the season, ensuring the players realize the importance of giving back to the community.

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Bobby Berkenblit

Bobby Berkenblit has been coaching in the Markham Waxers organization for over eight years, helping develop young athletes with a focus on skill refinement, hockey IQ, and a strong work ethic. In addition to his role with the Waxers, he is currently coaching at the Junior A level, continuing to mentor players as they progress in their hockey careers.

A former high-level competitive player himself, Bobby brings a deep understanding of the game and a passion for leadership, discipline, and teamwork. Beyond the X’s and O’s, he is committed to fostering personal growth and integrating community involvement into his programs, ensuring players develop both on and off the ice.

Whether as a player or coach, Bobby’s dedication to the game continues to inspire the next generation to compete with heart, skill, and determination.×

Danny Garganis

Danny has been coaching for 15+ years at all levels and runs skills development clinics for various hockey schools and teams. The core message which Danny enforces in his program are teamwork, compete, respect, have fun. His program is all about player development—both individual skills and team systems. His goal is to develop as many kids as possible so that they can move up to the next level.×

Mark Wong

Mark has over 10 years of coaching experience and grew up playing AAA hockey as a defense and forward. Through his player experience, Mark understands the dedication, discipline, hard work, and mental toughness required to succeed both individually and as part of a team.

His approach focuses on building a strong foundation of fundamental skills, while striving to instill confidence and love for the game. I work to create a safe and healthy environment where everyone feels supported, challenged, and motivated to reach their potential. Every player has a role to play, and I encourage an inclusive team atmosphere where everyone feels valued.

Ultimately my goal is to help players become better hockey players, while also teaching valuable life skills such as perseverance, sportsmanship, and leadership.

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Chris Bahen

Chris has been a coach with the Markham Waxers since 2011. Over his 14 years with the association, Chris has coached at all levels, from U9 AAA and U18, and has graduated Waxers that have gone on to play Major Junior and have been drafted to the NHL. 

Chris grew up playing his minor hockey in Markham, eventually attending Clarkson University on a scholarship. He was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2000 and played seven years professionally in Europe.  

Chris is passionate about developing well-rounded people and players, working to maximize both individual and team success. All four of Chris’ boys have played for the Waxers and he's committed to growing community hockey in Markham. ×

Ryan Lawrie

Ryan (aka coach Ryno) has served as a volunteer coach for the Markham Waxers organization for over ten years having coached levels ranging from house league, select, BB and A. 

As a player, Ryan started his minor hockey career playing “A” for Bradford Minor Hockey and “AAA” for York Simcoe Express. 

In 2023, Ryan also joined the Waxers organization as a convenor, a position he currently holds as well as VP of Junior Rep for ages U8MD through U13AA.

Coach Ryno has led his teams to immense and sustained success boasting numerous championship tournament titles, back-to-back YSMHL championships (including a perfect 39-0 season), YSMHL finalists on multiple occasions and many more accolades. 

He is known for having a passion for the game and creating a fun, fair, and disciplined environment where players can develop both on and off the ice and emphasizes his “Family, School, Hockey” philosophy: contributing to the community, prioritizing family and academics, while balancing athletics to achieve personal and team success.

His involvement in the many aspects of the game gives him unique perspectives to help others gain a more enriched experience.  ×

Chris Bahen

Chris has been a coach with the Markham Waxers since 2011. Over his 14 years with the association, Chris has coached at all levels, from U9 AAA and U18, and has graduated Waxers that have gone on to play Major Junior and have been drafted to the NHL. 

Chris grew up playing his minor hockey in Markham, eventually attending Clarkson University on a scholarship. He was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2000 and played seven years professionally in Europe.  

Chris is passionate about developing well-rounded people and players, working to maximize both individual and team success. All four of Chris’ boys have played for the Waxers and he's committed to growing community hockey in Markham. ×

Rich Brewda

My name is Rich Brewda and I have volunteered within minor hockey for over twenty years in various capacities, from coach, general manager, vice-president, president and most recently – hockey parent. 

I recently stepped down as President of the North Toronto Hockey Association in the GTHL to focus more time on my children’s hockey. North Toronto is one of the largest minor hockey associations in the GTA, province, and possibly the country. I served on many committees with the GTHL (Greater Toronto Hockey League) and the OHF (Ontario Hockey Federation) for various initiatives. My wife is one of the registrars at North Toronto so, needless to say, hockey runs our house. Prior to being president, I served on the board as Director of Coaching Development, General Manager and Vice President. 

I have coached at various levels of hockey, from House League up to AAA and various age groups over the 21 years. I also worked for several years as a hockey instructor while I was coaching. One thing that doesn’t change for me at any of those levels or ages is the importance of fun. Whether it is U7 or U18, our job as coach is to not only develop good hockey players and teams but more importantly, good human beings. This all revolves around fostering a positive team culture and environment for all the players, parents, and coaches. Hockey can provide players with some amazing life skills such as commitment, respect, and responsibility which will help them even in their adult years. 

Some of my personal hockey accomplishments include being named the 2016 Herb Ebisuzaki Coaching Award winner for GTHL Coach of the Year. This is a league wide award that I was very honoured to receive. In 2016 I was also the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award at North Toronto and in 2023 was one of the recipients of the Markham Waxers Volunteer of the Year Award for our Growing the Game committee’s efforts to introduce hockey to more youth in the Markham community. 

As coach, I lean on all my hockey experience to develop these kids into great hockey players and even better human beings. We continue to work on the progress we have made. My teams have a strong emphasis on development and fun.×