U18 A Head Caoch - Izak Westgate
Izak
Westgate will serve as Head Coach of the Newmarket Renegades U18 ‘A’ team for
the 2026–27 season and brings with him 14 years of coaching experience within
Newmarket Minor Hockey. Izak moved to Newmarket in 2006, and the Renegades have
been a central part of his family’s life ever since. All four of his boys grew
up in the Renegades Rep program, with three still playing today. Over the years, Izak has coached across both
Rep and House League at levels from AE to AA, serving in roles ranging from on‑ice
helper and trainer to assistant and head coach. He has also volunteered his
time as an NMHA Board member for the past seven years.
Hockey has been Izak’s lifelong passion and has given him so much — including
many of his closest, lifelong friends. He continues to work at the Hockey Hall
of Fame & Museum after more than 30 years and has also spent time with the
Ontario Junior Hockey League, experiences that have shaped his appreciation for
the game at every level. Izak is grateful for what hockey has provided him and
is proud to give back by helping guide the next generation of players. He most
recently coached the 2014 age group and looks forward to the unique opportunity
that comes with U18 hockey.
Izak understands that U18 players are balancing many priorities, including
school, work, extracurricular activities, and social lives, and those realities
will be respected to help make the season enjoyable. At the same time, this
remains a competitive Rep program and the second‑highest team in the
association behind U18 AA. A strong commitment to the team, consistent effort,
sportsmanship, culture, compete level, and growth — both in practices and games
— will be important ingredients for success. The focus will be on seamlessly
integrating the 2010 players into the program while ensuring the 2009s enjoy a
memorable and rewarding final season of minor hockey.