U16 A Head Coach - Jon Saunders
Jon grew up in the Ottawa Valley, where he played minor hockey at the AA and AAA levels. Some of his most memorable moments include winning the U18 AA Championship with the Rideau St. Lawrence Kings and being drafted by the Hawkesbury Hawks (CCHL). He finished
his playing career with the Jr. B Lions and Jr. A Grads in Ottawa.
In 2003, Jon moved to Newmarket and continued his passion for hockey as a non-parent coach with the NMHA. He was part of the coaching staff that led the U15 team to both the OMHA Championship and the Silver Stick Finals Championship in the 2004–2005 season.
More recently, in 2023, the team made a strong run but fell short in the OMHA semi-finals after a successful season. This past season, the U15A team won a regional Silver Stick Tournament and finished first overall in the standings with a 24-1-1 record.
Jon’s coaching philosophy is built on work ethic, skill development, and mentorship. He is committed to helping players develop strong fundamental hockey skills while fostering a positive team culture that extends beyond the rink. He believes success is
measured not only by performance on the ice but also by character, teamwork, and the relationships built among players and their families.
Jon continues to expand his knowledge and refine his coaching approach to help his players and team reach their full potential. He looks forward to building on the past season’s success and carrying that momentum into the 2026–2027 season, with a continued
focus on growth and team success.