The bandits
Welcome to the Bandits family. We'd like to take a little time to introduce ourselves.
President and Director of Hockey Operations
Meka Trepanier
Meka welcomes you all to the Bandits program, his background in hockey of over 30 years has helped brain child this project. Through Ice Hockey, Roller Hockey and Ball Hockey, Meka has been to many events in his hockey career. Everything from house level rec tournaments, to having coached Team Canada to podium finishes at world championships. Along with running The Langley Hockey House (Western Canada's only year round ball hockey facility ) Meka is also a lead member of the Canadian Roller Hockey Program. All things combined, this brings many years of execution to the table to allow the Bandits program the expertise and knowledge it needs to flourish and grow. Meka is insistent on the "process" where all players are treated as equals and everyone gets their fair look at any team they try out for.
"I look forward to having you all experience a hockey program the way I think they should all be run. With a focus on excellence and growth for players of all ages. I hope to see you all in a Bandits purple jersey real soon. (Meka)"
Vice President and Brand Management
Joe Cunningham
Joe has been around Minor League Ball Hockey his whole life. A true representation of the dedicated Ball Hockey player. Most kids dabble into Ice Hockey, Soccer, Lacrosse etc... Joe found Ball Hockey and new right away that this was his calling. Once old enough, he began giving back to his sport right away. Becoming a volunteer coach in his local association, helping with evaluations to make sure a 3rd party had a voice in selecting the kids and even taking the dirty job of equipment manager to ensure all of the goalies were dressed properly for the season. Joe now works with the Langley Hockey House as the lead referee coordinator for the Adult and Youth League. He is also the director of Youth Ball Hockey for the league. Having Joe's expertise in the Bandits program, means we have every job covered and right down to the point where we know it comes with hands on experience.
"I can't wait to take the next step in my Ball Hockey journey and get the Bandits program going, this is something I've always thought we needed and I'm very excited to be a part of this team. (Joe)"
Director of Coaches and Head Coach
Mark Fraser
Mark Joins the Bandits program with more hockey experience than the rest of the group combined. It's not very often that you get a guy who grew up playing elite level Ice Hockey, transitioned into National Team Ball Hockey and to this day coaches both Rep Level Ice Hockey and International level Ball Hockey. The Bandits are honoured to be working with Mark. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge to the game that will be shared within our coaching programs. Being able to guide our team of coaches through a a tournament weekend and ensure that all coaches are being given the guidance they need to succeed on the rink. Having an emphasis on program structure has Mark extremely excited to work with the Bandits Hockey Program.
"When I found out that there was going to be a new Ball Hockey program that allowed all the kids to get a fair shot at making the team I was very excited. I can't wait to share with everyone how you win games with a full bench of 15 players and not just focus on a top line. (Mark)"
Director of Strength and Conditioning, Senior Coach
Brodie Jackson
Brodie joins the Bandits program with possibly one of the biggest roles on the team. His Hockey resume alone puts him in his own category to begin with. Having played top tier Ball Hockey his whole career and most notably his National Team experience. Brodie comes from a background of having played on the top teams and winning with the top teams. His elite approach to the game gives him a leg up on most players out there. As a recent university graduate of the sports kinesiology program, Brodie is being given the task within the Bandits program of making sure that everyone is in game ready shape and ready to go before every opening face-off. There's a major difference between the teams who sit in the locker room and tape their sticks before the game vs. a team who is put through a proper parking lot warm up and is actually ready to play. Brodie gives our entire program a leg up on the competition before the games have even started.
"Getting to work with the Bandits will be a real honour, I've played top level Ball Hockey my whole life and to now get to combine Playing, Coaching and adding in my Schooling to the mix, this is a big win for me in Hockey. (Brodie)"
Director of Social Media and Publicity
Brandon McLeod
So how do you get famous while wearing a Bandits jersey? B-MAC is your guy. Brandon is another long time Ball Hockey player who's played high level Hockey all the way through. Representing his club elite teams, his province at Provincials and now holding a top spot in the Adult Tier 1 leagues. Brandon has always had been known to have a creative flair. This starts on the rink with having a vision for the game that most players just can't keep up with. It's transitioned into the ability to have fun through social media. We live in a world where Instagram famous is the new normal. It's one thing to take a random picture and post it on a page, Brandon wants to have the Bandits properly showcased with every post we put out there. A real chance to get to know all of the players in the program through our social channels. We can't wait to start giving him the green light to post things online.
"When I got asked to be a part of the Bandits program and help with social media of all things, I was really excited. This will be a lot of fun and I've got lots of fun ideas to bring to the table (Brandon)"
Are you next ?
The Bandits are always looking for quality people to join our team and make Ball Hockey better for everyone.
Send us an email and let us know if you'd like to become one of the Bandits.
