THE EVOLUTION TEAM
We are a team of players, coaches and sports nerds. Collectively, we share decades of experience playing and coaching at the collegiate, professional and international levels of hockey. Our team is comprised of national champions, as well as collegiate and professional athletes who thrive on sharing their passion and knowledge of hockey to those with big dreams. We are the only licensed Hockey Canada Skill Development Program in the province of Manitoba. Our goal is to help you become more technically proficient, tactically aware and mentally confident.
Zach Watson
General Manager
Andrea KAPTEIN
Operations & Administration Manager
Brett Dudar
Director of Player Development
Jake Dudar
Director of Evolution Play
Riley Dudar
Player & Coach Development
Ryan Laing
SJR Hockey Development
Dale Butland
EHC Coach
Remi Laurencelle
EHC Coach
EV-O-LU-TION
NOUN
a means of gradual, progressive change or development;
a process of formation or growth
“The name Evolution was chosen because our programs embody this concept – always improving, always evolving.
If I am the same coach a month from now as I am today, I am not doing my job to the best of my ability. This is the spirit we strive to inspire in both players and coaches.”
Meet the TEAM
Zach Watson
GENERAL MANAGER
No bio available at the moment.
Andrea Kaptein
OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
No bio available at the moment.
BRETT DUDAR
DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
Brett a certified Hockey Canada skills coach and a High Performance 1 trained coach with Hockey Manitoba. He develops and oversees the company’s Evolution Hockey Club (EHC) program for players on the pathway to high performance.
During the off-season, Brett works with many of Manitoba’s best amateur and professional players.
Brett has been a skills coach with the MJHL’s Selkirk Steelers since the 2021-22 season.
JAKE DUDAR
DIRECTOR OF EVOLUTION PLAY
Jake is a certified Hockey Canada skills coach and the lead instructor of the company’s Evolution PLAY program. He is passionate about helping young hockey players who want to have fun and enjoy the game. Jake has a wealth of knowledge at teaching the fundamental skills to help kids progress while having FUN.
RILEY DUDAR
PLAYER & COACH DEVELOPMENT
Riley is a certified Hockey Canada skills coach, High Performance 1 coach, and a certified mental game coaching professional. He manages Evolution Hockey’s research and coach development, educating players and coaches on the progressive nuances of the game. Riley also consults with many of Manitoba’s elite amateur and professional players, working on their individual games through video and private sessions.
In addition, Riley is a scout for the USHL’s Chicago Steel, and the Director of Player Development for the Western Canadian Hockey Academy and the Brandon Wheat Kings.
RYAN LAING
SJR HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT
Ryan joined Evolution Hockey in the summer of 2021. He is passionate about developing young athletes through the love of sport. Growing up in small town Manitoba, Ryan played competitive hockey for 15 years. While studying for his diploma in business administration, Ryan moved to Alberta where he was coaching college level volleyball, and post graduation he returned to Manitoba to coach at the University level. Ryan is specifically focused on accelerating talent, building team morale, and encouraging the love of the game.
DALE BUTLAND
EHC COACH
Dale joined Evolution Hockey in the fall/winter of 2022.
Dale’s playing career includes time spent in AAA, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, and Central Hockey League. In 2006, Dale attended a try-out with the Dallas Stars Organization. During the 2006-07 season, Dale played 60 games in the Central Hockey League, split between the Oklahoma City Blazers and Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Following professional hockey, Dale returned to Manitoba and played on season with the University of Manitoba Bisons Men’s hockey team.
REMI LAURENCELLE
EHC COACH
A skilled and experienced player, Remi brings high-level hockey knowledge to the Evolution Hockey coaching team. Having competed in the SEMHL and playing high level ball hockey for the Winnipeg Blizzard, Remi understands the dedication and skill required to excel. His firsthand experience, combined with his passion for teaching the game, helps players develop their skills while fostering a love for the sport.
Brant Hilton
DIRECTOR OF GOALTENDING
Brant is a Hockey Canada Certified Goalie Coach. He joined Evolution Hockey in the fall of 2020 and since that point has become its Director of Goaltending, in charge of overseeing and growing the Evolution Goaltending program. Along with his role at Evolution, Brant is also the goaltending coach for the MJHL’s Selkirk Steelers, and was the goaltending consultant for Team Manitoba U16 Program of Excellence in the fall of 2021.
TRISTAN BLAIS
GOALTENDING COACH
Tristan joined Evolution Hockey in the summer of 2021. He is responsible for leading the goalie development within the Evolution PLAY and SJR programs. When on the ice, Tristan aims to provide meaningful experiences, improve athlete’s games, and help them reach their potential. Tristan has a diploma as an educational assistant and applies his teachings to his coaching approach. Tristan is passionate about the goaltending position and has been a goaltender since the age of 7.
OMAR HAWASH
GOALTENDING COACH
Omar joined Evolution Hockey in the Winter of 2018, and works with goaltenders of all ages and skill levels. Omar’s love of hockey started on the rinks in Baldur, Manitoba, and later, at Riverview Community Centre in Winnipeg. He is an active coach for the St. Vital Victorias.
In addition, Omar participated in the Arab Cup of Hockey in 2018 for Team Egypt leading the team to their first international win.