The BGHC is proud to make the following coaching announcements for the 2026/27 season:
U18BB Major - Craig Valiquette
U18BB Minor - Darren Faint / Shawn Belbin
U15BB - Anne-marie Taylor
U13BB - Allison Bye
U18BB Major Head Coach – Craig Valiquette - [email protected]
Craig Valiquette is currently the head coach of the U18BB1 team. Craig has over 20 years of coaching experience including 12 years with the Barracudas. Craig's coaching philosophy has always focused on team first and developing an inclusive environment to allow the players to maximize their potential.
U18BB Minor Co-Head Coaches Darren Faint – [email protected] / Shawn Belbin – [email protected]
Darren Faint is a highly experienced head coach with over a decade of coaching within the Burlington Lions Optimist Minor Hockey Association and the Burlington Girls Hockey Club. Passionate about both the game and his athletes, Darren fosters a positive, team-first culture that emphasizes confidence, development, and accountability. He prioritizes clear, open communication and believes that sustainable success is achieved through collective effort. Known for his strong teaching ability, Darren implements systems tailored to his roster, allowing players to learn, adapt, and thrive. He also values academic achievement and encourages participation in other sports and interests, recognizing their importance in supporting well-rounded player growth.
Shawn Belbin is a passionate hockey coach with a lifetime of experience in the game. Having played hockey for as long as he can remember, Shawn has a deep understanding and respect for the sport. His journey in hockey has evolved from player to coach, where he has focused on developing young athletes both on and off the ice. For the past eight years, Shawn has coached for his sons' team, the Burlington Eagles, guiding them through the competitive world of youth hockey. Shawn’s coaching philosophy centers on the idea that how you practice is how you play. He instills this mindset into every player, pushing them to bring their best effort to each drill, session, and game. In addition to his long-standing work with the Burlington Eagles, Shawn was also the head coach for the U15B Barracudas team for the 2024-2025 season. He brings the same level of dedication, discipline, and passion to the Barracudas program, focusing on developing not just hockey skills but also the character of his players. Shawn is known for his "tough but fair" approach to coaching. He holds his athletes to high standards but always with a focus on building their confidence, resilience, and love for the game. He believes that a positive mindset, work ethic, and commitment to the team are the cornerstones of any successful athlete. Shawn pushes his players to excel as both individual contributors and as vital team players. When Shawn is not at the arena (which is rare) he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.
U15BB Head Coach – Anne-marie Taylor - [email protected]
Anne-marie is currently the Head Coach of the BGHC’s U11BB team and is excited to take on the U15BB team for the 2026-2027 season! This will be her sixth year working with the BGHC, previously supporting House League teams as a Trainer and on-ice instructor and serving as Head Coach of the U13B team. She also has spent six years with her son's team as Trainer and on-ice support at both the Select and MD levels with BLOMHA. Anne-marie has extensive coaching experience, working with athletes of all abilities. She focuses on developing the entire athlete and strives to provide a positive yet challenging environment. Anne-marie has an extensive sports background including Varsity Figure Skating, Rep Softball, Rugby, and loves to golf.
U13BB Head Coach - Allison Bye - [email protected]
Allison Bye is entering her 4th year of coaching in the BGHC. Previously the coach of the U13BB BGHC team as well as a current and previous coach of numerous girls high school sports. She is passionate about fostering a supportive and empowering environment, motivating and energizing young girls to not only stay engaged in the sport of hockey but also to enhance their skills.