Staff

In addition to his roles as President and Director of Hockey Operations, Jason is also the proud owner of the Fergus Whalers Junior Hockey Club.  Jason has an extensive hockey background, in both management with the Mitchell Hawks Jr. C Hockey Club and coaching in both the AAA Huron Perth Lakers and Jr. B Listowel Cyclones programs.

Jason, who brings a wealth of hockey and business knowledge to team operations, will work directly with General Manager, Craig Dool and the coaching staff to ensure the success of the on ice product, as well as working with the Executive team in delivering a premium in game experience for all fans in attendance.  No stranger to the league, Jason was apart of 2021-2022 Pollock Division Championship Mitchell Hawks team.

An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, Jason loves to spend time at his cottage with his fiance, Tammy, his 3 children - Brock, Owen and Maggie and best buddy, Zeke, a 2 year old Rottie.

For more information, Jason can be reached at jason@ferguswhalers.ca

No stranger to the ranks of Junior hockey, Craig proudly joins the Fergus Whalers as the teams Inaugural General Manager.

Working directly with Jason and Ryan (Black), Craig has been tasked with building the first Whalers roster, implementation of scouting and recruitment plans, and day to day hockey operations as we approach our first season.  Craig played 3 years of Junior B for the Guelph Dominators and has an extensive coaching background with Guelph Minor Hockey, the former Junior C franchise in Fergus, and high school hockey within the area.  His ability to understand the game, as well as personable approach to life make him the ideal fit for this role.

When not at the CW Sportsplex, Craig owns and operates a Property Maintenance company, plays a little hockey himself, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Heather.

For all hockey inquiries, Craig can be reached via email - cdool@ferguswhalers.ca

"Ryan comes to us not only not only as a brilliant hockey mind, with extensive experience as a player and head coach, but as a better human being - when we were searching for a new coach, his name was mentioned to us countless times, and we are so proud to have him on board as the first ever Head Coach"

Ryan is no stranger to the CW Sportsplex - he has been a dedicated minor hockey coach in the area for quite some time! Ryan and his wife, Elaine, have raised 4 children in the Centre Wellington area, and currently reside in Fergus.

Originally drafted in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils, Ryan played a year for the Waterloo Siskins, before embarking on a 5 year career in the OHL with the Peterborough Petes and London Knights.  From there he played at the university level, and a few more years of professional hockey in the United States.  He finished up his playing days during the 2009-10 season with Palmerston 81's.

We look forward to Ryan and his coaching team leading the Whalers to success on ice.  Ryan can be reached via email at rblack@ferguswhalers.ca

Rounding out the coaching staff, Ryan will be joined by 3 assistant coaches for the 2023-2024 season!

Randy Coverdale  https://twitter.com/rtcoverdale

Mark Martin

Jeff Hoelscher  https://twitter.com/_holsh

We thank each and everyone of you for your commitment to our program!

A huge hockey fan, Ryan has been with the team since its inception in the role of Alternate Governor.  Ryan looks after the business side of the team, handles league meetings, sponsorships, marketing and much more.  "It is a very cool process to be apart of - from an idea over a coffee, to a location, a name, a logo, and now an excellent coaching staff and General Manager, its been so much fun watching it all come together and I can't wait until we hit the ice!"

Aside from his role with the Whalers, "Ducky" is a proud father to Ryker and Carter, and husband to Jenna.  He serves as a Municipal Councillor, works as Business Relations Manager for Pinnacle Transportation, and as a Trainer & Equipment Manager for the Stratford Warriors.  For some "behind the scenes" Whaler action, follow Ryan on twitter and instagram - @equip_mgr_ducky

For anything Whalers, contact Ryan via email at rduck@ferguswhalers.ca