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TEAM PHOTOS
2026 -
ROSTER PHOTOS
1
JAKE BRUDER
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AYDEN BURT
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EMERSON MONK
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LIAM SHAW
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GAVIN BREMNER
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CADEN CRAGGS
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EVAN AHEARN
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JETT GAUDUN-
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BODEN BRIMMELL
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POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6' 4"
WEIGHT: 220 LB
D.O.B. : OCTOBER 24, 2005
SHOOTS: RIGHT
HOMETOWN: LONDON
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ETHAN OSBOURNE
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LOGAN Van Den AKKER
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POSITION: DEFENSE
HEIGHT: 6' 2"
WEIGHT: 170 LBS
D.O.B. : APRIL 03, 2005
SHOOTS: RIGHT
HOMETOWN: KITCHENER
17
LIAM NUNN
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18
CALE ARVAI
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POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6' 0"
WEIGHT: 185
D.O.B. : JUNE 2, 2007
SHOOTS: LEFT
HOMETOWN: TILLSONBURG
19
TYLER McDOLE
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POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6' 0"
WEIGHT: 175 LBS
D.O.B. : JULY 11, 2006
SHOOTS: RIGHT
HOMETOWN: BRANTFORD
20
SETH COOMBER
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MACKLIN BREMMELL
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JOSH ROBLES
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JACK BIRKBECK
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26
MASON DEMEULEMEESIER
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27
GAVIN BALAZS
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POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT: 6' 1"
WEIGHT: 185 LBS
D.O.B. : APRIL 22, 2009
SHOOTS: RIGHT
HOMETOWN: TILLSONBURG
30
DARREN HAGERTY
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POSITION: GOALTENDER
HEIGHT: 5' 10"
WEIGHT: 171
D.O.B. : 03/08/2007
SHOOTS: LEFT
HOMETOWN: ST. THOMAS
HEAD COACH
DEREK PARTLO
The Norwich Merchants are thrilled to announce the return of Head Coach Derek Partlo for the 2026-
Derek brings a wealth of experience to the organization, both as a player and a coach. His playing career began with the Tillsonburg Titans in Junior "B" hockey, followed by stints with the Norwich Merchants (1989–1991) and the Woodstock Navy Vets (1992–1993). He then went on to a standout
collegiate career with the Ohio University Bobcats from 1993 to 1997, where he helped the program win three consecutive ACHA National Championships, cementing his role in one of the most successful eras in Bobcats history.
Partlo’s coaching résumé is equally impressive. Most recently, he led the Tillsonburg Thunder Senior "A" Men’s hockey team to the 2024 WOSHL Championship. His coaching career also includes significant experience at multiple levels, including with the Norwich Merchants, Woodstock Navy Vets, Tillsonburg Minor Hockey, and Glendale Varsity Hockey teams.
Beyond the rink, Derek is a dedicated educator at Glendale High School, where he has led the Gryphon hockey program to three WOSSAA Championships and a Silver Medal at OFSAA.
Derek’s extensive experience, leadership, and passion for the game make him an invaluable asset as the Head Coach of the Norwich Merchants.
Outside of hockey, Derek resides in Tillsonburg, Ontario, with his wife, Jody, and their three children: Landon, Logan, and McKenna.
Career Highlights
Ohio University Bobcats Sports Hall of Fame – 2014
All time Career Leader in Penalty Minutes Ohio University 424 PIM Career / 183 PIM Single Season
Tillsonburg Sports Hall of Fame – 2015
ACHA National Champions – 1995 / 1996 / 1997 Tournament MVP / All American All Star (1996 – Tournament Scoring Champ)
ASSISTANT COACH
TIM CHRISTO
Tim carries in Norwich with a rich background in hockey and the Norwich community, spanning both his playing and coaching career. His journey includes significant milestones such as coaching the U18 teams in Tillsonburg and the South Oxford Storm, as well as his involvement with the Norwich Merchants and local minor hockey programs.
As a player, Tim spent five years in Junior hockey, playing in various towns including Tillsonburg, Norwich, Delhi, and Langton. This experience as a player has undoubtedly shaped his approach to coaching and understanding of the game.
Tim’s coaching career is marked by nearly three decades of dedication at the Junior level, where he has served as both Head Coach and Assistant Coach
for the Norwich Merchants. His role this upcoming season will focus on overseeing the team’s defensive strategies and penalty killing units, leveraging his wealth of experience to enhance the team’s performance.
Tim’s value to the Merchants bench is seen as a significant asset, bringing not only strategic expertise but also leadership and a deep understanding of the game that will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
Beyond his professional life in hockey, Tim resides in Norwich, Ontario, where he is a father to three daughters named Ashley, Brianna, and Aleisha. His commitment to the sport and his community is evident in his long-
ASSISTANT COACH
ADAM HUNTER
The Norwich Merchants are excited to announce that Adam Hunter has joined the Merchants coaching staff for the 2026-
Adam brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the organization. During his junior playing career, Hunter suited up for Burford, Paris, and our Norwich Merchants, gaining valuable experience and developing a strong understanding of the game from multiple successful programs.
Following his playing career, Hunter transitioned behind the bench, beginning his coaching journey with the Tillsonburg Minor Hockey Association and the South Oxford Storm. Throughout his time in minor hockey, he achieved consistent success, helping establish his teams as some of the premier programs within the OMHA.
Hunter's coaching résumé extends well beyond the minor hockey ranks. Most recently, he partnered with Merchants Head Coach Ryan Partlo to lead the Tillsonburg Thunder Senior "A" men's hockey team to the 2024 WOSHL Championship, further demonstrating his ability to develop players and build winning teams.
Adam's experience as both a player and coach, combined with his strong knowledge of the game and commitment to player development, make him an outstanding addition to our staff. The Red & White are excited to
welcome him back to Norwich and look forward to the impact he will have on our players and program.
Outside of hockey, Adam resides in Tillsonburg, Ontario, with his wife, Meaghan, and their two sons, Drew and Sam.
Please join the Norwich Merchants in welcoming Adam and his family to the organization. We look forward to an exciting 2026-
GOALIE COACH
TYLER GUBESCH
Tyler Gubesch will be returning as Goaltending Coach for the 2026-
A familiar face within the Norwich hockey community, Gubesch brings a strong playing background and valuable coaching experience to the Merchants coaching staff.
Tyler's junior career began with split seasons between the Thamesford Trojans of the PJHL and the St. Mary's Lincolns of the GOJHL before finding a home in Norwich. He went on to spend three successful seasons with the Merchants from 2016 to 2019, becoming a key contributor between the pipes and developing a strong connection to the organization and community.
Since transitioning into coaching, Gubesch has established himself as a highly respected goaltending instructor. Prior to rejoining the Merchants staff, he served as Goaltending Coach for the Aylmer Spitfires and continues to work with the Warlords / Sabres Junior Prospects Hockey League program, helping develop and mentor the next generation of goaltenders.
"We are thrilled to welcome Tyler back to the Merchants organization, His experience as a former Merchant, combined with his passion for developing young goaltenders and his extensive coaching background, make him a tremendous asset to our coaching staff and players." -
As the organization continues to build on its recent success, Gubesch's knowledge, leadership, and commitment to player development will play an important role in the continued growth of the Merchants goaltending program.
Tyler currently resides in Tillsonburg, Ontario.
ASSISTANT COACH
TYLER BROOKS
The Norwich Merchants are excited to announce that Tyler Brooks has transitioned from his Hockey Operations and Scouting role to an Assistant Coach position for the 2026-
Entering his third season with the Merchants organization, Brooks has become a valuable member of the hockey operations team, making strong contributions over the past two seasons through player evaluation, recruitment, and scouting. His dedication to the organization and passion for the game have earned him the opportunity to take the next step in his hockey journey.
As a player, Brooks enjoyed an accomplished junior career with the Delhi Travellers from 2005 to 2010. During his 200 + game career, he was a point-
Since transitioning into coaching, Brooks has continued to build his experience at the grassroots level, working within the Tillsonburg Minor Hockey Association and most recently serving behind the bench with the South Oxford Storm U11 "A" program. His commitment to player development and team success has been evident throughout his coaching career.
"Tyler has demonstrated an incredible passion for learning and growing within our organization, Over the past two seasons, he has made a significant impact on our hockey operations department, and we are excited to see him continue that growth as he transitions behind the bench. His work ethic, hockey knowledge, and dedication to our players make him a tremendous addition to our coaching staff." -
As the Merchants continue building on the success of recent seasons, Brooks' move to the coaching staff marks another important step in
strengthening the organization's commitment to player development and long-
Tyler currently resides in Tillsonburg, ON with his two boys Griffin & Beau.
ASSISTANT COACH
MATT DUNCAN
Norwich Merchants are pleased of the recent addition of Matt Duncan to the organization's coaching staff for the 2026-
Duncan brings a strong combination of playing experience, coaching success, and player development expertise to the Merchants as the organization continues to build for the future.
Matt's junior career began with two seasons in the GOJHL, splitting time between the Listowel Cyclones and the St. Mary's Lincolns, where he established himself as a highly skilled, no-
No stranger to the coaching ranks, Duncan has built an impressive coaching résumé throughout his time in minor hockey. He began his coaching journey with the Ingersoll Express Minor Hockey Association, where he guided the U15 program to both Regional Silver Stick and International Silver Stick Championships before capping off the season with an OMHA U15 "B" Championship.
Duncan later joined the Elgin Middlesex Canucks and London Junior Knights AAA programs, where he continued to enjoy success, helping lead teams to Alliance Championships while developing players at the highest levels of minor hockey in Ontario.
"Matt brings a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience, and passion for player development to our organization. His proven track record of success at both the playing and coaching levels makes him a valuable addition to our staff. We are excited to welcome Matt to Norwich and look forward to the impact he will have on our players both on and off the ice." -
Matt currently resides in Ingersoll, Ontario.
GENERAL MANAGER
DARREN HOUSE
The Norwich Merchants are proud to announce the return of Darren House for his fifth season with the organization and third season as General Manager for the upcoming 2026-
House's leadership has been instrumental in pushing the Merchants forward, and his return comes at an exciting time in the organization's history as the team embarks on a bold new rebrand while continuing to usher in a new era of hockey in Norwich alongside Head Coach Derek Partlo.
No stranger to the Merchants program, House first joined the organization in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of hockey operations experience and a proven track record of success in both management and coaching. Prior to becoming General Manager, Darren served as the team's Head Scout under former General Manager Steve Aichmayr, playing a key role in evaluating and recruiting talent.
Before arriving in Norwich, House spent seven seasons as Director of the REP Hockey Program with the Ingersoll Minor Hockey Association from 2012 to 2019. During that time, the program captured six OMHA Championships and earned two additional OMHA Finalist appearances. Behind the bench, House also guided the Ingersoll U15 program to back-
Under House's guidance, the Merchants have continued to build a strong foundation for long-
Darren's passion, commitment, and vision for the Norwich Merchants have played a major role in the progress our organization has made over the past several seasons. His leadership, experience, and dedication to creating a first-
Darren currently resides in Ingersoll, Ontario, with his wife, Erin, and their children, Tye, Sam, and Ellis.
TRAINER
MARK BAXTER
MARK ENTERS HIS 50th SEASON AS A CERTIFIED TRAINER, AND HIS 34TH SEASON AS A LEVEL 3 TRAINER WITH THE NORWICH MERCHANTS.
MARK BEGAN HIS VOLUNTEER CAREER in THE MISSISSAUGA HOCKEY LEAGUE WITH A MINOR ATOM BLUE TEAM, AND MOVED ON TO THE METRO TRORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE, AND GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE AA / AAA TEAMS. TRAVELING OVERSEAS TO GERMANY, ITALY AND WAXHOLM SWEDEN.
THE LAST 34 SEASONS HE HAS BEEN WITH THE NORWICH MERCHANT FAMILY, AS A TRAINER / DIRECTOR / AND WEBMASTER. HE HAS SEEN THE HIGHEST OF HIGHS, AND THE LOWEST OF LOWS, YET IT IS ALL GOOD AS IT IS WITH THE ENTIRE NORWICH MERCHANT FAMILY.
MARK CONTINUES TO PROVIDE HIS SERVICES ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS AS HE HAS FOR THE PAST 50 YEARS.
MARK WAS HONORED FOR HIS LIFESAVING ACTIONS RECEIVING AWARDS FROM THE CANADIAN RED CROSS LIFESAVING AWARD, THE OHA 2000 TRAINER OF THE YEAR AWARD, 2000 DR. TOM PASHBY HTCP TRAINER OF THE YEAR, AND AN ACCOMODATION AND MEDAL OF BRAVERY FROM GOVENOR GENERAL OF CANADA.
HE RECEIVED THE PJHL TRAINER OF THE YEAR AWARD LAST YEAR, HIS SECOND SUCH RECOGNITION WHILE WITH THE NORWICH JR. "C" MERCHANTS.
EQUIPMENT MANAGER
SETH ALLEN
Seth is back for his seventh year as Equipment manager, prior to taking on that role Seth also volunteered on and off with the Merchants since 2011. Seth was also involved with Tillsonburg Minor Hockey as an assistant coach and team manager from 1993-
SETH TOOK HIS LEVEL 3 HTCP TRAINERS CERTIFICATION AND WILL ASSISST MARK AS HIS ASSISTANT TRAINER THIS YEAR.
Seth resides in Ingersoll with his wife and four children.
EQUIPMENT ASSISTANT
SCOTT COWAN
SCOTT JOINS THE NORWICH MERCHANTS THIS SEASON ANS ASSISTANT EQUIPMENT MANAGER TO ASSIST SETH ALLEN WITH EQUIPMENT DUTIES.
SCOTT IS A LIFE LONG MEMBER OF THE VILLAGE OF NORWICH.
EQUIPMENT ASSISTANT
BRODIE McCOOEYE
BRODIE TAKES PRIDE IN HIS ROLE AND WORKS HARD TO LET HIS PRESENCE BE KNOWN AROUND THE ARENA AND WITH THE ENTIRE MERCHANT FAMILY. WHEN BRODIE IS NOT HELPING OUT WITH THE MERCHANTS YOU CAN FIND HIM BOWLING WITH THE WOODSTOCK SPECIAL OLYMPICS, PLAYING BASKETBALL WITH THE TILLSONBURG SPECIAL OLYMPICS, THROWING BAGS AT THE NORWICH LEGION CORNHOLE NIGHTS, AND VOLUNTEERING AT SOME LOCAL OPTIMIST EVENTS
BRODIE ALSO LOVES MUSIC AND IS A PROUD MEMBER, OFTEN PERFORMING SOLOS, WITH MOMENTUM CHOIR IN ST. CATHERINES WHICH IS A UNIQUE ENSEMBLE, EXCLUSIVELY CONSISTING OF ADULT ARTISTS LIVING WITH A PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL OR AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY.