ZAJAC HOCKEY LEADERSHIP
Winnipeg Division
Tom Zajac
Founder | Co-Head Instructor
Tom Zajac is the founder of Zajac Hockey, built on more than 30 years of dedicated player development and a lifelong passion for the game. With over 40 years of personal experience coaching and developing young hockey players, Tom has dedicated his life to helping athletes build their skills, reach their potential, and pursue their hockey dreams.
Tom's hockey journey began in Winnipeg's North End, where he grew up playing minor hockey before earning a four-year hockey scholarship to the University of Denver, where he received multiple honours during his collegiate career. Following university, he returned home to play senior and intermediate hockey, representing Manitoba at various levels and winning a Canadian Intermediate Hockey Championship.
Tom's passion for coaching began long before the creation of Zajac Hockey. Through coaching his own sons and working with young players throughout the Winnipeg hockey community, he developed a coaching philosophy rooted in strong fundamentals, dedication, and a commitment to helping every player improve. More than 30 years ago, he turned that passion into the foundation of Zajac Hockey, creating development programs designed to give young athletes the instruction and opportunities needed to take their game to the next level.
Throughout his coaching career, Tom has helped develop countless players who have gone on to compete in junior, collegiate, and professional hockey, including Jonathan Toews, Nigel Dawes, Quintin Howden, Travis Zajac, and Darren Helm. One of his proudest accomplishments has been helping his four sons earn NCAA scholarships and pursue professional hockey careers around the world.
Today, Tom continues to lead Zajac Hockey alongside his sons Travis, Darcy, Kelly, and Nolan carrying forward the same values and development philosophy that have guided the program for decades.
Tom's ultimate goal has never changed: to give every player the opportunity to develop their skills, compete at the next level, and pursue their dreams.
Nolan Zajac
Co-Head Instructor
Nolan Zajac is a Co-Head Instructor with Zajac Hockey, bringing extensive experience in elite hockey, player development, and coaching to the organization.
A Winnipeg native, Nolan played his minor hockey with the Winnipeg Thrashers of the AAA Midget league, representing Manitoba twice at the Telus Cup National Championships and earning tournament MVP honours in 2008. He went on to play in the United States Hockey League (USHL) before attending the University of Denver on an NCAA Division I hockey scholarship from 2012 to 2016. During his collegiate career, he earned All-Rookie honours and Rookie of the Year recognition while helping Denver capture a division championship and advance to the NCAA Frozen Four.
Nolan began his professional career in the ECHL, earning All-Star Game selection and All-Rookie Team honours before advancing to the American Hockey League (AHL). He went on to compete at the highest levels of professional hockey in Europe, playing in Sweden, Germany, Slovakia, France, and Norway.
Drawing on his experience at the collegiate and professional levels, Nolan specializes in individual skill development, with a particular emphasis on defencemen's development, skating, puck control, and hockey sense. He is passionate about helping young players build strong fundamentals, confidence, and the skills needed to reach their potential.
In addition to his work with Zajac Hockey, Nolan currently volunteers as a U7 head coach, working with young players as they learn the game and develop a strong foundation in hockey. As Co-Head Instructor for the Winnipeg Division, he works alongside Tom Zajac to deliver high-quality instruction and help players take their game to the next level.
Ed Barlett
Lead Instructor
Ed brings extensive coaching and player development experience to Zajac Hockey. He has instructed at Zajac Hockey camps for several years and spent more than a decade working with a Hockey Canada Skills Academy in Eastern Canada. Combined with his experience coaching minor hockey at various levels in Winnipeg, Ed brings a wealth of knowledge and practical instruction to help young players develop their skills and reach their potential.
Outside of hockey, Ed works within the Winnipeg school system as a teacher and vice-principal. His background in education complements his coaching experience, allowing him to connect with young athletes, support their development, and create a positive learning environment both on and off the ice.
Kelowna, BC Division
Darcy Zajac
Co-Founder|Head Instructor
Darcy Zajac is a former professional hockey player and NCAA scholarship recipient who graduated from the University of North Dakota, where he played for the Fighting Sioux from 2006–2010 alongside numerous future NHL players.
A Winnipeg native, Darcy began his playing career with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL, earning the team's Most Dedicated Player Award in consecutive seasons. He turned professional in 2010 with the Albany Devils of the American Hockey League (AHL), later earning an NHL contract with the New Jersey Devils before continuing his professional career in Europe in 2015.
With over 15 years of experience in player development, Darcy designs and coordinates programs for Zajac Hockey, working with athletes across Winnipeg, Kelowna, and New Jersey. His coaching experience spans multiple leagues and includes guiding teams to championship success.
Darcy specializes in developing players pursuing opportunities at the junior, collegiate, and professional levels. Through structured training programs and individualized instruction, he emphasizes skill development, attention to detail, and the dedication required to reach the next level.
Professional Development Influence
Darcy has worked with Diane Ness, renowned skating coach and instructor, whose experience includes working with the U.S. Olympic Women's Hockey Team, the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers men's and women's programs, and the New Jersey Devils.
“Hockey is a simple game, but dedication is what separates the players. Patience and commitment to detail will help each individual achieve their dreams.”
New Jersey, USA Division
Travis Zajac
Head Advisor | Director of Player Development
Travis Zajac brings an exceptional wealth of hockey knowledge and experience to Zajac Hockey. From his early days playing minor hockey in Winnipeg's North End to competing in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) and earning a four-year NCAA hockey scholarship to the University of North Dakota, Travis built a career that led to 15 seasons in the National Hockey League and more than 1,000 NHL games.
Drawing on his experience at the highest level of the game, Travis plays a key role in shaping the development philosophy and programs across all Zajac Hockey locations. As Head Advisor and Director of Player Development, he helps guide the organization's approach to training, ensuring players benefit from the knowledge, skills, and habits required to compete at the next level.
Having instructed at Zajac Hockey camps for many years, Travis remains actively involved in developing young athletes. He also continues to coach minor hockey in New Jersey, working directly with the next generation of players and helping them build the foundation for long-term success.
Through his leadership and continued involvement on the ice, Travis helps guide player development across every Zajac Hockey division, bringing NHL-level experience and insight to players at every stage of their development.
Boston, USA Division
Kelly Zajac,
Head Instructor
Kelly Zajac brings extensive playing and coaching experience to Zajac Hockey, with a career that spans junior, collegiate, and professional hockey.
Growing up, Kelly played his minor hockey in North Winnipeg before moving on to compete in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) for two seasons. His performance earned him a four-year hockey scholarship to Union College, where he competed in the ECAC. Following his collegiate career, Kelly played several seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Manitoba Moose and Albany Devils before finishing his professional career with the South Carolina Stingrays of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL).
Kelly has been involved with Zajac Hockey camps in both Winnipeg and Charleston, South Carolina. While in Charleston, he led a Zajac Hockey summer skills development program for five years, helping young athletes strengthen their fundamentals and develop their game.
Today, Kelly continues to coach minor hockey and leads Zajac Hockey development programs in the Boston, Massachusetts area. He brings his professional playing experience and years of hands-on instruction to help young players build confidence, improve their skills, and reach their potential.
ZAJAC HOCKEY COACHING TEAM
Kyle Hampton
Instructor
Kyle brings a great background from playing the game to his background in coaching and teaching hockey skills. Kyle has worked with zajac camps for 7 plus years, as well as instructing at several camps around the city. He has also worked as a skill provider for Evolution Hockey, Hockey Manitoba, and the Winkler Flyers
Kyle brings a wealth of knowledge, with great strength in the teaching of power skating skills and stickhandling.
