Vancouver Hockey School Coaches
What makes us unique?
Vancouver Hockey School’s outstanding reputation stems from its quality of instruction. Our team of professional coaches teach and coach players of all levels up to and including the NHL. It is Vancouver Hockey School’s mandate to provide the highest quality of hockey instruction to all participants.
Derek Popke
Coach
Derek Popke is the founder of Vancouver Hockey School Ltd. As a hockey skating consultant, Popke has worked on-ice with the NHL Toronto Maple Leafs (2009-2014), ECHL Victoria Salmon Kings, BCHL Penticton Vees, BCEHL Canadians and CSSHL St. Georges Saints. In 2021, and in cooperation with the Vancouver Canucks, over 20 NHL players from multiple organizations attended his pro camp. In 2009, a record 19 players who skate with Popke were drafted in the WHL Bantam Draft. As one of the lower mainland’s most respected skating coaches, over 50 of Popke’s clients have been selected in the NHL draft in the past 7 years. Popke spent 10 seasons with Seafair Minor Hockey as Director of Player Development (2007-2017). Under his guidance the association grew from 350 to over 850 members. He is currently the Hockey Advisor to the Vancouver Thunderbirds. Most recently, Popke was a key note speaker on hockey skating at The Coaches Site Coaching Conference featuring top coaches from around the world.
Stan Sibert
Coach
Stan Sibert is recognized as one of the top skills providers in the lower mainland. He spent two seasons as Head Coach for the CSSHL Bantam Varsity St Georges Saints (2018/2019). Coach Sibert captured the CSSHL League Championship with the Saints in their inaugural season (2017/2018). He joined the Saints program after a successful season as head coach of the CSSHL International Hockey Academy (2016/2017) in Calgary AB. A former professional player, Sibert is well known for his skill development of elite players focusing on advanced European methods he acquired while coaching in his native Slovakia. In addition, Coach Sibert holds a masters degree in physical education and is a certified Hockey Canada skills coach. Upon his arrival to Canada, he coached North Shore Winter Club’s Elite Midget Program and the BCEHL Northeast Chiefs. Coach Sibert is under contract to the Vancouver Thunderbirds in Skill Development and Coach Mentorship roles.
Carter Popoff
Coach
Carter Popoff is entering his 4th season of professional hockey after a successful rookie season (2021-2022) playing for Neuilly-sur-Marne (France Div 1). He is currently playing for the Tulsa Oilers in the ECHL. He spent 4 years with the University of British Columbia Men’s Hockey Team (2016-2021). Popoff played a key role as the UBC Thunderbirds advanced to the USports National Championships in the 2019/2020 season. He joined the Thunderbirds after 4 seasons (2012-2016) with the WHL Vancouver Giants. Playing for legendary coach Don Hay, he was named Assistant Captain of the Giants for the 2015/2016 season. He recorded 64 points in 72 games centering the Giants top line. Popoff played 1 season (2010/2011) for the BCEHL Greater Vancouver Canadians. A graduate of Richmond Minor Hockey, this will mark Popoff’s 8th season at VHS both as a player and coach.
Brandon Campos
Coach
Brandon Campos is entering his 7th season with Vancouver Hockey School. A former professional hockey player, Campos completed 4 years in the WHL suiting up for the Everett Silvertips and Chilliwack Bruins. An offensive forward, Campos recorded a team lead 70 points in the 2007-2008 season with the Chilliwack Bruins. He went on the play 3 seasons in the CIS for the University of British Columbia (2008-2011). Campos played 2 seasons (2011-2013) of professional hockey in France. He currently the team sales rep for CCM Hockey. His duties include the NHL Vancouver Canucks, Seattle Kraken, and WHL teams within the province. An enthusiastic skills coach, Campos leads in-season skills programs and speciality camps for Vancouver Thunderbirds. He is also a key contributor the BC Kodiaks spring program.
Matthew Stewart
Coach
Matthew Stewart is entering his 5th summer coaching with the Vancouver Hockey School. A draft pick of the WHL Vancouver Giants, he is the former captain of the PIJHL Richmond Sockeyes (2023/2024). Matt was a key member of the Sockeyes quest for the League Championship in 2023 eventually falling in a hard fought game 7 to the Ridge Meadows Flames. Known for his leadership and coaching abilities, he is currently in a management role with the Sockeyes. Matt continues to be popular with all camp attendees with his positive attitude and energy. He is also a key contributor the BC Kodiaks spring program.
TOM Sweeney
Coach
Tom Sweeney is the former captain of the PIJHL Richmond Sockeyes (2019-2020). A graduate of the prestigious Burnaby Winter Club Hockey Academy (CSSHL), Coach Sweeney played Junior A hockey in the BCHL and SJHL for the Prince George Spruce Kings and Estevan Bruins respectively. A fluid skater with excellent leadership skills, he continues to blend his hockey playing and coaching knowledge to players of all levels. Coach Sweeney’s positive approach with youth players and effective on-ice demonstrations makes him one of our key coaching staff members each summer. He is currently playing hockey for the University of Victoria while completing his post secondary studies. This will mark Coach Sweeney’s 5th season with the Vancouver Hockey School.
