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 focusing on hockey coaching. 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 both South Delta Minor Hockey and Vancouver Thunderbirds Minor Hockey in Skill Development and Coach Mentorship roles.
Carter Popoff
Coach
Carter Popoff is entering his 2nd season of professional hockey after a successful rookie season (2021-2022) playing for Neuilly-sur-Marne (France Div 1). 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 7th season as a member of the VHS coaching staff.
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 and WHL teams within the province. An enthusiastic skills coach, Campos leads in-season skills programs and speciality camps. He is also a key contributor the BC Kodiaks spring program.
MACOY ERKAMPS
Coach
Macoy Erkamps spent 5 years playing in the WHL (2011-2016) after being selected in the 2010 WHL Bantam draft (2nd Rd #27 overall) by the Lethbridge Hurricanes. A graduate of the MML Greater Vancouver Canadians, Erkamps captured a Gold Medal at the 2011 Canada Winter Games as a member of Team West. In a blockbuster deal in 2014, he was traded to the Brandon Wheat Kings where he was named team captain (2015-2016). A tough and rugged defenseman, Erkamps has attended NHL training camps with the Ottawa Senators and St. Louis Blues. In April 2016 Macoy signed a 3 year NHL Entry Level Contract with the Senators. Coach Erkamps completed his 3rd year of pro hockey playing in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization (2018-2019). A very popular member of the VHS coaching staff, this will mark Erkamps 8th season (2011-2019) with Vancouver Hockey School.
JASON FRAM
Coach
Jason Fram spent 5 years playing in the WHL (2011-2016) after being selected in the 2010 WHL Bantam draft (8th Rd #171) by the Spokane Chiefs. Fram is a graduate of South Delta Minor Hockey where he crafted his skills as a offensive defenseman. He spent one season (2009-2010) with the MML Great Vancouver Canadians before securing a roster spot with the WHL Spokane Chiefs. A tremendous playmaker, Fram led the Chiefs defenseman in points in back to back seasons (2013 / 2014). Jason served as Spokane Chiefs team captain for 2 seasons (2015/2016). In 2014/2015 Jason captured the WHL award for most assists by a defenseman (53). Fram attended 2 NHL training camps (2014-2016) with the Calgary Flames. Under his WHL scholarship, Coach Fram currently mans the blueline for the CIS Alberta Golden Bears. A former VHS student, this will mark Jason’s 5th year coaching at Vancouver Hockey School.
Matthew Brown
Coach
Matthew Brown is the former captain of the PIJHL Richmond Sockeyes (2017/2018). A rugged defensemen, Coach Brown patrolled the blueline for the SFU Mens Hockey Team (2019/2022). A graduate of the BCEHL Vancouver Canadians Major Midget program, he also honed his game with the BCHL Junior “A” Surrey Eagles (2018/2019) before starting his University career. Matthew is currently under contract with the Vancouver Thunderbirds in a skill development role (2021-2023) while completing his criminology degree at SFU. In addition, he is a key contributor to the BC Kodiaks spring program where he oversees the female program. A very popular instructor with students of all ages, this will mark Coach Matt’s 5th year at Vancouver Hockey School.
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 leadership skills., he is currently playing hockey for the University of Victoria while completing his post secondary studies. This will mark Coach Sweeney’s 3rd season with Vancouver Hockey School.
