SHERWOOD PARK, AB: The Sherwood Park Crusaders are proud to announce a developmental partnership with Mike Ellis of Highlight Sports, effective immediately.
“I’m excited to be a part of this player, coaches and management groups vision,” commented Ellis. “I look forward to to providing the framework and methods to help players strive technically and tactically to reach their goals”
“Mike is the most innovative and forward-thinking hockey person I’ve been around,” added Crusaders President of Operations Adam Sergerie. “He has worked with some of the most progressive organizations at the highest level and to have him consulting with us helps fast track the Crusaders vision of consistently striving to be one of the top programs in the country. This is a strong message to our current and future Crusaders that we are putting the players needs at the forefront and that we want to support their individual goals. Mike will consult with our staff on all of our development needs and initiatives. We are really excited for the organization, but even more so for the players.”
Ellis has been involved in hockey both on-and-off of the ice for the majority of his life. Growing up in Burlington, Ontario, Ellis played both minor and junior hockey in the city before moving to England to play in the British National League. His 12-year career in the BNL saw him not only earn a roster spot on the British National Team, where he earned both a silver and bronze medal at the World Championships, but eventually graduate to player-assistant coach, player-coach and, finally, taking over the role of head coach following his retirement from on-ice action.
Following the conclusion of his on-ice career, Ellis turned his attention to both coaching and consulting. Immediately following the end of his playing career, Ellis began coaching in Italy, where he was behind the bench for Pustertal/Val Pusteria, Eppan/Appiano, and Valpellice for various stints. Shortly after returning to North America, Ellis joined the Nashville Predators organization as a skating coach before taking a role with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a Player Development Consultant, where he won championships with both the Newfoundland Growlers (ECHL) and Toronto Marlies (AHL). Ellis remained with he Maple Leafs organization until 2019. That year, Ellis took the opportunity to join the Tampa Bay Lightning as the franchise’s Director of Skill Development, where he earned a Stanley Cup in 2020. Highlight Sports will bring data driven performance player development to the Crusaders program, providing individual specific player development plans for Crusaders players and prospects.
The Crusaders would like to welcome Ellis and his family to the organization.
For more information, please contact Crusaders marketing and media director Spencer Love at spencerlove@sherwoodparkcrusaders.com.