2025-26 Chatham-Kent AAA Cyclones U15 Head Coach Lee Giffin is returning for his 3rd consecutive season at the helm.
Lee Giffin was raised on a family
farm in South Kent, where he, his wife, his son continue to reside today. Hockey has been a central focus
throughout Lee's life. As a youth, His father, Lyle, coached him and the same core
group of teammates for 12 seasons before Lee moved to Newmarket at age 15
to play
for the Newmarket Flyers. He then spent four formative years with
the Oshawa Generals in the OHL, during which time the team captured a
League Championship and hosted the Memorial Cup. From there, Lee was
drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins and had the privilege to play
professionally for 12 years, competing in the NHL, AHL, IHL, and overseas in Germany and Austria.
After retiring from playing, Lee returned to Blenheim to farm with his dad. He coached the Chatham Junior Maroons for two seasons, helping
lead them to back-to-back League Championships. Lee is moving into his fifth season with the
Chatham-Kent Cyclones. He is excited
to take on the role of Head Coach for the U15 Cyclones for the
2025-26 season, and is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and passion for the game with the team.
He is what Lee had to say :
"I coach because I love the energy of the players, the commitment
of the parents, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from helping
young athletes grow—physically, mentally, and emotionally—both on and
off the ice. My coaching philosophy focuses on developing each
player as a competitor, teammate, and person throughout the season. I strive
to be consistent, hardworking, and organized while promoting a strong
work ethic, teamwork, and skill development in every practice and
game."