2026-27 Chatham-Kent AAA Cyclones U16 Head Coach Lee Giffin is returning for another season at the helm.Raised on a family farm in South Kent, where he continues to reside with his wife and son, has maintained deep roots in both his community and the game of hockey. Hockey has been a defining influence throughout his life.
During his youth, he was coached by his father, Lyle, alongside the same core group of teammates for 12 seasons. At age 15, he advanced to play for the Newmarket Flyers before spending four formative years with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). During his tenure, the team captured a League Championship and had the distinction of hosting the Memorial Cup.
He was subsequently drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins and enjoyed a 12-year professional playing career, competing in the NHL, AHL, and IHL, as well as internationally in Germany and Austria. His professional experience provided him with extensive exposure to elite competition and diverse coaching environments.
Following his retirement from professional hockey, he returned to Blenheim to join his dad’s farming operation. He began his coaching career with the Chatham Junior Maroons, serving for two seasons and guiding the team to consecutive League Championships. He is now entering his sixth season with the Chatham-Kent Cyclones and will assume the role of Head Coach for the U16 Cyclones for the 2026–27 season.
As a coach, he is committed to fostering a culture of accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement. His philosophy emphasizes the development of each athlete as a competitor, teammate, and individual. He is dedicated to providing a structured, organized environment that promotes strong work ethic, teamwork, and skill development, while supporting players’ growth both on and off the ice.