KGHA & Ottawa Lady Senators Announce Andy Bryan as U18AA Head Coach and Samantha Morell as U15AA Head Coach for the 2025/26 Season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KGHA & Ottawa Lady Senators Announce Andy Bryan as U18AA Head Coach and Samantha Morell as U15AA Head Coach for the 2025/26 Season

Kanata, Ontario - Firstly, the KGHA and Ottawa Lady Senators are proud to introduce Andy Bryan as the Head Coach for the U18AA program for the 2025/26 season. Andy brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in player development, team leadership, and championship achievement at the highest levels of youth hockey.

Andy is a long-time hockey professional and has served in both volunteer and professional roles, guiding teams from U7 through U18. His coaching career began in 1996, with initial NCCP Coaching qualifications, followed by Development I and High-Performance I certifications to further enhance his expertise. Over the years, Andy has built a reputation for instilling high-performance habits, setting high standards, and fostering environments of mutual accountability that prepare players for success both on and off the ice.

“We are delighted to welcome Andy Bryan to the Ottawa Lady Senators family,” said Brooks McMillan, KGHA President. “Andy’s extensive experience and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to develop elite athletes and outstanding individuals. His passion and attention to detail will undoubtedly elevate our program and inspire our players to reach their full potential.”

Andy’s credentials include an impressive history of player and coach development, with many of his past athletes earning opportunities in the OHL, Junior Hockey, and NCAA. His championship-winning record as a head coach spans both male and female hockey at the Tier I level. In addition to coaching, Andy has served as a minor hockey executive member, a director of elite hockey development camps, and a seminar leader on team and player tactical development.

Key Highlights of Andy Bryan’s Coaching Career:

• OWHA Competitive Coach (Head & Assistant Roles)
• HEO AAA Coach (Head Coach)
• Championship-Winning HEO AAA Head Coach
• Championship-Winning ODWHA AA Head Coach
• High-Performance Player Development Expertise
• Extensive Experience Managing and Developing People
• Extensive Experience in Video and Analytics Software use for player development
• Regular participant in coaching development opportunities through Hockey Canada, OWHA, HEO, NHLCA, and more

Certifications and Training Highlights:

• High-Performance I Certified
• Development I Certified
• Coach Stream Trained
• Hockey Canada Instructional Stream Trained - Checking Skills
• Gender Identity and Expression Training
• 14+ HEO/HC Branch Coaching Day Clinics
• National Hockey League Coaches Association Annual Conference Attendee

The KGHA and Ottawa Lady Senators are equally excited to announce Samantha Morell as the Head Coach for the U15AA program for the 2025/26 season.

Samantha, a dedicated and accomplished coach, brings a wealth of experience, passion for player development, and a commitment to excellence to the team.

A resident of Carleton Place, Samantha is currently a non-parent coach with the U18AA Kemptville Thunder team and has deep roots in competitive hockey. She began her playing career with the NCCP and competed at the AA level from U13AA through U18AA before joining the Ottawa Lady Sens PWHL team. Her outstanding performance earned her a hockey scholarship to Laurentian University, where she played for five years with the Voyageurs while studying Human Kinetics and Education. During her time with the Voyageurs, Samantha was the leading scorer and achieved U-Sport Academic All-Canadian status every year. As a former Ranger and Lady Senator, Samantha's vision and values align tremendously with those of the KGHA.

Samantha’s coaching resume is equally impressive, with many years of AA coaching experience in girls hockey. She is highly regarded for her strong communication skills, ability to build meaningful relationships, and dedication to continuous learning as a coach. Samantha is a teacher by trade and brings a unique skill set that translates seamlessly into coaching hockey. Teaching requires exceptional communication, patience, and the ability to inspire and motivate individuals to reach their full potential - qualities that are also essential for effective coaching. Educators are skilled at breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps, fostering an environment of learning and growth, and adapting to the needs of each individual. These strengths, combined with Samantha's passion for hockey, make us confident that they will excel as a coach, guiding players to success both on and off the ice.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Samantha and Andy to the OLS program,” said Kris Hodgins, KGHA Competitive VP. “Samantha's achievements as both a player and coach demonstrate her commitment to developing athletes and fostering a love for the game. Samantha’s vision and expertise could not align any better with our program’s goals and expectations.”

Certifications and Training Highlights:

• High-Performance 1 Certified
• Development 1 Certified
• Coach 2 Certified
• Making Ethical Decisions Training
• Managing Conflict Training
• Leading Drug-Free Sport Training

Coaching Philosophy and Goals:

Short-Term Goals:

• Help players grow in the sport of hockey by improving their on-ice skills and knowledge of the game.
• Foster players' development as young adults in the community by instilling life skills and traits valuable both at and away from the rink.

Long-Term Goals:

• Support players in pursuing opportunities to play university hockey, whether in NCAA or U-Sports programs.

The KGHA Executive and Ottawa Lady Senators invite the KGHA hockey community to join us in welcoming Andy and Samantha to the OLS program.

About the Ottawa Lady Senators
The Ottawa Lady Senators are a premier girls high-performance hockey program with the KGHA, dedicated to developing elite-level athletes and fostering a lifelong passion for the game. With a commitment to excellence on the ice and in the community, the program supports athletes in achieving their fullest potential both athletically and personally.