OTTAWA, ON (March 6, 2026) – The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) celebrates the 15 coaches supporting the Canadian athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. The Paralympic Games begin today and continue until March 15, 2026.
The dedicated team of coaches will support 50 athletes and four guides as they represent Canada across five sports at the Games incluing; Para alpine skiing, para ice hockey, Para nordic skiing (including Para biathlon and Para cross country), Para snowboard and wheelchair curling.
About the Coaching team:
All 15 coaches hold a Registered Coach license with the CAC. Eleven have a Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC®) designation. It is the highest professional status a coach can achieve based on the ethical, educational, and experience standards.
The coaching staff includes 13% who identify as women and 87% who identify as men.
Five provinces are represented across the coaching team: Alberta (six), Quebec and Ontario (each three), and then New Brunswick, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island (each one).
Five of Canada’s coaches are past recipients of the Petro-CanadaTM Coaching Excellence award; Dana Ferguson, Greg Picard, Mark Fawcett, and Will Marshall, and Frédéric Deslongchamps. These awards recognize the achievements of Canada’s coaches and their commitment to their athlete’s success and wellbeing.
Coach Greg Picard, head coach for the Para snowboard team was recognized in 2022 with the Coaching Association of Canada Coach of the Year award.
Sport | Name | Role |
Para alpine skiing | Frederic Deslongchamps, ChPC | Coach |
Para alpine skiing | Lasse Eriksson, ChPC | Coach |
Para alpine skiing | Will Marshall | Head Coach |
Para ice hockey | Steve Arsenault | Assistant Coach |
Para ice hockey | Liam Heelis, ChPC | Mental Preparation Coach |
Para ice hockey | Dominic Larocque | Goaltending Coach |
Para ice hockey | Boris Rybalka, ChPC | Head Coach |
Para ice hockey | Dean Seymour | Video & Skills Coach |
Para nordic skiing | Menno Arendz, ChPC | Head Coach - Biathlon |
Para nordic skiing | Leslie Bode, ChPC | Assistant Coach |
Para nordic skiing | Brian McKeever, ChPC | Head Coach - Cross Country |
Para snowboard | Mark Fawcett, ChPC | Coach |
Para snowboard | Greg Picard, ChPC | Head Coach |
Wheelchair curling | Mick Lizmore, ChPC | Head Coach |
Wheelchair curling | Dana Ferguson, ChPC | Assistant Coach |
“It has been remarkable to witness the passion that the coaches have for their sport and their athletes,” says Lorraine Lafrenière, Chief Executive Officer of the CAC. “Coaches are an active part of an athlete's pursuit to perform at the highest level of competition. They exemplify steadfastness to ensure their athletes thrive and reach their full potential in their chosen sport.”
The CAC wishes the coaches and athletes all the best at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games.
Canadians can show their support for the Canadian Paralympic Team and the next generation of Para athletes through the Paralympic Foundation of Canada’s #FillTheStands campaign. Supporters can purchase a virtual seat for $25 and share their message to the team, creating a swell of support for the athletes from coast to coast to coast while raising money for the development and growth of Para sport in Canada. To purchase your seat, please visit Paralympic.ca/FillTheStands.
About the Coaching Association of Canada
The Coaching Association of Canada unites stakeholders and partners in its commitment to raising the skills and stature of coaches and ultimately expanding their reach and influence. Through its programs, the CAC empowers coaches with knowledge and skills, promotes ethics, fosters positive attitudes, builds competence, and increases the credibility and recognition of coaches. For more information, please visit www.coach.ca, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
For media inquiries:
Sarah Min
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Coaching Association of Canada