WELCOME TO THE HOME OF THE SILVERBACKS
The Silverbacks U7 program is built to develop strong fundamentals, confidence, and a true love for the game in a competitive but supportive environment. Our focus is on skill development, teamwork, and positive coaching that challenges players while keeping hockey fun, fast paced, and engaging.
The season includes both on and off ice development, with a strong emphasis on the mental side of the game. Players are supported in building confidence, resilience, and positive habits that translate both on and off the ice.
The team is currently registered for two tournaments:
The Gordie Howe Memorial Tournament in Saskatoon from May 15–17, and the Stampede Challenge in Calgary from May 29–31.
The roster will include 15 players, with one goalie position available. Registration fees for each player is $800.00.
Silverbacks U7 is about pushing players to reach their potential while creating an environment where kids feel supported, excited to show up, and proud to wear the jersey.
THE SILVERBACKS
Our COaches
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Our COaches *
BRANT BARKLEY
Head Coach-
Raised on a family farm near Red Deer Lake, Alberta, he learned early what hard work, grit, and discipline really mean. Those same values carried him through years of high-end minor hockey and competitive lacrosse, sports he grew up playing, studying, and loving.
Today, while ranching near Longview, Alberta, he brings that rural work ethic and calm, steady leadership to the rink. With decades of experience in the game, he coaches with a balance of technical skill, quiet confidence, and genuine care for his players.
Whether he’s teaching fundamentals, developing hockey IQ, or pushing athletes to reach their potential, he believes in building strong character as much as strong skaters. His coaching reflects who he is: dedicated, humble, hardworking, and fully committed to helping young athletes succeed on and off the ice.
“I coach with a strong, consistent approach that emphasizes discipline, respect, and effort. It’s important to me that kids develop both as players and as people.”
Tyler Brosz
Head Coach-
Tyler Brosz, born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, is a Canadian forward whose hockey career spans elite junior hockey, NCAA Division I competition, and senior men’s hockey in Alberta. Brosz began his rise through the ranks with the Olds Grizzlys of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where he established himself as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players. His breakout 2000–01 season produced an outstanding 114 points, earning him national recognition. That year, he was honoured as the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) National Player of the Year, distinguishing him as the top Junior A player in the entire country.
Following his dominant junior career, Brosz advanced to NCAA Division I, joining the University of Minnesota–Duluth Bulldogs in the WCHA. Over four seasons with the Bulldogs, he appeared in 133 games and recorded 75 points, becoming known for his creativity, playmaking ability, and strong presence on the power play. Throughout his collegiate career, he delivered multiple standout performances, including four-point games and a collegiate hat trick, contributing significantly to Minnesota–Duluth’s offensive depth during his time there.
After completing his NCAA career, Brosz returned to Alberta, continuing to compete at a high level in senior men’s hockey, including time in the Chinook Hockey League—a league known for its fast pace and depth of former junior, college, and professional players. His career reflects a combination of elite junior success, NCAA experience, and long-term competitiveness in Alberta’s senior circuits.
Tyler's goals and aspirations for the silverbacks is to focus on skill development and a competitive mindset.
“I’m a positive coach who challenges players while giving them the feedback they need to improve every day. My goal is to help each child unlock their full potential.”
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Matt is from the town of Okotoks where he grew up playing hockey as a defenceman. When minor hockey concluded Matt went to the University of Calgary where he continued to play hockey for the High River Flyers (Heritage Junior B) from 2003-2007.
From here Matt continued developing his hockey skills and attained a spot on a semi-professional team in Finland where they won ii-Divisioona and moved up to Suomi Sarja (2010-2011). Following this he played a season in Austria for the Kufstein Dragons, winning another championship with his team in the Tyrolean Elite League (2011-12).
After this Matt moved back to Okotoks where he played with the Okotoks Drillers in the Chinook Hockey League in 2012.
Following this Matt moved to Australia where he played and captained the semi-professional team, the Canberra Brave, winning 2 championships in the AIHL from 2013-2025. Outside of playing hockey Matt is a Registered Psychologist who is building his skillset in Sports Psychology. His key focuses are improving individual player mental performance, team culture and overcoming performance anxiety.
“As a psychologist with a focus in sports, who has played at the professional level, I approach development from both sides—helping kids grow not just in their physical abilities, but in confidence, focus, and mental resilience.”
Assistant CoachMATT HARVEY
Try outs
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Try outs *
U7 SILVERBACKS TRYOUTS
Silverbacks U7 tryouts are designed to be positive, energetic, and development focused. Our goal is to evaluate each player’s skating, puck control, game awareness, effort, and coachability in a supportive environment that allows kids to play their game and have fun.
Tryouts will include structured drills and small area gameplay to give players multiple opportunities to showcase their skills, teamwork, and work ethic. Coaches will also be looking at attitude, engagement, and how players respond to instruction.
This program is competitive, but it is built on encouragement and respect. We want players who are excited to learn, support their teammates, and bring energy to the ice. The Silverbacks U7 roster will consist of 15 players, with one goalie position available. Final selections will be communicated following the completion of tryouts.
****TRYOUTS ARE OPEN TO 2019- BORN PLAYERS, WITH LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR LATE-BORN 2018’s. ALL UNDERAGE ARE WELCOME TO TRYOUT ******
TRYOUT DATES & TIMES
Saturday, March 21, 2026 - 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Sunday, March 22, 2026 - 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Monday, March 23, 2026 - 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
LOCATION
Oilfields Arena: 611 3 St SW, Diamond Valley, AB T0L 0H0
Schedule
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Schedule *
Contact us.
Tyler@thefencestore.ca
+1 403-863-0008