Learn to Play Ice Hockey

Hailing from Nova Scotia, Canada, Chris Ivany brings with him a wealth of experience to the Hong Kong hockey world. After playing Junior B hockey, he began his coaching and refereeing career while teaching high school in Nova Scotia.

In 2002 he began coaching minor hockey, and by 2005 he played a pinnacle role in building a successful new hockey program at Cape Breton Highlands Academy as head coach. During this time, Chris graduated to a Level 4 referee through attending high performance camps alongside fellow elite referees in Nova Scotia.

After moving to Hong Kong in 2011, Chris took a break from hockey but after several years decided to return to the game he loves. In 2019, he launched Asia’s first hockey podcast, Across The Pond, to expand the game in the region through storytelling. Many interviews and conversations later, Chris often highlights and celebrates how far hockey has come in Asia in just a few short years. He has had the pleasure and privilege of sitting down with some of hockey’s biggest names, including Eric Lindros, Jeremy Roenick, Kerry Fraser and more, along with key figures in Hong Kong and Asia’s greater hockey scene – people who bring so much inspiration to the game.

Currently Chris is Director of Hockey Operations, Referee-in-Chief, Co-commissioner of the SCIHL and Junior Tigers Island Leagues, Commissioner of the Asia Super League, Head Coach of the U13 and U15 Greater Bay Lions programs and Tournament Director for the Greater Bay Championship. With a lifetime of experience, dedication, integrity and passion for the game, he is a valuable member of the Junior Tigers program.

We are thrilled to welcome our newest coaching hire Matti Fagerstrom—41 years young from the land of a thousand lakes, Finland.

Matti grew up and played his junior years in the true hockey town of Hämeenlinna, where a lifelong passion for the sport led him to pursue coaching at the highest level. He is a graduate of the prestigious Sports Coaching and Management program at Haaga-Helia Vierumäki University, the only university in the world offering a major specifically in ice hockey coaching. This ICCE-endorsed program blends Finland’s world-renowned hockey culture with athlete-centered coaching, international collaboration with the IIHF and Finnish Ice Hockey Association, and hands-on youth development experience (U10–U16).

Since graduating 15 years ago, Matti has coached in top European junior leagues (U15, U17, U18, U20) and with national teams in the UAE, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Known for doing things the “right way,” he prioritizes team culture while fostering individual growth—bringing unmatched expertise, experience professionalism, and passion to our program.

Matti joins the Junior Tigers organization as Head Coach for the expanded U13-U16 program for the 2025-26 season.

Growing up in Montreal, Philippe found hockey a way of life. Starting at the age of three, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the top players in his age group. This early success instilled in him the values of dedication, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence – qualities he carried with him throughout his athletic career.

Philippe’s competitive spirit led him to excel in American football, where he was a key member of one of Quebec’s most dominant juvenile teams. Their back-to-back national championships testify to his commitment to strategy, discipline, and pushing limits – attributes that translate seamlessly to the ice.

As a coach, Philippe is passionate about sharing his knowledge and inspiring young athletes. His experience in teaching defensive strategies in football provides a unique perspective on hockey, emphasizing the importance of positioning, anticipation, and reading the play. He understands that success in both sports requires not only physical skill but also mental toughness and a strong work ethic.

Beyond the rink, Philippe is a successful partner at a leading immigration law firm, demonstrating his ability to excel in diverse fields. He also proudly represents Hong Kong in international ball hockey competitions, proving his enduring love for the game. With Philippe, your child will learn from a coach who embodies the spirit of a champion, both on and off the ice. He’ll instill in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and strategic thinking, helping them reach their full potential as hockey players and individuals.