Coaches

Aubrey Arnason

Aubrey Arnason grew up in Winnipeg MB where she was a competitive figure skater, she moved to Vancouver 13 years ago she has been coaching hockey players ever since. Aubrey’s father is ex NHLer Chuck Arnason (Montreal Canadians, Pittsburgh Penguins) and her brother is NHL player Tyler Arnason who is currently with the Colorado Avalanche. Growing up in a hockey family Aubrey intimately understands the sport on every level as well as the importance of maintaining a healthy attitude while developing players. She is an NCCP Certified coach, Human Kinetics Graduate and has worked with players from beginner to pro. She is the owner/operator of Arnason Hockey Skating schools a company which has worked with numerous organizations throughout the lower mainland and Vancouver Island.  A strong believer in the importance of fun while learning Aubrey is an energetic and enthusiastic coach as well as a great communicator. Players will never leave the rink unhappy or unclear. One of the most consistent comments Aubrey receives is “I never have to convince my son/daughter to come to your class, they love it”.

Organizations that AHSS has worked with:

Seafair
Richmond
North Vancouver
Angels (Vancouver Minor Girls Association)
Avalanche North Vancouver girls association
West Vancouver
Vancouver Minor
Arbutus Club
Burnaby New West Ringette Assoc.
Team Hockey
Numerous Adult recreational teams

Andy Buchanan

Andy Buchanan grew up in Wabamun, Alberta and started skating at four years old. At six he started playing hockey and at seven began private figure skating lessons to improve his skating for Hockey. Playing hockey all the way up to Junior A in Stony Plain, AB Andy was also figure skating at the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton. Training with world class skaters such as, Kurt Browning and Kristi Yamaguchi it was at this time he decided to only compete in the sport of figure skating. This turned out to be a great decision as he was Western Canadian champion in both singles and pairs FIVE times! Andy was an alternate for the Junior World Figure Skating competition and went on to become a professional figure skater. He has spent the last 10 years touring all over the world with Disney on Ice. As a principal performer he has played many characters including Aladdin, Tarzan, Scar (Lion King), Simba (Lion King), Hercules, Prince Eric and of course Prince Charming.  Andy is a NCCP certified coach and has trained both figure skaters and hockey players in Prince Rupert, BC.

Kylie Johnson

Kylie Johnson has been coaching skating since 1992. She worked at The Arbutus Club for 10 years and with many other organizations including the Whistler Skating Club, Sunset Skating Club, Stan Smyl Hockey School and of course with AHSS for many years. Kylie’s father Mickey McDowell is a former member of Canada’s Olympic Hockey team and coming from a hockey family has provided Kylie with a deep understanding of the sport. She also worked at Cyclone Taylor for many years and has a world of knowledge when it comes to proper skating/hockey equipment. Kylie has been a teacher with the Vancouver School Board since 2000. She is currently teaching Kindergarten at Queen Mary Elementary School. Her qualifications include NCCP Level 1 certification, CanPower certification, First Aid, BA, B Ed.