Our Services

Player Pathways is dedicated to helping serious student-athletes maximize their hockey careers with clarity, structure, and confidence. We provide a personalized, hands-on approach for every player and family we work with. No two paths are the same. Our process is built on honest communication, transparent guidance, and real relationships within the hockey world. We help families understand the landscape, make informed decisions, and move forward with a clear plan instead of uncertainty.

Advising & Mentorship
We guide players through junior A and college programs, including camps and showcases, to maximize exposure. Our advisors, help navigate player pathways to ensure success in reaching junior A and college hockey goals.

Team Placement & Exposure
We identify suitable junior A teams and college programs, maintaining ongoing communication with coaches and general managers to secure the best fit and opportunities for each player.

Coaching & Scouting Network Access
Our extensive network of junior A teams and college programs is fully accessible to players, helping them find the ideal environment that matches their playing style and potential.

Player Development
We analyze game film, provide detailed evaluations, and create personalized workout plans. We also connect players with industry experts and develop seasonal strategies to help players reach their maximum potential.

Joey McEwan - Founder & Player Advisor

Joey is a highly experienced player advisor, representing athletes across North America and guiding them to successful placements with Junior A and College hockey programs. With three seasons of competitive play in the CJHL (BCHL and MJHL), Joey earned an NCAA scholarship to Marian University and completed his degree at Arizona State University in Business Communication.

Following his playing career, Joey transitioned seamlessly into coaching and player development. He has coached with Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy, contributed to BC’s U16 Male Program of Excellence and HP1 Coaching Program, and managed and coached multiple Junior A programs across Canada.

Joey’s approach combines real-world hockey experience, trusted relationships, and a player-first philosophy. He is dedicated to helping athletes and their families navigate the hockey pathway with clarity and confidence, ensuring every player receives personalized guidance and support to reach their goals.

Darcy Zajac - Senior Advisor

Darcy joins Player Pathways as a senior advisor bringing a level of experience and perspective few players have direct access to. From AAA hockey in Winnipeg to the BCHL, to the University of North Dakota, to signing an NHL contract and building a long professional career—Darcy has gone through every stage players are working toward. He understands what separates players who move on from those who don’t.

Coming from a family of four brothers who all earned their way through the NCAA hockey route, he’s been surrounded by the process his entire life. He knows what it takes, not just once, but repeatedly.
Now, he works with a select group of athletes who are serious about advancing.

At Player Pathways, Darcy provides guidance on junior pathways, showcases, and recruitment—helping players position themselves properly and avoid the common mistakes that cost opportunities

Kevin McClelland - Senior Advisor

Kevin is a four-time Stanley Cup Champion, former NHL and professional player, and current college hockey coach. With extensive experience coaching in the WHL and professional hockey, he has built a strong reputation for leadership, player development, and understanding what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the game.

Kevin brings decades of elite playing and coaching experience, along with a deep, trusted network throughout junior, college, and professional hockey. His insight, credibility, and connections make him an invaluable resource for players and families seeking clear guidance and real opportunities to advance their careers.

Ryan Francis - Player Advisor

Ryan brings a lifetime of hockey expertise and a distinguished family legacy to Player Pathways. Raised in Arizona, Ryan played youth hockey for 12 years with the Junior Coyotes and P.F. Chang’s, before being drafted to the Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL). He continued his career with the Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) and Arizona State University, where he graduated, coached, and served as president of the club program.

Ryan’s family roots run deep in hockey. His grandfather, Emile Francis, is a Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, and his father, Bob Francis, played and coached in the NHL. After a season as a video scout for the Arizona Coyotes, Ryan now partners with Player Pathways, dedicated to developing young athletes and helping them reach their highest potential on and off the ice.

Jacob Vanlerberg - Player Advisor

Jacob Vanlerberg recently completed his junior hockey career after developing through the CSSHL Prep Division and continuing in both the KIJHL and PJHL. Born and raised in Cranbrook, BC, he built a reputation as a hardworking, reliable teammate with a strong commitment to continuous development.

Throughout his career, Jacob focused on improving his hockey IQ, work ethic, and leadership while learning what it takes to advance through the game. His experience working with respected coaches and competing in high-level environments has shaped his understanding of the player development pathway and what it takes for athletes to reach the next level.

James McEwan - Director of Player Development

James brings unmatched passion and expertise to Player Pathways as our Director of Player Development. Born and raised in Terrace, BC, James enjoyed a standout junior hockey career in the WHL before playing professionally for five years with the San Jose Sharks and LA Kings organizations.

James also founded Infinite Ice Hockey, where he has successfully mentored and developed hundreds of athletes. At Player Pathways, he oversees all player mentorship and development, guiding student-athletes toward their goals in junior, college, and pro hockey. James takes a holistic approach to player growth, focusing on both athletic excellence and personal development.

Working closely with Joey and the team, James is dedicated to helping athletes of all ages thrive through elite development camps and showcases. His genuine commitment to every player ensures your child receives the best guidance and support on their hockey journey.

Cole Wilson - Director of Business Development

Cole Wilson is a former junior-level goaltender with over a decade of elite hockey experience, including training under renowned coach Eli Wilson. He later attended the University of British Columbia Okanagan on a golf scholarship while studying Business Management and went on to compete professionally on PGA Tour Canada in 2021.

As Director of Business Development for Player Pathways, Cole works closely with families, players, and organizations to help guide athlete development and create trusted opportunities for the next generation of players.

About Us

Our Services