Kyle Chagnon
Kyle, a native of Kenora, Ontario, was raised in the region and demonstrated his athletic abilities at the AA and AAA levels during his formative years. Throughout his impressive playing career, Kyle had the privilege of competing against some of the nation's most talented players in esteemed tournaments like the All Ontario Peewee Championships and the National Midget Championships (Telus Cup). Additionally, he received coveted invitations to prospect and training camps, including the esteemed London Knights camp.
Following his experience with the Knights, Kyle faced a pivotal decision as his ultimate goal was to pursue a collegiate hockey career in the NCAA. To maintain his eligibility for the NCAA, he chose to return to Kenora and conclude his U18 journey, thus solidifying his position for NCAA consideration. He successfully completed his final season and subsequently signed with the Woodstock Slammers Jr Hockey Club in the MHL (now known as the Grand Falls Rapids). Notably, Kyle's outstanding performance during his second season with the Slammers earned him the prestigious Defenseman of the Year Award from his team.
Simultaneously, Kyle accepted an offer from the NCAA's Union College Dutchmen, a prominent ECAC team, by signing a letter of intent. His exceptional skills on the ice led to his nomination for the leagues' First Team All-Star Roster during his third and final season with the Slammers. However, his plans to join Union College were hindered due to complications arising from his high school credits, resulting in the nullification of his letter of intent. Fortunately, Kyle received another opportunity to play collegiate hockey with the UPEI Panthers men's hockey program in USports (AUS).
Following a brief stint with the Panthers, Kyle opted to leave the program while continuing his education at UPEI. During this period, he joined the Corner Brook Royals, a team competing in the West Coast Sr Hockey League, where he enjoyed the advantage of a modest salary. Nevertheless, the demanding travel schedule, which involved frequent flights from PEI to Newfoundland, prompted Kyle to make the difficult decision of stepping away from competitive play to focus on his studies.
During his time in Charlottetown, Kyle actively contributed to the hockey community by assuming the role of assistant coach for the Holland College Jr B Hockey team. After completing his studies, Kyle relocated to Red Deer, Alberta, alongside his wife, who was also a former UPEI Panther in the Women's program. In 2015, an intriguing opportunity arose for Kyle to return to Kenora and purchase the family screen printing and embroidery business, Print Gear Inc. Considering the potential benefits for both himself and Alysa, they decided to return to Kenora and commence their new venture.
Subsequently, Kyle became involved with the Kenora U18 AAA Thistles, the very program where he honed his skills as a young player. For the following four and a half seasons, he dedicated his efforts to coaching the U18 program until the arrival of his son, Bowen, prompted him to scale back his involvement.
In the years that followed, Kyle and Alysa expanded their family with the birth of their second child, Layla. They were presented with a remarkable opportunity that entailed moving overseas as a family. This adventure led them to relocate abroad, where Kyle emerged from retirement to join the Breda Yetis in the Netherlands2 (First Division). The unique prospect of living in Europe for a season and experiencing something beyond the ordinary motivated them to embark on this journey. Furthermore, Kyle's time in Europe enabled him to establish valuable connections, opening doors for his wife to participate in the Netherlands women's league as a player for the Tilburg Trappers.
Kyle and family are back living and working in Kenora and have one heck of a story to tell from the year they spent in Europe. Kyle remains dedicated to serving his clients and hopes to see Monarch continue to grow and become a regular name amongst the hockey world.
Following his experience with the Knights, Kyle faced a pivotal decision as his ultimate goal was to pursue a collegiate hockey career in the NCAA. To maintain his eligibility for the NCAA, he chose to return to Kenora and conclude his U18 journey, thus solidifying his position for NCAA consideration. He successfully completed his final season and subsequently signed with the Woodstock Slammers Jr Hockey Club in the MHL (now known as the Grand Falls Rapids). Notably, Kyle's outstanding performance during his second season with the Slammers earned him the prestigious Defenseman of the Year Award from his team.
Simultaneously, Kyle accepted an offer from the NCAA's Union College Dutchmen, a prominent ECAC team, by signing a letter of intent. His exceptional skills on the ice led to his nomination for the leagues' First Team All-Star Roster during his third and final season with the Slammers. However, his plans to join Union College were hindered due to complications arising from his high school credits, resulting in the nullification of his letter of intent. Fortunately, Kyle received another opportunity to play collegiate hockey with the UPEI Panthers men's hockey program in USports (AUS).
Following a brief stint with the Panthers, Kyle opted to leave the program while continuing his education at UPEI. During this period, he joined the Corner Brook Royals, a team competing in the West Coast Sr Hockey League, where he enjoyed the advantage of a modest salary. Nevertheless, the demanding travel schedule, which involved frequent flights from PEI to Newfoundland, prompted Kyle to make the difficult decision of stepping away from competitive play to focus on his studies.
During his time in Charlottetown, Kyle actively contributed to the hockey community by assuming the role of assistant coach for the Holland College Jr B Hockey team. After completing his studies, Kyle relocated to Red Deer, Alberta, alongside his wife, who was also a former UPEI Panther in the Women's program. In 2015, an intriguing opportunity arose for Kyle to return to Kenora and purchase the family screen printing and embroidery business, Print Gear Inc. Considering the potential benefits for both himself and Alysa, they decided to return to Kenora and commence their new venture.
Subsequently, Kyle became involved with the Kenora U18 AAA Thistles, the very program where he honed his skills as a young player. For the following four and a half seasons, he dedicated his efforts to coaching the U18 program until the arrival of his son, Bowen, prompted him to scale back his involvement.
In the years that followed, Kyle and Alysa expanded their family with the birth of their second child, Layla. They were presented with a remarkable opportunity that entailed moving overseas as a family. This adventure led them to relocate abroad, where Kyle emerged from retirement to join the Breda Yetis in the Netherlands2 (First Division). The unique prospect of living in Europe for a season and experiencing something beyond the ordinary motivated them to embark on this journey. Furthermore, Kyle's time in Europe enabled him to establish valuable connections, opening doors for his wife to participate in the Netherlands women's league as a player for the Tilburg Trappers.
Kyle and family are back living and working in Kenora and have one heck of a story to tell from the year they spent in Europe. Kyle remains dedicated to serving his clients and hopes to see Monarch continue to grow and become a regular name amongst the hockey world.