Bucks Coaches
Head Coach: Geoff Rollins
Geoff brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the hockey community, with a career that spans from minor hockey to the professional leagues. After graduating from Okotoks Minor Hockey, Geoff's journey took off in 1998-1999 when he played for the UFA AAA Bisons of the Alberta Midget Hockey League (AMHL), where he was a key part of the Macs Midget Championship-winning team.
From 2000-2002, Geoff skated for the Calgary Canucks in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), before finishing his junior career with the Kindersley Klippers in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) under coach Dave Hunchak during the 2002-2003 season. His impressive performance in junior hockey opened the door to professional opportunities.
Geoff launched his pro career in the ECHL with the Las Vegas Wranglers during the 2003-2004 season, playing under head coach Glen Gulutzan. His versatility allowed him to contribute across several leagues, including the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and Central Hockey League (CHL). He suited up for teams such as the Winston-Salem Polar Twins, Victoria Salmon Kings, Austin Ice Bats, Jacksonville Barracudas, and Pee Dee Cyclones between 2004 and 2007. Geoff also had stints with the Columbia Inferno in the ECHL and the Bloomington Prairie Thunder and Richmond Renegades in the International Hockey League (IHL).
In 2009, Geoff's collegiate career culminated in a National Championship with the SAIT Trojans in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC). His passion for the game continued as he returned to the ice with the Innisfail Eagles of the Allan Cup Hockey West (ACHW) in 2017-2018, coached by NHL legend Brian Sutter.
Geoff's coaching career is equally impressive. He has excelled as both a head coach and assistant coach across various competitive levels, including the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL), Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL), and Alberta Minor Midget Hockey League (AMMHL). Recently, Geoff served as Assistant Coach for the Calgary U18 AAA Northstars (2022-2023) and the Alberta Cup Calgary South (2021-2022), while also demonstrating his leadership as Head Coach of the International Hockey Academy U18 AAA/Prep team in 2021-2022.
One of his standout achievements includes guiding the Okotoks U16 AAA Oilers to a Sutter Cup South Championship in 2019-2020, where his leadership helped elevate the team to remarkable success. He also led the Okotoks Oilers Bantam AA team to multiple championships in the 2016-2017 season, winning the South Division, League, and Provincial titles.
Geoff's coaching philosophy extends far beyond wins and titles. He is committed to developing not only skilled athletes but also responsible individuals with strong character, discipline, and teamwork. Players who have been under his mentorship often credit him with being instrumental in their personal and athletic growth, making Geoff a respected figure both on and off the ice.
Assistant Coach: Tyson Jones
Tyson Jones is a dedicated hockey coach with a deep-rooted passion for the game. Growing up in High River, Alberta, Tyson honed his skills on the ice playing minor hockey in the foothills area. His competitive spirit took him south of the border, where he spent two seasons showcasing his talent with the Wichita Thunder and Colorado Rampage.
After transitioning from player to coach, Tyson brought his extensive experience to the Foothills Bisons AA program, where he has been instrumental in developing young athletes. He has successfully coached both the Peewee and Bantam AA teams, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Tyson's commitment to fostering a positive and competitive environment has made a significant impact on the players he mentors. With a focus on cultivating the next generation of hockey talent, Tyson continues to inspire and lead with passion and expertise.
Development Coach: Kris Foucault
Hailing from Calgary, Kris emerged as a formidable force in the hockey world. Starting with the Calgary Buffalos, he transitioned to become a key player for the Calgary Hitmen, winning a championship with the team. His journey continued with stints in the NHL with the Minnesota Wild, AHL with the Houston Aeros/Iowa Wild, and European leagues including the Vienna Capitals and Zurich Lions. Notably, Kris clinched another championship with Eisbären Berlin in the DEL. His versatile skills also contributed to teams like Grizzlys Wolfsburg, Ingolstadt Panthers, and Iserlohn Roosters. Kris's success in hockey all over the world has helped him learn various different coaching techniques and helped to develop a very well rounded coaching identity.
Kris specializes in the offensive components of the game. shooting and scoring coupled with puck skills and offensive IQ he blends the components of of these to push the envelope when it comes to the offensive side of the game.
Development Coach: Matt Mackenzie
Matt MacKenzie, a third-round draft pick by the Buffalo Sabres, started his hockey career with the Calgary Hitmen before venturing into the AHL with the Rochester Americans and the Portland Pirates. His versatility shone through as he played in the ECHL with the Manchester Monarchs and the Florida Everblades. Matt then embraced European hockey, contributing to teams in the EBEL and Germany.
A champion with the Calgary Hitmen, Matt's winning legacy extended to Slovan Bratislava in the Slovak league. Matt has showed leadership by wearing a C or A on his jersey on almost every team he played for.
Matt specializes in power skating and the blend of two way defensive components of the game. With his many hours partaking in power skating as a young player and all the way through his pro career he has developed a deep understanding and a passion for power skating.