17U is open to both male and female players who are a maximum of 17 years old as at 31 December in the hockey year. In 2026, the division is open to those born in 2009 & 2010, and younger players, if deemed suitable, as per IHV rules and policies. Players born in 2011 that have been assessed as having suitable skills and experience may apply to “play up” from the 15U division at the club’s discretion.
17U is classified as full checking and is the premier level of minor checking hockey within IHV.
From 2026, we are excited to partner with the Melbourne Mustangs Ice Hockey Club to create the High-Performance Junior Program, providing a structured pathway for our Demons juniors to improve their skills and reach their full potential. Rod Johns will be leading this team, alongside highly experienced Mustangs players and coaches (including some who have played in the NHL).
Our program will focus on both on-ice and off-ice development. We are proud to have partnered with Timmins Performance Training to provide regular full-body functional and targeted strength training that focuses on power, speed and agility. Additionally, we have also secured Lyndsay Buchanan of LB Fitness to build long-term athletic development through structured off-ice mobility and training.
We believe that a combination of the skills, experience and knowledge of our coaches and trainers will provide our 17U players with the best chance of long-term success. We expect our players to bring their best selves, attitude and effort to every training to make the most of this opportunity.
On-ice Training will take place on Thursdays at O’Brien Icehouse (OBI) from 5-6 pm. Off-ice training will occur each week between 6.30-7.30 pm either with Scott Timmins in the OBI gym, or with Lyndsay Buchanan in the Ballet Room. Players will need to bring their towel, water bottle and yoga mat.
Our 17U team will be managed by the very capable and experienced Sharon Baker and Jacob Christopherson, who will be your “go to” for all things team-related.
Please note that upon signing up to the Demons/Mustangs 17U program, we will provide you with access to further exciting opportunities, exclusively developed for our 17U program.
Watch this space for details of our upcoming comprehensive checking program for season preparation.
17u Team Staff
Head Coach: Rod Johns
Rod has an ice hockey coaching and leadership career spanning over 4 decades. Starting in Canada in 1981, he is CAHA Level 4 and IHA Level 2 certified.
He has coached the Demons A & B Grade teams, was Head Coach of Melbourne Ice (2001) and is currently the Monarchs A Grade Coach.
He has served 12 years as President of the Demons, 7 years as President of IHV and 6 years as CEO and 6 years as Vice President of Melbourne Mustangs.
A passionate advocate for women’s hockey, he led the Vic Women’s Team to Gold in 2022 and Silver in 2023, as well as Melbourne Ice Women to an impressive regular season win in 2022–23.
Fun Fact! Rod has coached women’s softball for 23 years!
Rod is looking forward to: “The upcoming season and the challenges that it may bring as the Demons and Mustangs work together to develop a Junior program that will be beneficial to all concerned.”
Assistant Coach: Scott Timmins
Scott Timmins is a professional ice hockey player, having played in the NHL for the Florida Panthers and the New Jersey Devils. He has also played in the AHL for the San Jose Barracuda as well as playing in the top leagues in Germany and Austria!
Scott joined the Melbourne Mustangs in 2022 and very quickly made a massive impact, going on to win the AIHL MVP and highest pointscorer title in the 2023 season. He was co-head coach for the Mustangs in the 2024-25 season. Scott also runs his own off-ice business, “Timmins Performance Training” where he combines full body functional and strength training focusing on power.
Scott will be our 17U Assistant coach on ice weekly and will also be providing weekly off ice training for the team to ensure they reach their full potential.
Assistant Coach: Todd Cutter
Todd Cutter has a very distinguished hockey career, including captaining the Melbourne Mustangs for the last two seasons!. He started playing for the Demons in 2000 in Junior C at age 10 and then went on to many hockey achievements, including:
- Demons Premier Captain from 2017-2022.
- Tange Gold Medal in 2007.
- Browns Team in 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 (Captain), 2019 (Alternate Captain, 2022, 2023 (Captain)
- Browns Gold Medal’s in 2012, 2015 and 2023.
- Melbourne Ducks Team in 2022
- Melbourne Mustangs Team in 2013, 2023, 2024 (Captain), 2025 (Captain).
- AIHL Goodall Cup Champion in 2023 with Melbourne Mustangs.
Todd is looking forward to bringing his love for the Demons IHC, experience and passion for the game of ice hockey to our future superstars!
We cannot wait to have Todd on the ice with our 17U team next year!
Goalie Coach: Bryan MacKenzie
Bryan is originally from Canada where he played AAA junior hockey. He has played in both the Melbourne Mustangs and Melbourne Ice AIHL teams, and is currently with Melbourne Mustangs.
He is the goaltender coach for the AWIHL Melbourne Ice team, has coached the Boxall women’s team and is a regular commentator as well!
His coaching philosophy is if you’re having a good time, you’re learning and getting better. He tries to encourage players to enjoy themselves. Bryan is looking forward to seeing how the players grow and develop their skills throughout the season.
Off-Ice Coach (Mobility): Lyndsay Buchanan
I’m Lyndsay Buchanan, owner of LB Fitness, a boutique personal training studio based in Oakleigh. I’ve been in the fitness industry for over 17 years, beginning my journey back home in Scotland before bringing my passion and coaching style to Australia.
My love for ice hockey started when I was young, and over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible athletes— from individual players to the Victorian State Women’s Team and the Melbourne Mustangs. Supporting athletes off the ice has become one of my biggest strengths, particularly through strength, conditioning, and mobility that translates directly to better performance.
Heading into the upcoming season, I’m genuinely excited to meet a new group of juniors, watch them grow, and help them develop the foundations they need both on and off the ice. I’m looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you and helping young players build confidence, strength, and long-term athletic development through structured off-ice mobility and training.
Team Manager: Sharon Baker
Sharon loves being a hockey mum and part of such an amazing community. There’s nothing better than seeing the kid’s smiles, excitement and determination from the bench. Outside of hockey, she loves family time, animals, beach days, scenic drives and of course – coffee!
Sharon is looking forward to “being part of the inaugural 17U Junior team and to see the partnership between the Demons and Mustangs grow”.
Schedule / Fixture
The fixture will be shared when available.
Below is a summary of the training schedule:
- Thursdays 5-6pm – OBI – On-ice training
- Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm – OBI – Off-ice training
More training times will be announced soon.