Centering connection in hockey and taking an inside look at what has defined success beyond the ice.

Mike Bara is the Senior Manager of Coaching Development at Hockey Canada, where he contributes his expertise in coaching education, program design, and leadership development. With over 15 years of experience, Mike has played a key role in advancing national coaching initiatives and shaping curriculum for the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

In his role, Mike has planned and managed national coaching task teams, led curriculum and resource development, and delivered High Performance 2 national seminars—overseeing assessment and evaluation processes that ensure quality and consistency. He has also guided national initiatives in coach, evaluator, and facilitator development through conferences and training seminars, while supporting provincial partners in delivering coaching and instructional stream programs. Mike co-led the Hockey Canada Long-Term Player Development program and designed practical evaluation strategies to strengthen the link between policy and practice.

Beyond Hockey Canada, Mike has served as Director of Coach Development for the Okotoks Oilers Athletic Association (OOAA), leading coach recruitment and selection, as well as professional development for coaching staff. He has also contributed more than 15 years to Hockey Alberta as a contractor, instructor, coach, facilitator, and evaluator— coaching and mentoring coaches at elite levels including Junior A, U18 AAA, U15 AAA, and the U15 Hockey Alberta Spring Showcase (Alberta Cup).

Mike is a Certified Facilitator, trained evaluator, and Master Coach Developer through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) / Coaching Association of Canada. He also holds a Network Technician degree from CDI College in Calgary.

Beyond the Ice is a podcast by Cape Breton University Researchers exploring coaches training and approaches in relationship building, effective communication practices, and leadership skills to improve confidence, enhance motivation and collective performance. Having conversations with coaches, players, parents, and hockey operation staff – taking an inside look at what has defined success, beyond the ice.

Hosts:

Dr. Lynn LeVatte (lynn_levatte@cbu.ca) (Lead Researcher) (Education Department, Cape Breton University)

Sarah MacRae (sarah_macrae@cbu.ca) (Department of Communication and Languages, Cape Breton University)

Dr. Kristin O'Rourke (kristin_orourke@cbu.ca) (Education Department, Cape Breton University)

Shaun Ranni (shaun_ranni@cbu.ca) (Department of Experiential Studies in Community and Sport)