ExecutiveTeam

Diane Nelson
CEO Vancouver Griffins Hockey Club

Owner of the Vancouver Griffins’ Hockey Club and Principal Educator with the West Vancouver School District, Diane Nelson is a dedicated, well-respected advocate for today's youth. Diane Nelson was born on September 29, 1957 in Edmonton, Alberta. A UBC Graduate in Physical Education with a Counselling Diploma in Guidance Studies and a Masters in Educational Administration, Diane is best known for her dedication and leadership of young men and women.



Recent, 2002 Canadian Women's History recognition award winner, presented by Premier Gordon Campbell at the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame, Recipient, 2001, of the Promotion Plus Leadership Award and Nominee, 2002, of the Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction Entrepreneur/Innovator Award, Diane sees personal obstacles as challenges to overcome.

Motivated by a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people, Diane’s development of the Griffins’ Hockey Club followed by genesis of the Hockey Academy at Sentinel High School in West Vancouver has truly inspired others to pursue their own dreams.

Diane’s leadership style and entrepreneurial spirit have been nothing short of model. Her accomplishments are numerous and all involve supporting young people. These include curricular development and planning, technology implementation, safe schools initiatives, school structural improvements, and social awareness, among others. Her enthusiastic presence, perseverant and energetic character combined with her kind and respectful demeanour continue to make a difference in the lives of many young people.

Diane continues to hold close to her heart the belief that children are society’s most precious resource. Her personal mission to build positive exciting learning experiences truly does inspire individuals to strive for their dreams.
As a motivational speaker, Diane is in demand by many organisations to share her remarkable story and to inspire others to make a difference. Diane spends time in schools, committed to being a positive role model to children and youth.

Phillip DeGrandpre, President and General Manager

Mr. DeGrandpre is an experienced hockey coach, player, and consultant. Along with his duties for the Griffins, he serves on the NWHL's expansion and marketing committees. Mr. DeGrandpre is the founder and past president of the Women's Ice Hockey Federation, and was Chairman of the North Shore Griffins of the Pacific International Junior Hockey League. For eight years he owned and operated Krucial Gear Consulting, a high performance professional skating and hockey consulting company, based in Edmonton.

Mr. DeGrandpre also brings eight years coaching experience to this position. In 1997 he was Head Coach of the North Shore Griffins Selects AAA, and served as Head Coach of West Vancouver minor hockey AA from 1995-1997, and Head Coach of High Performance Hockey Schools, AAA, in Lethbridge, Alberta.

He has been employed in education for the past seven years.