Redeemer University College Men's Basketball

Head Coach PJ Buys joined the program as the head coach of the Redeemer Royals in 2023.  The Royals entered the UNYCHL out of New York, USA, where, in their first season, Buys led the Royals to an impressive eight wins and two losses for the season. The Royals lost their first two games, where they went on to win eight in a row, and capture first place in their division.  Buys has a long history in hockey. He grew up playing AAA hockey in the OMHA and GTHL before playing Jr. A for the Newmarket Hurricanes. He attended Redeemer University from 2010-2014, where he captained the hockey team for three years. After Redeemer, he played two seasons for the Trinity Western Spartans, where he was a two-year first-team all-star. After his playing career, Buys was an assistant coach of the Jr. A Aurora Tigers, before coaching the U14 and U15 York Simcoe Express, where he led his team to an OMHA gold medal in his first year.  It is Buys goal as a coach to win hockey games. But, more importantly, teaching his players to put Christ above anything else.  P.J Buys All-Time Redeemer Royals Coaching Record Season Regular Season Record Postseason Record Postseason 2024-2025 8-2 0-1 UNYCHL Divison II Metro Divsion Semi-Final     All-Time Redeemer Royals Varsity Hockey Coaches P.J Buys (2024-Present)    

Girolametto leads the Royals into the 2013-2014 season with a full understanding of what it takes to win in the OCAA. In his first season with the Royals in 2012-2013, Jamie led the team to its best record ever in program history. The group will look to build on this as they continue to challenge for a spot in the OCAA playoffs and eventually a spot in the OCAA Championships. Coach Girolametto will continue to draw on his experience in the CIS as both a player and a coach (McMaster University) to instill the drive and desire into the team needed to compete at the top level in the province.   With one year under his belt as the Men's Basketball leader, Jamie Girolametto leads the Royals into the 2013-2014 season with a full understanding of what it takes to win in the OCAA. In his first season with the Royals in 2012-2013, Jamie led the team to its best record ever in program history. The group will look to build on this as they continue to challenge for a spot in the OCAA playoffs and eventually a spot in the OCAA Championships. Coach Girolametto will continue to draw on his experience in the CIS as both a player and a coach (McMaster University) to instill the drive and desire into the team needed to compete at the top level in the province.

Steven Hopkins is an experienced and highly respected basketball coach, currently serving as the Head Coach of the Redeemer University Royals Men’s Basketball Program, where he enters his third season at the helm (2023–present). A FIBA-licensed coach with nearly two decades of experience at the high school, collegiate, semi-professional, and professional levels, Hopkins brings a unique blend of international expertise, player development acumen, and culture-driven leadership to every team he leads. Prior to Redeemer, Hopkins built an exceptional coaching resumé overseas in Sweden, where he served as: Lead Assistant Coach, Women’s Basketligan Dam, Södertälje BBK (2020–2021) Head Coach, Men’s Basketettan Herr, Södertälje BBK (2019–2020) Head Coach, U15 Mellera Region, Svenska Basket (2017–2020) Head Coach, U19 & Division 2 Men, Tureberg Basket (2017–2019) Head Coach, Basketettan & Superettan Herr, Eskilstuna Basket (2014–2017) Earlier in his career, he coached as Men’s Assistant Coach at Seneca College in Toronto (2009–2012) and led both junior and senior high school boys’ basketball teams at Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School (2003–2009), where he built the foundation of his player-centered coaching philosophy. Beyond coaching, Hopkins also served with Ontario Basketball, where he held the role of Manager of Administrative Services, overseeing and supporting the growth of basketball across the province. During his tenure, he was instrumental in organizing and executing their season-ending tournaments, the NBA 3-on-3 Tournament, and serving as the Lead for the Mega Hoops Program, Ontario Basketball’s grassroots development initiative. He also worked closely with emerging clubs to help grow the game and support new organizations. An educator at heart, Hopkins is a high school teacher in Hospitality & Business, integrating his teaching philosophy into player development by fostering confidence, accountability, and basketball IQ. He believes in creating individualized player pathways (IPPs) through targeted skill development sessions, ensuring that players learn how to play the game—not just what to play. An in-demand clinician, Hopkins has delivered coaching clinics in Canada and Sweden, both in person and virtually, and was selected as a clinician for the Jr. NBA during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Toronto (2016). He also has worked with Basketball Immersion as a camp clinician, bringing modern teaching methodologies to the next generation of players and coaches. When he’s not on the court, Hopkins treasures time with his wife, Rebecca, and their two sons, Andrew-Daniel and Noah-Zadok. Off the hardwood, he continues to compete as an athlete himself, representing the Swedish National Indoor Lacrosse Team, including competing at the 2019 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships in British Columbia, Canada. Credentials & Certifications: FIBA License: 2017505731 NCCP Train-to-Compete Certified Coach: 897232 Svenska Basketboll Förbundet Steg 3 Ontario Certified Teacher: #629668 (Special Education, HPE, Business, Hospitality) Professional Skills: Player Development & IPP Design Team Management & Leadership Culture Building & Communication High-Level Tactical & Technical Knowledge International Recruiting & Scouting Grassroots Program Development & Event Management Coach Hopkins continues to inspire players to reach their full potential both on and off the court, instilling a growth mindset and the discipline required to succeed at every level of the game. Steven Hopkins All-Time Redeemer Royals Coaching Record Season Regular Season Record Postseason Record Postseason 2023-2024 3-15 0-0 2024-2025 3-15 0-0 Total 6-30 0-0     All-Time Redeemer Royals Men's Basketball Head Coaches   Luarie Cahill (1996-99) M. Silva (1999-06) D. Washington (2006-08) James Buhlman (2008-11) Michael Schilthuis(2011-12) Jamie Girolametto (2012-23) Steven Hopkins (2023-Present)    

Jesse joined the Royals in August of  2018 and is the eighth women’s basketball head coach at Redeemer University. He has coached at multiple levels with over 20 years of coaching experience at the University, High School and Club Levels. VanHouwelingen has coached senior boys' high school at Central Elgin Collegiate HS, Senior Girls at London Christian District HS and Hamilton District Christian HS. At the club level, he has coached the U17 and U19 St.Thomas Shock and the U15-U19 Dundas Dynamo of the Ontario Basketball Association.  Since he took over the program, VanHouwelingen’s teams have been extremely competitive in the OCAA West and have earned a reputation for being a physically and mentally tough team that always competes no matter the situation. As a former student athlete, Jesse’s passion is to help Royals athletes grow both on and off the court. He believes that Redeemer offers athletes a top-level education as well as a high-level athletic career. His vision is to build young Christian athletes through the school's Vertical Purpose motto.   In 2022-23, he coached the Royals to their first-ever playoff win and provincial tournament appearance. That year, the Royals finished 7th in the OCAA West division and went on the road to Durham College to knock off the #2 seed and 12-2 Durham College. They would eventually go on to lose to the Fanshawe Falcons in the Elite 8 of the OCAA provincial tournament. The following year, the Royals competed in 25 games, the most in program history and qualified for the NCCAA National Championships in Winona Lake, Indiana.   Coaching in his 8th season, their home opener against Mohawk will mark the 100th regular season game as the Head Coach of the Program, second most in program history.  The women's basketball program has produced multiple 1st and 2nd teams OCAA All-stars, multiple OCAA rookie all-star selections and 1 OCAA Player of the Year and CCAA All-Canadian. This is a tribute to the hard work of the athletes, coaches and athletic staff, year after year.   Jesse played varsity basketball at Redeemer University under Coach Moses in 2001 and 2002. After two seasons with the Royals, Jesse completed his Bible and Theology certification with Youth Unlimited/Youth for Christ and moved on to become a youth pastor with Fellowship CRC and Youth For Christ Elgin County. Jesse also attended Fanshawe College for a degree in Recreation and Leadership.   VanHouwelingen is a trained NCCP Level III coach. Jesse and his wife Lisa have been married for 20 years and reside in Dundas, Ontario, with their 2 daughters, Ava and Claire. They attend Hope Bible Church in Oakville.   Jesse VanHouwelingen's All-Time Redeemer Royals Coaching Record Season Regular Season Record Postseason Record Postseason 2018-2019 5-15 0-0 2019-2020 2-16 0-0 2021-2022 3-5 0-0 2022-2023 5-11 1-1 OCAA Quarter Final 2023-2024 5-11 0-1 OCAA Qualifying Round 2024-2025 4-12 0-1 OCAA Qualifying Round Total 24-70 1-3     All-Time Redeemer Royals Women's Basketball Head Coaches   F. Manias-Jackson (2000-01) M. Silva (2001-02) L. McInnes (2002-06) Denita Dyck (2006-09) James Buhlman (2009-10) Robert Hooper (2010-18) Jesse VanHouwelingen (2018-Present)      

Jenn was excited to join the Redeemer WBB program in 2024 as an Assistant Coach. Jenn  hopes to not only be a coach helping with on court skills, but a coach who tries to lead the girls to always look to Christ and to help them to grow in their knowledge and in their relationship with Him. She played varsity basketball at Brock University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies Degree.  While in University Jenn fell in love with coaching and has coached many different sports over the years. Jenn and her husband Laurence reside in the Niagara Region and attend Rosedale Baptist Church where Laurence is a Pastor. They have 4 children Maggie, Sam, Seth and Finn,  and two grandchildren.

Foster Brown began his college coaching career with the Redeemer Royals as a part-time coach in 2022-2023 after completing his playing career. Brown took a mentorship position under the then Head Coach, Jamie Girolametto, as a player development coach. Brown returned to coaching after taking a brief break for the 2024-2025 season as lead assistant, where he joined Head Coach Steven Hopkins. Brown competed in 5 seasons in the OCAA with the Royals from 2016 to 2022. Brown experienced a successful playing career with a 70-33 record, was a 3x defensive player of the year and a 2x all-star. Moreover, Brown was part of the first Royals Men’s Basketball team to make provincials, be provincially ranked and nationally ranked. Brown is confident that his playing experience will transfer successfully to the coaching staff. Brown, now back for his second season, took on the role of Head Recruiter during the off-season, onboarding one of Royals Men’s Basketball's biggest recruiting classes of the recent past.

Isaiah joined the Royals in May 2023 for their inaugural season as a varsity program, joining the first official coaching staff in history for the men’s hockey program at Redeemer University. Before joining the program, Thornback made a lasting impact on the Royals Athletics community, spearheading and supporting a shift from a previous club-style, student-led hockey program to its elevated varsity status with AAU Division 2 membership. Thornback was the captain of the student-led program for two seasons, utilizing his position and influence to propose larger and more ambitious avenues for hockey at Redeemer University. In the spring of 2023, he graduated from university and was hired on as Assistant Coach and Head Recruiter to the Royals Hockey program. In just 2 seasons, Thornback has helped the club team transition to AAU Division 2 college hockey and compete against top schools south of the border in upstate New York. In the winter/spring of 2024, he began to piece together the Royals’ first recruiting class in program history. Thornback managed to secure talent across the PJHL (Junior C) (2), AAA (2), and AA (2), bolstering the lineup heading into the 2024-2025 season. As the season began, Thornback spearheaded elite operational components for the Royals Hockey program, including nutritional advisement, mental performance training, film study/breakdown, scouting report preparation, and more. The result was the Royals’ best record in a decade, club or varsity, including piecing together a season-best 8-game win streak to secure first place in their division. This secured the Royals their 1st Metro Division Championship in just their 1st season in AAU Division 2 college hockey. The following spring, Thornback set to work piecing together the best recruiting class in school history. Through relentless scouting and recruiting efforts, he was able to garner talent from the NOJHL (1), GOJHL (1), GMHL (1), AAA (3), ACHA D3 transfer (1), and AA (1). In the summer of 2025, he was promoted to Head Assistant Coach of the program. Since then, he has developed a scout team, helped lead various summer development camps, and has taken over full operations of the Royals' special teams units. The Royals are poised to make waves on the national scene in 2025-26, built on the preparation and poise of their coaching staff, including Thornback. Thornback played varsity volleyball at Redeemer University while heading up the then club-hockey program. After four years with the Royals, Thornback graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and Youth Ministry in 2023. He has since been a Youth Pastor at his local church while pursuing coaching opportunities through his role at Redeemer.  Thornback is a certified NCCP Development 1 Trained coach with specialization in Mental Performance & Film. Isaiah and his wife Hannah reside in Mount Hope, south of Hamilton and attend James North Baptist Church in the north end of Hamilton.

Patrick joined the Royals in August 2018 as an Assistant Coach under newly tenured Head Coach, Jesse VanHouwelingen. Since joining the coaching staff, Iavarone has helped create a competitive culture within the Women’s Basketball Program. His defence-first approach has been the cornerstone of his mindset, bringing the intensity from his own Collegiate career, and finds pride in his attempts to have a tough team on that side of the ball. Ahead of the 2019-2020 season, he was given the opportunity to become the Women’s Basketball Head Assistant Coach.  In 2022-23, he helped coach the Royals to their first-ever playoff win and provincial tournament appearance.  That year, the Royals finished 7th in the very tough OCAA West division and went on the road to Durham College to knock off the #2 seed with their 12-2 regular season record.  They would eventually go on to lose to the gritty Fanshawe Falcons in the Elite 8 of the OCAA provincial tournament.  The following year, the Royals competed in 25 games, most in program history, and qualified for the NCCAA National Championships in Winona Lake, Indiana.   Iavarone played varsity basketball for cross-town rival Mohawk College from 2012-2016 under OCAA Hall of Fame Coach, Brian Jonker. Iavarone found his success as an elite defender in the OCAA during his time and was tasked on a nightly basis with guarding some of the top guards in the OCAA and CCAA. After four seasons with the Mountaineers, he finished his career with one OCAA gold medal (2014-2015), two OCAA silver medals (2012-2013, 2015-2016), two trips to the CCAA Men’s National Basketball Championship in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, as well as recognition as an OCAA tournament all-star in his 2015-2016 senior season. Iavarone graduated with an Advanced Diploma from the Civil Engineering Technology Program.  Iavarone is in the process of completing his NCCP Level III coaching certification. Patrick and his wife Kristin, who he met while attending Mohawk College, have been married for 7 years, residing in Hamilton with their three children: Lucas, Olivia and Hannah. They are members of Maranatha CRC in Bowmanville, ON.  

David Scholman brings over eight years of experience with Royals Hockey as a player, coach, and General Manager. He leads with a vision of excellence—not just in wins and on-ice performance, but in building disciples who embody Kingdom impact, influence, servanthood, and excellence as worship.  Now entering his third season as General Manager and fifth year on the Royals coaching staff, David has played a central role in the program’s growth and renewed competitive edge. His leadership brought the Royals into AAU Division II membership in the 2024-2025 season. The team ended the season at the top of the Metro Division. He has continued to grow the program with a 16-game schedule for the 2025–26 season — offering the team a path to the AAU National Championship in Florida. He has assembled an intriguing schedule that includes six ACHA games (four DII and two DIII) and four games in NCAA DI arenas, further strengthening the Royals’ national profile. During his tenure, David has made key strategic additions to the coaching staff, including NHL, OHL, and IIHF veteran Jarrod Maidens as team skills coach. He also brought on PJ Buys as Head Coach, who comes with Jr A and AAA coaching experience. His efforts have also resulted in critical facility upgrades, including the Royals’ move to Gateway Ice  Center — providing improved seating and live-streaming capabilities for fans. David's impact has been felt beyond the scoreboard. He has cultivated strong relationships with Howies Hockey, the Ontario Christian School Hockey, and Royals Hockey Alumni. Under his leadership, the program celebrated its first school Athlete of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Vertical Purpose Award recipients — achievements that reflect the culture of excellence and character he fosters both on and off the ice. As a four-year player for the Royals from 2014–2017, David was part of a golden era for the team, winning multiple OCR tournaments and helping the Royals to a fourth-place overall finish in league standings. One of the most notable team achievements during his time as a player came in 2015, when he helped lead the Royals to a perfect 4-0 record at the Brantford Laurier Tournament in which the team did not allow a single goal against.   David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Religion from Redeemer University and a Master of Theological Studies from Calvin Seminary. He is an NCCP Level III certified coach. David, his wife, and family reside in St Catharine’s.