TEAM PHOTOS - NORWICH MERCHANTS OFFICIAL WEBSITE

1
THOMAS STASZCZYSZYN
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: GOALTENDER
HEIGHT:  6' 1"
WEIGHT:  209 LBS
D.O.B. :  JULY 17, 2005
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: TORONTO

2
TRAVIS LAMB
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: DEFENDER
HEIGHT:  5' 10"
WEIGHT:  180 LBS
D.O.B. :  MAY 27, 2004
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: TILLSONBURG

3

NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION:
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4

NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION:
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D.O.B. :  SHOOTS:  
HOMETOWN:
SCHOOL / WORK:

5
CAMERON VILACA
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: DEFENSE
HEIGHT:  5' 10"
WEIGHT:  195 LBS
D.O.B. :  JULY 27, 2005
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: MT. PLEASANT

6
LINCOL SWERDFEGER
NICKNAME:  "SWERDSY"

POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT:  5' 7"
WEIGHT:  165
D.O.B. :  DECEMBER 07, 2006
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: NORWICH

8
BRANDON BALAZS
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT:   5' 9"  
WEIGHT:  170
D.O.B. :  JANUAR 31, 2004
SHOOTS:  RIGHT
HOMETOWN: TILLSONBURG

9
JOEL VERSPEETEN
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT:  5' 11"
WEIGHT:  195 LBS
D.O.B. :  JUNE 29, 2003
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: INGERSOLL

10
KALEB KLOEPFER
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: DEFENSE
HEIGHT:  5' 11"
WEIGHT:  195 LBS
D.O.B. :  JANUARY 03, 2005
SHOOTS:   LEFT
HOMETOWN: SWEABURG

11
HENRY TURNER
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT:  6' 3"
WEIGHT:  190 LBS
D.O.B. :  MAY 01, 2003
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: GUELPH

12
JOSH KING
NICKNAME:  "KINGER"

POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT:  6' 3"
WEIGHT:  201 LBS
D.O.B. :  JULY 06, 2005
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: TILLSONBURG

14
REID LAZOU
NICKNAME:  "REIDER"

POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT:  6' 3"
WEIGHT:  205 LBS
D.O.B. :  AUGUST 13, 2003
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: SIMCOE

15
ZACH ALLISON
NICKNAME:  "ALI"

POSITION: DEFENSE
HEIGHT:  6' 0"
WEIGHT:  185 LBS
D.O.B. :  JANUARY 5, 2005
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: SWEABURG

16
LOGAN Van Den AKKER
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: DEFENSE
HEIGHT:  6' 1"
WEIGHT:  165 LBS
D.O.B. :  APRIL 03, 2005
SHOOTS: RIGHT
HOMETOWN: KITCHENER

17
NATHAN MURPHY
NICKNAME:  "MURPH"

POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT:  5' 11"
WEIGHT:  200 LBS
D.O.B. :  APRIL 03, 2006
SHOOTS:  RIGHT
HOMETOWN: SWEABURG

18

NICKNAME:  ""

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19
TYLER McDOLE
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT:  5' 11"
WEIGHT:  170 LBS
D.O.B. :  JULY 11, 2006
SHOOTS:  RIGHT
HOMETOWN: BRANTFORD

20
TYLER MAGOFFIN
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: DEFENSE
HEIGHT:  6' 3"
WEIGHT:  185 LBS
D.O.B. :  NOVEMBER 03, 2004
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: WOODSTOCK

21

NICKNAME:  ""

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22
JOEL STOROCHUK
NICKNAME:  "STORZY"

POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT:  6' 3"
WEIGHT:  215 LBS
D.O.B. :  MAY 28, 2003
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: SIMCOE

23
MALCOM SCOTT
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT:  5' 10"
WEIGHT:  180 LBS
D.O.B. :  MAY 09, 2004
SHOOTS:  RIGHT
HOMETOWN: NORWICH

24
OWEN RAINEY
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: FORWARD
HEIGHT:  5' 11"
WEIGHT:  195 LBS
D.O.B. :  APRIL 9, 2003
SHOOTS:  RIGHT
HOMETOWN: WATERFORD
 

25
OWEN HARRIS
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: FORWARDHEIGHT:  5'9"
WEIGHT:  175 LBS
D.O.B. :  FEBRUARY 27, 2005
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: TILLSONBURG

26
SPENCER CHITTICK
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: DEFENSE
HEIGHT:  5' 10"
WEIGHT:  160 LBS
D.O.B. :  MAY 27, 2007
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: SWEABURG
 

30
MAX WILSON
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: GOALTENDER
HEIGHT:  6' 1"
WEIGHT:  160 LBS
D.O.B. :  FEBRUARY 2, 2007
SHOOTS:  LEFT
HOMETOWN: WOODSTOCK

70
NICK BARKER
NICKNAME:  ""

POSITION: GOALTENDER
HEIGHT:  5' 10"
WEIGHT:  171
D.O.B. :  
SHOOTS:  
HOMETOWN:

HEAD COACH
DEREK PARTLO

Derek has an extensive history in hockey both as a player and a coach. As a player, he started with the Tillsonburg Titans in JR “B” hockey for one season before moving on to play for the Norwich Merchants from 1989 to 1991 and the Woodstock Navy Vets from 1992 to 1993.
Partlo’s collegiate career saw him play for the Ohio University Bobcats from 1993 to 1997, where he was instrumental in the team’s exceptional success. During his time there, Ohio University won three consecutive ACHA National Championships, marking a period of great achievement in the program’s history.
Derek’s coaching career includes significant achievements, such as leading the Tillsonburg Thunder Senior “A” Men’s hockey team to a 2024 WOSHL Championship. During his coaching tenure Derek has experience coaching various teams including the Norwich Merchants, Woodstock Navy Vets, Tillsonburg Minor Hockey and the Glendale Varsity Hockey team.
In addition to his coaching duties, Derek Partlo is a teacher at Glendale High School, where he has guided the Gryphon hockey program to three WOSSAA Championships and a Silver OFSAA Medal.
Derek’s experience both on and off the ice makes him a valuable addition as the new Head Coach of the Norwich Merchants.
Outside of hockey, Derek lives in Tillsonburg, ON, with his wife Jody and their three children: Landon, Logan, and McKenna.
Career Highlights
Ohio University Bobcats Sports Hall of Fame – 2014
All time Career Leader in Penalty Minutes Ohio University 424 PIM Career / 183 PIM Single Season
Tillsonburg Sports Hall of Fame – 2015
ACHA National Champions – 1995 / 1996 / 1997 Tournament MVP / All American All Star (1996 – Tournament Scoring Champ)

ASSISTANT COACH
TIM CHRISTO

Tim arrives in Norwich with a rich background in hockey, spanning both his playing and coaching career. His journey includes significant milestones such as coaching the U18 teams in Tillsonburg and the South Oxford Storm, as well as his involvement with the Norwich Merchants and local minor hockey programs.
As a player, Tim spent five years in Junior hockey, playing in various towns including Tillsonburg, Norwich, Delhi, and Langton. This experience as a player has undoubtedly shaped his approach to coaching and understanding of the game.
Tim’s coaching career is marked by nearly three decades of dedication at the Junior level, where he has served as both Head Coach and Assistant Coach for the Norwich Merchants. His role this upcoming season will focus on overseeing the team’s defensive strategies and penalty killing units, leveraging his wealth of experience to enhance the team’s performance.
Tim’s addition to the Merchants bench is seen as a significant asset, bringing not only strategic expertise but also leadership and a deep understanding of the game that will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming season.
Beyond his professional life in hockey, Tim resides in Norwich, Ontario, where he is a father to three daughters named Ashley, Brianna, and Aleisha. His commitment to the sport and his community is evident in his long-standing involvement and leadership roles within local hockey programs.

ASSISTANT COACH
BILL EBEL

Bill has enjoyed a strong career in hockey, both as a player and as a coach. As a player, Bill had a successful junior career with the Woodstock Navy Vets from 1991 to 1996, where he served as Assistant Captain for four years. During his time with the Navy Vets, Bill scored 278 points in 201 career games, averaging over a point per game. He also holds the record for the most career Penalty Minutes in Woodstock Navy Vets history, totaling 1138 PIM.
In coaching, Bill Ebel has accumulated over 25 years of experience primarily with the Woodstock JR Navy Vets and Woodstock Wildcats programs. His coaching expertise extends to his recent role as Head Scout / Guest Coach for the Lone Star Brahmas in Dallas, Texas, a team in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), where he contributed for three years. This season Bill will oversee the Merchants forwards.
Currently, Bill resides in Sweaburg, Ontario, with his wife Kim and their two daughters Payton and Sydney. His wealth of experience as both a player and a coach makes him a valuable addition to the Norwich Merchants as their first-year Assistant Coach.

ASSISTANT COACH
ZACH CORE

The Merchants are very excited to bring on Assistant Coach Zach Core to their staff.  Zach has enjoyed a strong playing career that started as 16 year old with the Norwich Merchants in the 2012-13 season. From 2013 -16 Zach played a  total of 181 OHL games with the Sarnia Sting tallying 28 points.  In the 2016-17 season Zach played a total 47 games with the JR “B” Caledonia Corvairs, where he put up strong offensive numbers for a Defenseman with 17 goals and 45 assists. Finishing off his hockey playing career Zach landed at Western University where he played 65 games over the 4 years with the Mustangs.
Currently, Zach resides in Princeton, Ontario and continues to work with young players developing their defense skills.  

GENERAL MANAGER
DARREN HOUSE

The Norwich Merchants have appointed Darren House as the new General Manager for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This significant move comes as the team embarks on providing an exciting rebrand, setting the stage for a new era of hockey in Norwich as well as the additions of Head Coach Derek Partlo and Assistant Coaches Bill Ebel, Tim Christo and Zach Core.
House is no stranger to the Merchants program after joining the Merchants in 2022 with a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in hockey management and coaching. Most recently, he served as the Head Scout with the Merchants under former GM Steve Aichmayr. His tenure with the Ingersoll Express Minor Hockey Program as the Director for the REP Hockey Program from 2012 – 2019 was marked by significant success capturing 6 OMHA Championships and 2 OMHA Finalists under his leadership. Behind the bench House guided the U15 team as Head Coach to back to back OMHA Championships in 2018 & 2019.  
The Norwich Merchants are confident that House’s expertise and vision will guide the team to new heights.
Currently, Darren resides in Ingersoll, ON with his wife Erin and their children Tye, Sam and Ellis.

TRAINER
MARK BAXTER

MARK ENTERS HIS 48th SEASON AS A CERTIFIED TRAINER, AND HIS 32 nd SEASON AS A LEVEL 3 TRAINER WITH THE NORWICH MERCHANTS.

MARK BEGAN HIS VOLUNTEER CAREER WITH THE MISSISSAUGA HOCKEY LEAGUE WITH A MINOR ATOM BLUE TEAM, AND MOVED ON TO THE METRO TRORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE, AND GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE AA / AAA TEAMS. TRAVELING OVERSEAS TO GERMANY, ITALY, WAXHOLM SWEDEN.

THE LAST 30 + SEASONS HE HAS BEEN WITH THE NORWICH MERCHANT FAMILY, AS A TRAINER / DIRECTOR / AND WEBMASTER.  HE HAS SEEN THE HIGHEST OF HIGHS, AND THE LOWEST OF LOWS, YET IT IS ALL GOOD AS IT IS WITH THE ENTIRE NORWICH MERCHANT FAMILY.

MARK CONTINUES TO PROVIDE HIS SERVICES ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS AS HE HAS FOR THE PAST 47 YEARS.

MARK WAS HONORED FOR HIS LIFESAVING ACTIONS RECEIVING AWARDS FROM THE CANADIAN RED CROSS LIFESAVING AWARD, THE OHA 2000 TRAINER OF THE YEAR AWARD, 2000 DR. TOM PASHBY HTCP TRAINER OF THE YEAR, AND AN ACCOMODATION AND MEDAL OF BRAVERY FROM GOVENOR GENERAL OF CANADA.

EQUIPMENT MANAGER  
CHUCK SMITH

EQUIPMENT ASSISTANT
LOGAN McLELLAN

LOGAN IS ENTERING HIS 6 TH SEASON AS AN INTEGAL PART OF OUR BENCH STAFF.

LOGAN STARTED AT THE YOUNG AGE OF 9 HELPING OUT WITH OUR BENCH REQUIREMENTS OF WATER TOWELS, ETC.  ATTENDING MOST OF OUR HOME AND AWAY GAMES WHEN HE STARTED TRAVELLING WITH HIS FATHER JAMIE WHO WAS OUR BUS DRIVER.

LOGAN IS NOW HELPING WITH EQUIPMENT REPAIRS / LOADING AND UNLOADING OF EQUIPMENT / AND LAST YEAR STARTED VIDEO TAPING ALL OF OUR GAMES.

LOGAN PLAYS GOAL FOR THE NORFOLK KNIGHTS

EQUIPMENT manager   
SETH ALLEN

Seth returns to the Merchants after a hiatus. Seth previously served as the Merchants Equipment Manager and Assistant Trainer from 2016 till 2020, prior to taking on that role Seth also volunteered on and off with the Merchants since 2011.  Seth was also involved with Tillsonburg Minor Hockey as an assistant coach and team manager from 1993-1996.

Seth resides in Ingersoll with his wife and four children.