ABOUT US

  • OUR COMPANY

Avenue Sports Management

Avenue Sports Management is committed to excellence, helping guide our players to achieve their highest potential. We are a team of former players, coaches, mentors and executives. As seasoned professionals with extensive experience and networks, we provide pathways at the Amateur, Junior, Collegiate and Professional levels on and off the field of play.

As player advisors, we pride ourselves on taking a proactive, and not reactive approach to client representation. Our customized programs and plans educate and prepare our athletes for the opportunities available to them. We navigate our athletes and their families through the guidelines and eligibility requirements for their age group and desired league of choice.

  • MEET OUR FOUNDER

Errol McDonald

Errol McDonald, BA, RRC is the Founder, and Managing Director of Avenue Sports Management. He is a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, where he attended and played 4 seasons for the Division I Tigers Hockey Team. After graduating with a degree in Business Management and continued education within the financial industry, Errol added his RRC designation in financial planning.

His path as a player from Junior A, to the NCCA and eventually professional hockey in the United Hockey League, is what assists Errol in providing sound advice to young athletes on and off the ice. His experience in business, marketing and operational development has allowed him to channel those experiences into player advisory, coaching, and development.

Errol is dedicated to push each player to their full potential with effective training, coaching and mentorship to improve their skill set, mental awareness, compete-level and professionalism. As someone who has been through the process, he is able to use his experiences to guide young athletes through those same pathways towards achieving their own goals.

“I empower clients to become better informed, organized, and to take control of their decisions, which provides clarity and confidence in their journey to prosperity”.

Contact Errol
  • DEDICATED TO HELPING YOUR GROW

Meet Our Team

We are a team of former players, coaches, and executives dedicated to helping our clients achieve their athletic and scholastic goals.

Player Advisor

Lee Burton

Lee has over 25 years experience helping and guiding hockey athletes to achieve scholarships in the US and Canada.

Lee has over 25 years experience helping and guiding hockey athletes to achieve scholarships in the US and Canada. He has mentored over 500 hockey players and was an integral part of two National Championships and Dudley Hewitt Cups with the 2004 Aurora Tigers and 2008 Trenton Goldhawks. Today, Lee is still committed to helping players throughout Ontario Junior Hockey Leagues to embrace positivity and hard work so they may obtain their dream of playing college hockey.
Player Advisor

Nicholas Burton

Avenue Sports provides Nicholas with the valuable skills and communication in his continued development in ongoing educational and legal practices.

Nicholas is an upcoming graduate with an Honours Political Science Degree and a Legal Studies Specialization from Wilfrid Laurier University. After a successful career in minor hockey and a brief stint in Junior, Nicholas decided to pursue his passion of the law. Currently, he has been the recipient of the Deans Faculty of Arts Honour Role Scholarships for his academic excellence. Avenue Sports provides Nicholas with the valuable skills and communication in his continued development in ongoing educational and legal practices in preparation for Law school.

He seeks to combine both his passion for hockey and the law, by joining us here at Avenue Sports Management.

Player Advisor & European Liaison

Johan Eriksson

The Native Swede has a long back ground in scouting and brings a wide network. After having spent last few years in North America

The Native Swede has a long back ground in scouting and brings a wide network. After having spent last few years in North America as a General Manager, Director of scouting on the JrA level.

Collecting one National Championship as well as had scouting positions on the pro level in Sweden and running his own recruiting and advising business.

“As I come from Sweden, and spent the last five years in North America my network has grown very big. I work every level and take pride in working with both men and women players.

I specialize in Juniors, college and pro, both North America and Europe

If you need help to reach the next level, reach out to us today”

Johan has joined Avenue Sports Management opening doors for players from North America to continue playing in Europe, but also creating opportunities for male and female European players to play hockey in North America.

Social Work, Fitness & Nutrition

Christine Cheung

Christine provides therapeutic services for children and families, with over 24 years of experience in the social services field.

Christine provides therapeutic services for children and families, with over 24 years of experience in the social services field. She utilizes a strength-based, client-centred approach to practice, which focuses on helping clients build on their internal strengths and resources. She has a strong passion for mindset coaching and brings knowledge to build capacity for all people to learn, grow, and thrive.

Her empathetic style allows clients to explore their emotions, challenges, and life transitions that may be impacting their success. She is committed to providing support with concrete strategies to accomplish change and growth for each of her clients.

Player Development

Tyler Pracek

Tyler has a strong understanding of the game and how a modern approach is changing the game of hockey.

Tyler Pracek has been in player development in Oakville since 2014, as a Player Development Instructor at Oakville Hockey Academy and Head Instructor of Bronko Academy. Tyler has a strong understanding of the game and how a modern approach is changing the game of hockey. He is able to create drills that focus on improving players’ weaknesses, but also make them fun and creative. These aspects translate into game scenarios which give players the ability to read and react to offensive and defensive plays and help improve decision making.
Nutrition & Conditioning

Brendt Barrett

A former football player, he has worked with dozens of athletes in building their strength conditioning, agility, and mindset

Brendt Barrett aka Coach B is a lifelong athlete and competitor. A former football player, he has worked with dozens of athletes in building their strength conditioning, agility, and mindset. He works to improve the performance level of as many athletes as possible across various sports; with hopes of helping to make them healthier and more viable. Brendt is also chairperson of the Non profit social enterprise ,Athletic Eatery. Based on offering athletic support and advocating physical literacy, the goal of this company is to provide a support structure for Canadian athletes who are often under supported, and value nutritional education.
Basketball Advisor

Alex Moura

With a Bachelors of Education from the University of Ottawa and over 10 years as an educator, Alex has a passion for helping youth achieve their potential.

With a Bachelors of Education from the University of Ottawa and over 10 years as an educator, Alex has a passion for helping youth achieve their potential. In the world of basketball, he has spent time with the Canadian National U17 men’s team as an advance scout, and 4 seasons at Wilfrid Laurier as an advance scout and coach.
As an advisor, Alex is able to combine his knowledge of the Canadian basketball landscape with his experience guiding and mentoring young athletes. He is committed to working tirelessly to help basketball players develop their game, and find a home at the amateur and professional levels.
Basketball Advisor

Ryan Stafford

Ryan graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Humber College in 2021. After graduating, he immediately immersed himself

Ryan graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Humber College in 2021. After graduating, he immediately immersed himself in multiple aspects of the basketball world with an eye on helping Canadian talent in every way possible. He began as an event manager for youth basketball events and showcases across the GTA, before moving on to become a Business Development Specialist at Excel Hoops. Recently, he has served as a Marketing Coordinator at RISE Integrated Sports and Entertainment, and works with the CEBL as an event official. With a diverse sports management background and a passion for finding opportunities for young Canadian basketball players, Ryan is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
Director of Golf

Jon Carson

Meet Jon, a seasoned professional with an impressive background that can truly revolutionize your athletic career.

Meet Jon, a seasoned professional with an impressive background that can truly revolutionize your athletic career. With over four years of experience as a scout for the prestigious Philadelphia Phillies, Jon has extensively covered the North-East and Northern California regions, developing an exceptional understanding of the baseball industry.

But Jon's expertise doesn't stop there. With a remarkable 20-year journey in baseball, including pivotal roles such as General Manager, Director of Analytics, and recruiting in the Canadian Premier Baseball League, he has honed his knowledge and skills to perfection. His invaluable contributions have earned him recognition as a scout for entities like Prep Baseball Report and Between the Lines. Over the last year he has developed a good rapport with the New Balance Future Stars series where he directs Canadian players to take advantage of that platform.

Beyond the realm of baseball, Jon's passion and ambition have driven him to pursue a new avenue: becoming a Class A PGA professional. In his relentless pursuit of excellence, he is actively working towards certifications that will propel him to the top of the golf industry in the upcoming year.

What truly sets Jon apart is his diverse background and expertise in performance psychology and mental performance consulting, cultivated during his impressive 22-year career in policing. Drawing upon the principles and methodologies derived from years of training, Jon has successfully translated his knowledge into helping athletes unleash their full potential both on and off the field. His unique insights and strategies are proven to elevate athletes' performance and unlock their best selves.

When you choose Jon, you're not just benefiting from his wealth of experience and knowledge across multiple industries, but also gaining access to a professional who possesses an innate ability to understand the intricacies of human performance. His holistic approach, coupled with his unwavering dedication to his clients' success, makes Jon an indispensable asset for any athlete looking to thrive in a competitive landscape.

With Jon's exceptional background, unparalleled expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence, you can trust that he has the knowledge and skills to generate real results for your business. Don't miss this opportunity to work with a true industry leader who can propel you towards unparalleled success.

Baseball Advisor

Chris Walls

Chris Walls, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, possesses a distinguished background in the realm of baseball.

Chris Walls, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, possesses a distinguished background in the realm of baseball. With a solid foundation rooted in his hometown, Chris honed his skills as a player by participating in rep baseball for the esteemed Soo Black Sox. Subsequently, he secured a scholarship to attend Missouri Valley College (NAIA), where he further honed his talents on the field. Following his collegiate career, Chris felt compelled to give back to his community, embarking on a coaching journey in the realm of rep baseball.

In addition to his contributions to the baseball world, Chris Walls is also a distinguished entrepreneur and possesses a wealth of knowledge in the field of business administration. As the proprietor of CKW Bookkeeping, he showcases his expertise in financial management and maintains a high level of professionalism in his endeavors. Chris solidified his prowess in business administration by earning a Diploma from the Toronto School of Business.

Chris has augmented his skill set with a Certificate of Sports Business Management from Sports Management Worldwide. This esteemed accreditation has further enhanced his understanding of the intricacies of sports management, empowering him to excel in his various roles within the baseball realm.

With an impressive blend of experience, education, and dedication, Chris Walls exemplifies a consummate professional who continues to make a lasting impact on the world of baseball and business alike.

Director Of Baseball

Todd Arkell

Todd is now channeling his strategic acumen and leadership skills into the world of baseball player advising for Avenue Sports Management

With a robust background in business development, sales management, business ownership and coaching. Todd is now channeling his strategic acumen and leadership skills into the world of baseball player advising for Avenue Sports Management

Todd's career has been defined by a relentless focus on driving performance, optimizing outcomes, and building strong relationships, all areas, which are crucial in guiding baseball players to excel in their careers.

These business skills are directly transferable to crafting personalized development plans for baseball players to reach their goals. His ability to build rapport and work from a servant-led perspective has been clearly evident in the numerous relationships Todd has already developed with NCAA coaches in his short tenure leading Avenue's baseball division.

Why Connect With Me?

Leveraging a successful career in business development, with a strong background in baseball coaching and advisory roles, I bring a unique blend of experience, expertise, and enthusiasm to every client relationship. My approach to advising is not solely focused on helping an athlete find a place for them to continue their baseball journey post high school. Our goal here at Avenue under my leadership is to identify not only a players strengths but create development plans around their weaknesses to ensure the athlete becomes the best version of themselves. I personally believe development encompasses more than traditional baseball skill development. It also encompasses areas such as nutrition, speed/strength training, education path advice, mental skills, nutrition and movement assessments. At Avenue we have created a development team to assist our clients in all of these areas, so the athlete can become the best version of themselves.

My goal is to inspire, educate, and empower athletes to reach their full potential and achieve their baseball dreams.

Let’s connect to discuss how I can support your baseball career with tailored strategies and dedicated mentorship, to unlock your full potential in the game of baseball.

Golf Advisor

Hailey Appleby

Hailey Appleby graduated from Western University with an Honours degree in Kinesiology Sport Management.

My name is Hailey Appleby, I am 22 years old, born and raised in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. In June of 2024, I graduated from Western University with an Honours degree in Kinesiology Sport Management. Growing up, I played competitive volleyball and soccer alongside many other sports. As a soccer player, I was honoured to represent Team Ontario, which inspired me to look at different avenues to grow my game.

In more recent years, I took up golf as my primary sport. I love how golf can keep you
challenged, humbled, exhilarated, and eager to return to the course. I have been around the golf industry for many years and have watched as the game continues to grow in Canada. At Avenue Sports Management, I hope to help young golfers find their way in the industry by choosing a pathway that aligns best with their dreams. I am a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on, and a strong voice in the athlete’s corner.

I believe that accessibility is extremely important for young athletes to ensure all their career options are presented fairly. Becoming an advisor has been a dream of mine since I was going through the recruitment process myself. Having assistance gathering information on schools, professional leagues, or other career options was extremely helpful and allowed for a much more relaxing experience. At Avenue Sports Management, I will use my experience as an athlete and the knowledge attained from my degree to create an enjoyable experience for young athletes to thrive and reach their dreams.

Player Advisor

Steve Forberg

Steve has over 20 years of experience developing, training, and coaching hockey players to help them advance to higher levels.

Steve has over 20 years of experience developing, training, and coaching hockey players to help them advance to higher levels. He has coached 15 years across all levels of minor hockey, including 10 years at the AAA level. With a wealth of knowledge as a coach, player and parent, Steve supports and mentors aspiring hockey players with the successful goal to elevate their game to higher level such as CHL, NCAA, Junior A, and USports pathways. He ensures a positive experience, guiding you every step of the way, so your family can make well-informed decisions with confidence. Steve enjoys mentoring athletes and assisting their families so they can achieve their goals of playing at the highest level possible at all times while understanding what it takes to make it happen. Steve is a former player himself at the AAA and Jr.A level, and represented Canada internationally. He has two sons who have gone through the journey and one who is currently playing in the NCAA at the Division 1 level.
Advisor

Gabriel Potkidis

Gabriel's journey began on the ice, where he had a successful career in minor hockey before turning his focus to education.

Gabriel's journey began on the ice, where he had a successful career in minor hockey before turning his focus to education. Graduating with Honours in Business Administration from the Ivey Business School and obtaining his J.D. from the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario, Gabriel is on track to be called to the Bar of the Law Society of Ontario in June 2025. During the pandemic, Gabriel started his own dryland training company to ensure athletes received the proper training to excel on the ice, and worked with his clients to develop workout and meal plans.

With a diverse legal background and extensive client service experience, paired with his passion for hockey, Gabriel is positioned to offer invaluable guidance to players and their families.

Partners & Affiliates

Testimonials

After moving back home to Canada from the States, I realized I wanted to take the NCAA route and continue my hockey career in college. I met Errol from Avenue Sports through a mutual friend, and It’s been a great experience. He has opened many doors at the Junior A level, and mentored me during the recruiting process and with my hockey progression. Very happy with my choice!

Milton MenaceOJHL

I recently signed with avenue sports and I have received so many new opportunities and support. My advisor Paige Dixon has done an incredible job of helping me as a player achieve my personal goals and ambitions! She has continuously day in and out done an amazing job of contacting and creating connections to division one schools that I am interested in to give me more options when deciding where I wish to further my hockey and education. She is an amazing person, advisor and coach and I wouldn’t want anyone else to be my advisor. She has provided me with new connections, coaches and training which have already had such a great impact on my development as a player. She is very hard working and a huge inspiration to me.

Mississauga HurricanesPWHL

Tyler’s specific training is filled with many different skills that every hockey player needs to work on. Before skating with Ty, my hockey IQ wasn’t nearly as good as it is now, as well as my explosiveness, my edge work, my stick handling, my overall ability to know where people are when I have the puck on my stick etc. Ty’s training has really helped me ramp up my overall game physically and mentally.

Windsor SpitfiresOHL

Ready To Take Your Career To The Next Level?

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