About Ian Barteaux

Founder of The Defensive Edge. Former professional defenseman. Teacher. Coach. And someone who has built his entire life around hockey.

Career Highlights at a Glance

Kootenay ICE (WHL)

3 seasons, Top Defenseman honours, WHL Humanitarian of the Year runner-up

U of A Golden Bears

5 seasons, National Champion, National All-Star, 4× Canada West Champion

Professional Hockey

Bakersfield Condors, Fort Wayne Komets, Atlanta Gladiators
(Oilers, Avalanche & Bruins farm systems)

Sr. AAA

Allan Cup Hockey West MVP, Top Defenseman, Allan Cup Champion, Allan Cup National Tournament All-Star

Education

Bachelor of Physical Education & Bachelor of Education, Biology minor – University of Alberta

My Story

Hockey has always been my true passion.

I’ve built a career and my life around it – playing at the professional level for the majority of my adult life.

I first experienced off-season training at the Peewee level, where I learned early that excellence is built in the summer months. That combination of off-season work, passion for the game, and a competitive drive to outwork everyone around me is what enabled me to reach my goal of playing professional hockey.

I quickly became known as the most in-shape player on the team. It was through that journey – from the WHL to professional leagues – that I developed The Defensive Edge Training Program.

I was always a student of the game, especially when it came to fitness and the drive to outcompete my opponent. Using my expertise in kinesiology and biomechanics, I built a training regimen grounded in the fundamental movement principles of a defenseman – applied in an off-ice setting.

Since stepping back from professional play, I’ve taken that experience into coaching and teaching. I am currently a teacher at Vimy Ridge Academy and an on-ice instructor – and I compete at the Sr. AAA level to this day.

Hockey player in Komets jersey

My goal is simple:

to share what I’ve learned with young athletes and help them reach the next level – whatever that looks like for them.

Credentials & Experience

Western Hockey League – Kootenay ICE

Ian played three seasons with the Kootenay ICE in the WHL, earning Top Defenseman honours and finishing as runner-up for the WHL Humanitarian of the Year award.

Two ice hockey players competing intensely on the rink.

University of Alberta – Golden Bears

Ian spent five seasons with the U of A Golden Bears, where he was named a National All-Star, won four Canada West titles, and was part of the team that captured a National Championship – all while completing his degrees in Physical Education and Education with a Biology minor.

Ice hockey player in white and green uniform prepares to block opponent.

Professional Hockey

Ian went on to play professionally with the Bakersfield Condors, Fort Wayne Komets, and Atlanta Gladiators – spending time in the farm systems of the Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche, and Boston Bruins.

Two ice hockey players competing intensely on the ice rink.

Sr. AAA – Current

Ian continues to compete at the Sr. AAA level, having earned the following honours: • Allan Cup Hockey West MVP • Allan Cup Hockey West Top Defenseman • Allan Cup Champion • Allan Cup National Tournament All-Star

Trophy awarded to Ian Barteaux for Best Defenceman in 2018-2019 ACHW season.

Education

• Bachelor of Physical Education – University of Alberta • Bachelor of Education – University of Alberta • Minor in Biology – University of Alberta

Hockey players collide near the rink boards during a game.

What to Expect

By combining his experience as a hockey player and his background as a teacher, Ian delivers a focused program that helps young players improve both physically and mentally.

The Defensive Edge Training Program is built on the same principles that took Ian from youth hockey to professional leagues – and it’s designed to give every athlete who walks through the door a genuine path to the next level.

Ian’s dream is for every player to reach their goals – and The Defensive Edge is how he’s making that happen.

Ian’s dream is for every player to reach their goals – and The Defensive Edge is how he’s making that happen.

Train With Ian

Sessions are available now in Sherwood Park – on the ice and off it. Browse available packages and book your spot online.