Hockey Operations

Bégin is a cornerstone of the Hearst Lumberjacks organization, having served as an assistant coach, and the team's second-ever head coach. Born and raised in Hearst, Ontario, he has become a local hockey icon through both his prolific scoring as a player and his leadership on the bench.

Bégin has been with the Lumberjacks since their inaugural 2017–2018 season.Assistant Coach (2017–2020): He began his coaching career as an assistant under Marc Lafleur and was a key part of the staff that led the team to the 2018–2019 NOJHL Championship.

Head Coach (2020–2025): He took over as Head Coach in July 2020. During his five-season tenure, he compiled an impressive regular-season record of 160 wins, 67 losses, and 1 tie.

Before coaching, Bégin was one of the most productive forwards in the history of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) and reached the highest levels of junior hockey.

Major Junior (QMJHL): He played two seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Val-d'Or Foreurs and the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, recording 57 points across 99 games (including playoffs).
NOJHL Stardom: Playing for the Abitibi Eskimos, he became a league star, recording a staggering 336 points in 162 games over three seasons. He still ranks among the top 10 all-time scorers in the league.
University Level: He also played two seasons of U-Sports hockey for the Laurentian Voyageurs.

Marc-Alain is currently Hearst's Director of Parks and Recreation; he likes to spend time with family and friends and enjoy golfing in the off season.

FUN FACT / Marc-Alain cousin is NHL Superstar Claude Giroux, who was also born and raised in Hearst Ontario before moving to Ottawa at 14 years old.

Christian Gratton
Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach

Christian is a key member of the Hearst Lumberjacks hockey operations, currently serving as the Assistant General Manager and Assistant Coach.

He has been a consistent presence on the team's staff since joining the organization for the 2021–22 season.

Gratton is part of a veteran coaching group under Head Coach Marc-Alain Bégin and last year under Guy Losier. His dual role involves both on-ice player development and off-ice management duties.

Gratton is no stranger to the NOJHL having refereed for many years before transitioning into coaching and management duties with the Lumberjacks for the past few years.

In his spare time Christian enjoys spending time with family at the lake, boating and fishing. Christian is a passionate golfer who enjoys playing many rounds during the summer.

Claude Lodin
Assistant Coach

Claude Lodin brings a wealth of playing, coaching, and teaching experience to the Hearst Lumberjacks coaching staff.

A former standout player, Claude began his junior hockey career with the Hawkesbury Hawks before earning a scholarship to Northeastern University, where he competed at the NCAA Division I level for four seasons while completing his university degree. Following his collegiate career, he continued his hockey journey professionally in Sweden for two years.

After returning to Hearst, Claude pursued a career in education and was a dedicated teacher at Clayton Brown Public School before his retirement in 2021. His passion for developing young athletes also led him to spend several years as an assistant coach with the Élan Elite Midget program, where he helped mentor and develop high-level hockey players.

Known for his strong hockey knowledge, leadership, and ability to teach the game, Claude brings valuable experience, professionalism, and a player-development mindset to the Lumberjacks organization.

Félix Morissette
Assistant Coach

A true hometown product, Félix was born and raised in Hearst and brings with him a deep passion for the game of hockey. He previously played locally with the Hearst Élans and the Hearst Lumberkings, building strong roots within the community and the sport.

Félix continues to give back to the game as a dedicated member of Hearst Minor Hockey, serving as a director on the executive committee. Over the past few years, he has also been behind the bench as Head Coach of the Hearst Lumberkings U18 even winning the NOHA championship in 2025. Felix is proud of helping develop the next generation of players.

Bryan Leger
Assistant Coach

A lifelong athlete, Bryan Leger has been a respected figure in the Hearst sports community for decades. Throughout his athletic career, Bryan competed at a high level and was part of numerous championship-winning teams, earning a reputation for his competitiveness, leadership, and dedication to excellence.

Recently retired from teaching at Hearst High School, Bryan spent many years inspiring and mentoring young people both inside and outside the classroom. He played a significant role in developing student-athletes by sharing his passion for hockey and track and field, helping countless students build confidence, discipline, and a love for sport.

Bryan joined the Hearst Lumberjacks organization during the 2018-19 season and has been a valued member of the coaching staff ever since. His extensive experience as an educator, athlete, and mentor brings tremendous value to the organization. Known for his positive approach, strong work ethic, and commitment to player development, Bryan continues to play an important role in helping Lumberjacks players grow both on and off the ice.

As the team prepares for its milestone 10th season, Bryan remains an integral part of the Lumberjacks family and a respected leader within the Hearst hockey community.

Jeremy Vienneau
Goaltending Coach

Jeremy Vienneau is the founder of J. Vienneau Goaltending and current Goaltending Coach of the Hearst Lumberjacks (NOJHL). With over 4 years of coaching experience, Jeremy has trained and developed goaltenders at every level — from U7 beginners to elite Junior A, OHL, NCAA Division 1, and Team Canada–trained athletes.

Before launching his own program, Jeremy spent two years coaching through the Northern Hockey Academy in Sudbury, where he also served as the Goaltending Coach for the Nickel City Sons U18 AA and U11 AA teams. These roles allowed him to work with a wide range of athletes and help them refine both their technical skills and mental preparation.

Passionate about modern goalie development, Jeremy brings up-to-date training methods and techniques that reflect the evolving game. His coaching philosophy emphasizes technical precision, consistency, and confidence in the crease.

Throughout his coaching journey, Jeremy has had the opportunity to work alongside NHL and OHL goaltending coaches, further sharpening his approach and expanding his knowledge of the position.