RESPECT ALL, FEAR NONE!
Think you’ve got what it takes to run with the Wolves?
Our elite program is built for driven players who want to push their limits, sharpen their skills, and compete at the highest level. With top-tier coaching, advanced training, and a culture that demands hard work and heart, Wolves Basketball develops athletes who stand out on and off the court. Tryouts are your chance to prove you belong among the best — are you ready?
Wolves Basketball is the elite youth basketball program of the Sylvan Adams YM‑YWHA. Designed for committed athletes who want to develop their skills and compete at a high level, the Wolves provide a structured, supportive environment grounded in Jewish values, community, and accountability. Our program focuses on developing the whole athlete—on the court, in the locker room, and beyond.
The Wolves emphasize long‑term athlete development through quality coaching, intentional practice design, and a clear performance standard. Players are taught to learn first, apply their skills under pressure, and compete with purpose. Roles and playing time are earned through preparation, effort, attitude, and respect for teammates and coaches.
The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA has a long, storied history with the game of basketball. A basketball hotbed dating back to the 1950’s the Y gained notoriety for winning a National Championship in 1947 and in so doing earning the right to represent Canada at the Olympics the following year. The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA has continued to consistently produce quality teams in the decades since, winning numerous championships in the Montreal Basketball League and at various tournaments. We are equally proud of our alumni who have graduated from our program and gone on to play at a higher level. The CEGEP and University basketball leagues are full of former Wolves.
The Montreal Basketball League (MBL) is a highly regarded, competitive intercity league recognized by Basketball Quebec, operating from September to April with AAA and AA divisions for youth aged 8–17. It serves as a premier competitive circuit on the island of Montreal, featuring tryout-based teams, certified coaching, and intense gameplay.
Wolves intercity teams compete in the Montreal Basketball League, one of Quebec’s most established youth leagues. Building on decades of YM‑YWHA basketball tradition, Wolves athletes learn to play the game the right way—respect all, fear none.
The mission of Wolves Basketball is to develop confident, disciplined, and resilient young athletes through a values‑driven basketball experience. We believe that competition and development go hand in hand, and that success is built through preparation, effort, and accountability. Our program uses basketball as a tool to teach life skills that extend far beyond the court.
Wolves Basketball follows a clear development model that prioritizes learning before competing. Athletes are taught fundamental skills, decision‑making, and basketball IQ, then challenged to apply those skills in game‑like environments. Playing time and team roles are earned through commitment, behaviour, and performance, reinforcing responsibility and ownership at every level of the program.
Rooted in Jewish values and community, Wolves Basketball promotes respect for teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials. We aim to create an environment where athletes are pushed to their potential while feeling supported, included, and proud to represent the Wolves. Our standard is simple: compete with integrity, respect all, and fear none.
David “Coach Salo” Salonichios has a strong track record of success and athlete‑centered coaching. He has coached his Wolves Basketball team to victory in the 2025 “Leader of the Pack” tournament. With experience at YCC and two years coaching with the Wolves, David is known for his positivity, energy, and ability to motivate young athletes. He is committed to creating a memorable, team‑focused experience.
Ethan Hotchkiss is a seasoned basketball coach known for his steady leadership and commitment to athlete development. Ethan creates a supportive, competitive environment that encourages confidence, teamwork, and pride in coaching the Wolves teams. He looks forward to helping athletes build skills, friendships, and meaningful team experiences
Coach Jeffrey has been around the game of basketball since he was seven years old. He played at Thetford Academy, one of the top prep schools in Canada, where he got great exposure and earned scholarship offers across the country. He went on to play and graduate from the University of Calgary, competing at the U Sports level and going up against NCAA Division I programs like UNLV, Yale, and Colorado State. Coach Jeffrey has been coaching for the past seven years and currently work as a scout for MacEwan University in the Canada West Conference. Basketball has always been a big part of his life, and he loves helping players grow both on and off the court.
Fun fact: He won the MBL League Cadet AAA championship back in his playing days.
This is Lauren’s first official year coaching basketball, but she has been passionate about the game for her entire life. Lauren grew up in the Montreal basketball community, playing for the YM-YWHA Wolves as well as Dawson Community, and captaining her high school teams at Lower Canada College. She later went on to play for the Dawson Blues at a collegiate level. Among her favourite basketball experiences was her participation in both the JCC Maccabi Games as well as captaining Team Canada in Israel in 2005 and leading the team to be silver medalists. Aside from Basketball, Lauren competed in a handful of other sports and feels extremely passionate about young girls participating in sports and having the chance to discover basketball at a young age and fall in love with the sport the same way she did. She is looking forward to introducing the game of basketball to the youngest Wolves team and instilling the same love, passion, and dedication to the sport that she was lucky enough to have growing up. Lauren is especially excited to be coaching her daughter, Parker, and hopes she will be lucky enough to represent Montreal and Canada on a global stage one day soon.
Head Coach – YM-YWHA Wolves Mini Girls
Assistant Coach – YM-YWHA Wolves Novice
Pierre-Ariel Gahungu is a dedicated basketball coach focused on developing young athletes through teamwork, discipline, and fundamentals. Currently coaching with the YM-YWHA Wolves, he brings years of experience from both school and competitive programs.
Since 2017, he has led Lavoie High School to three RSEQ Championship Banners and guided Maccabi Montreal to Gold Medals in 2022 (14U Boys 3v3) and 2024 (14U Girls 5v5). Pierre-Ariel’s approach emphasizes skill growth, confidence, and a love for the game.
Coach Sarah is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at McGill University. Alongside her studies, she serves as a coach with the Wolves and at the high school level. Coach Sarah began coaching basketball in 2023 and has since focused on helping players build confidence, strengthen their fundamentals, and develop a strong sense of teamwork. She takes pride in creating practices that challenge athletes while also supporting their growth, encouraging them to take initiative, and fostering leadership on and off the court. As a coach, she emphasizes player development, communication, and consistency which are all qualities that she believes help create a positive yet competitive environment where athletes can grow both individually and collectively. Sarah believes that success in basketball does not come only from skill but also from effort, attitude, and trust among teammates. Coaching has allowed her to share her love for the game while guiding young athletes to learn in a way that’ll help them far beyond the court.
Coach Shayne Bregman is a dedicated and competitive basketball coach who has been part of the YM-YWHA Wolves family for years—first as a player, now as a leader developing the next generation. As a standout with the Wolves, Shayne helped capture two championship titles, earning recognition for his leadership, intensity, and ability to elevate his teammates.
His success carried him to Dawson College, where he played at both the Division 2 and Division 1 levels. During his time in Division 2, Shayne was named Team MVP, before advancing to compete in Division 1 against some of the province’s top collegiate athletes. His experience at Dawson deepened his understanding of high-level basketball and fueled his passion for teaching the game the right way.
Before his collegiate and Wolves success, Shayne began his journey with Herzliah Basketball, where he won three championship titles and built the foundation of his competitive drive. Today, he continues to give back to both Herzliah and the Wolves programs, while also serving as Head Coach for the Lady Select Elite AAU team.
Coach Shayne’s philosophy centers on hard work, discipline, and leadership—instilling the mindset it takes to win both on and off the court.
Coach: David Salonichios
Assistant Coach: Ethan Hotchkiss
Leader of the Pack ’25 Champions
B.A.B.E 2026 Champions
Registration is now open for Wolves Basketball tryouts for the 2026–27 season. All athletes interested in being considered for a Wolves team must register in advance using the online registration portal:
Tryouts will take place from Sunday, August 23 through Sunday, September 6, 2026. Exact tryout dates and times for each age group will be communicated directly to registered participants once scheduling is finalized.
Athletes must try out within their respective birth year, as teams are formed in accordance with Montreal Basketball League age classifications. Evaluations will be conducted by multiple Wolves coaches, including—but not limited to—the coach expected to lead a given age group. Wolves coaches will work both independently and collaboratively to ensure evaluations are fair, consistent, and aligned with program‑wide standards.
Tryouts are designed to assess skill level, decision‑making, effort, coachability, and alignment with Wolves values. As part of a structured and thorough evaluation process, not all athletes will advance through every phase of tryouts. Invitations to subsequent sessions are based on each stage of assessment. Participation in tryouts does not guarantee team placement; all roster spots and roles are earned.
Players Eligible to Try Out
You will be contacted by the Program Administrator or a Wolves coach with the date and time of your specific tryout sessions.
Where young athletes rise to the challenge! Wolves Basketball Camp gives boys and girls ages 9–12 the chance to build skills, confidence, and teamwork in a supportive, high-energy environment. Each day brings new games, drills, and competitions designed to spark a love for basketball. Offered in the Spring, Summer and Winter.
5400 Westbury Avenue
Montreal, Quebec H3W 2W8
514-737-6551
contact@ymywha.com
Sunday: 7:00AM – 5:00PM
Monday: 6:00AM – 9:30PM
Tuesday: 6:00AM – 9:30PM
Wednesday: 6:00AM – 9:30PM
Thursday: 6:00AM – 9:30PM
Friday: 6:00AM – 4:30PM*
Saturday: 7:00AM – 5:00PM
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Registered Charitable Number: 119307205 RR 0001
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