Hockey Operations

Derek Partlo – Head Coach

Norwich Merchants are pleased to welcome new 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)

Bill Ebel – Assistant Coach

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.

Tim Christo – Assistant Coach

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.

Zach Core – Assistant Coach

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.  

Darren House – General Manager

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.