I started playing hockey as a kid in Detroit – and have been hooked ever since.

However, I had a lot going against me. Not only did I start later (at the age of 10) than most of the kids I grew up with, being born in October meant I was one of the youngest kids in my birth year. Plus, neither of my parents had much experience with hockey, so learning how to navigate the hockey scene was difficult, to say the least. Then, we moved to Chicago right before I started high school, so we lost all our contacts and essentially had to start over.

My family and I didn’t really understand the different paths/leauges available or the impact each decision we made would have on my hockey career. As an example, I had received offers to play juniors in Canada, but because we didn’t understand the value in it, I wound up going to Western Michigan University thinking I could walk on to the NCAA Division 1 team. Now, I can see how that’s not a viable options and is like trying to go to college without going to high school first.

The lack of information I had meant a dead-end to my playing career. It was a tough lesson to learn at the time, and it’s why I am doing this. I want to help players and their families avoid making the same mistakes I did. I want to provide them with honest, unbiased information so they can make fact-based decisions that support their hockey career goals.

I’ve been coaching for more than 20 years, since I graduated college. I started off as a high school coach, then transitioned into an Assistant Hockey Director role, before moving on five years later to become a Midget (U15, U16, U18) Coach.

While serving as Assistant Hockey Director, I developed and ran the learn to skate and beginning hockey programs, as well as USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM) mite program. During that time, I also served as Midget Hockey Director.

Currently, I am in my 6th year as a midget coach with the Chicago Jets program and am Head Scout/Director of Player Personnel for the Lone Star Brahmas (an NAHL team). I began working with the Brahmas five years ago, first as a Regional Scout, and now as Director of Player Personnel. In this role, I oversee all the Brahmas scouts, and look for talent nationwide.

Most recently, I co-host a hockey podcast, Junior Hockey Live, with one of my scouting colleagues, Jeff Kolcon. On the show, we provide up-to-date information on everything happening across Junior hockey leagues in North America and address topics and questions that come up from our viewers during the Live Q&A portion of each segment.

• I will always be honest and straightforward.
• My actions and advice will always be in the best interest of the player.
• I will leverage my experience as a coach to help guide players and their families.
• I will help you weigh the pros and cons of the different paths available to you, and explain the impact certain choices may have on the trajectory of the players career.
• I will use my network connections to help match a player’s talent level and goals to the right next step/path for them.