SMW Coaches

We are excited to introduce Nick Saksa as the new head coach for our 10U team! Hailing from Metro Detroit, Nick has been immersed in hockey since childhood, leading his high school team as captain and achieving All-State honors. Although he chose a professional path outside the rink, his passion for hockey never waned, as evidenced by his active involvement in adult leagues.

With over seven years at Cool Sports/KAHA, and a recent stint as an Assistant Coach and manager of the Squirt Travel team, Nick's diverse experience in coaching multiple sports equips him with a unique perspective and adaptable coaching style. His philosophy focuses on developing not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals.

Marcus Ortiz, who coached our 10U AA team last season, is now stepping up to lead the 12U team. With a professional playing background that includes the ECHL and SPHL, and collegiate hockey at SUNY-Fredonia, Marcus's transition into coaching has been seamless.

His tenure as head skills coach at Cool Sports showcases his commitment to refining player skills at all levels. As the owner of MO2V8 Hockey Systems, Marcus brings a holistic approach to player development, fostering not only athletic skills but also strategic thinking and game intelligence.

We're excited to announce that James Ronayne is moving up to coach our 14U team this season. Coach Ronayne is a revered figure in our hockey community and a Buffalo State Athletics Hall of Famer.

James's rich career as a goaltender across multiple professional teams, highlighted by his pivotal role in securing the Knoxville Ice Bears their first city championship, showcases his deep understanding of the game. His coaching, rooted in extensive playing experience and years as a goaltending instructor and assistant coach, emphasizes tactical precision and mental fortitude.

Stefan Brucato back for another season with our 16U team. Stefan’s extensive playing career across high-level leagues, including the NCAA and SPHL, infuses his coaching with deep insights into competitive play and team dynamics.

His leadership roles as Captain and Assistant Captain during his playing days translate into his coaching, where he emphasizes professionalism, hard work, and integrity. Stefan’s holistic approach ensures our players excel not only on the ice but in all areas of life.

With great excitement, we announce the return of Steve Barnard as the head coach of our 18U team for a sixth season. Steve’s rich coaching history spans from nurturing grassroots talents in cross-ice hockey to mentoring young adults. His balanced approach of laid-back yet accountable coaching has been a cornerstone of his success.

Steve’s commitment to fostering strong player relationships ensures each athlete not only performs their best but also develops lasting bonds and personal growth. His intuitive coaching and ability to communicate effectively are keys to drawing out top performances from his teams.