Coaches

Hometown Ostrava, Czech Republic

Position North Park Director of Hockey;

10U Squirts Program Director;

Head Coach 10U Squirts Black

Joined North Park 2003

Previous Coaching NY Ice Cats

Playing Career HC Vitkovice, SC Vitkovice 

Certification USA Hockey Level 4

In second grade, Coach Martin tried out among 120 hopefuls to join his hometown hockey school. This successful event gave him an opportunity to grow up in the game alongside hockey greats, national team players, legendary coaches, Olympians, and even future Stanley Cup winners. He found many lasting friendships and fostered a great passion for ice hockey at the Vitkovice Hockey Academy.

After a successful youth hockey career, Martin continued with the sport in college through the newly formed ball hockey program and captured two national league titles in 1997 and 2000. He also earned the MVP title of the 2000 league playoffs. The team continued its high-level performances at the European stage, with strong results at the Champions Cup tournaments in Sweden, Finland, or Switzerland.

After his relocation to New York City, Coach Martin continued as a youth hockey coach on popular school teams when he was recruited to join the North Park travel program as an instructor in 2003 and became the 14U Bantams head coach in 2004. As the overall Director of Hockey, Martin has been involved in every age category since then, and is currently coaching the 10U Squirts.

Hometown Amherst NY

Position Coach, 6U + 8U Mites

Joined North Park 2016

Previous Coaching NYC Cyclones, Columbia Prep, Central Park Hawks, Kurt Nichols Power Skating, BBX Skating & Skills

Playing Career Buffalo State (NCAA D3), Wheatfield Blades (GOJHL), The Nichols School, Williamsville North High School, Buffalo Regals AAA, Buffalo Bisons AA, Amherst Knights

Certification USA Hockey Level 4

Coach Cory fostered his love of hockey on the neighborhood pond at the age of 3. After the family tragically lost the snow-blowing machine in an early-season soft ice accident, they decided it was time to hone his skills at the local rink and begin his formal training. Novice aka “Mite” hockey proved to be a formidable foe for young Mr. Paul and the concept of offsides at such an early age almost shattered his hockey dreams. He still holds the record for most offside calls in a single season. 

Cory persevered and went on to win a New York State title and play for a National Championship his PeeWee Major season, finishing a heartbreaking tournament runner-up in 1994. Local scouts took notice of the two-way defenseman’s gritty, team-first play, and he was awarded a roster spot with the AAA Buffalo Regals his following 4 seasons. Cory was selected to play for the Select 77 All-Western New York tournament team and was invited to participate in the USA Hockey Select Festival in Lake Placid NY his Midget season. Cory played for The Nichols School in Buffalo, NY from 5th grade to 10th grade. He then finished his high school hockey career as an assistant captain at Williamsville North, playing for legendary coach Bob Rosen. He was also a first-team All-Western NY lacrosse player, captaining Williamsville North his Senior year. After high school, Juniors came calling. Cory played one year with the Wheatfield Blades in the GOJHL (Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League). He led the team in both penalty minutes and assists. A knee injury ended his hockey career after his freshman season at NCAA DIII’s Buffalo State College.

Cory has been a coach in NYC since 2007. He started his coaching career at Lasker Rink with the now-defunct Central Park Hawks where he coached for 5 years. He has coached at the high school level for Columbia Prep, and with the NYC Cyclones. He has been with The North Park Hockey Association for 6 years and currently serves as Program Director for the Mites.  

Hometown Havirov, Czech Republic

Position 12U PeeWees Program Director;

Head Coach 12U PeeWees Black 

Joined North Park 2009

Previous Coaching NY Ice Cats

Playing Career Havirov Junior, Havirov Youth

Certification USA Hockey Level 4

Coach David started playing ice hockey at the young age of 4 in his hometown of Havirov in the Czech Republic and continued to play for them throughout high school and Juniors. His team was victorious in three consecutive National wins in the 14U, 15U, and 16U years. David had the opportunity to play in tournaments all over Europe visiting Sweden, Finland, Germany, Switzerland, Poland, and Russia. He was lucky enough to play with and against NHL greats from the Czech Republic.

After a successful youth/junior hockey carrier in the Czech Republic, David moved to New York City. With continued love and passion for the game, he start playing hockey at Chelsea Piers for fun and joined Coach Martin’s streetball hockey team, The Skyfighters. David coached for the NY Ice Cats from 2007 to 2009 when he joined North Park.

David and his wife Michaela have two great sons whom both play hockey with North Park. Matthew is a 12U PeeWees goalie and Tommy is an 8U Mites skater. They are following after their father’s footsteps and enjoying the terrific coaching staff and youth hockey at North Park. 

Coach David in Yankee Stadium with North Park for the 2013-'14 NHL Stadium Series

Hometown Senica, Slovakia 

Position Goalie Program Director;

Head Coach 12U PeeWees Blue

Joined North Park 2006

Previous Coaching NY Icecats, St. Bernard’s School, Gotham Goalie Academy, NY Skyliners

Playing Career Slovakian National Hockey League, Senica Junior League

Certification USA Hockey Level 4

Coach Robert started playing hockey in his hometown near the Slovak capital at the age of 8 as a player but quickly found the passion for goaltending. Robert played for his hometown until Junior hockey, followed by a few years as a member of the two adult teams that were part of the 1st and 2nd Slovak National Hockey league. An injury halted his playing career in his early 20s and he transitioned into coaching. 

Outside of hockey, Robert has found his interest in the medical field and currently works as a surgical Physician Assistant at The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the country’s leading hospital for orthopedic surgery.

The experience and knowledge he has gained over the years of coaching, studying, and now working in sports medicine has influenced Robert’s coaching philosophy. The development of strength, agility, speed, flexibility, and good habits on and off the ice in order to achieve the highest potential for every player and goalie. This allows them to function independently, perform at their peak ability while preventing injuries, and adjust and react to any game situations by relying on their acquired physical and mental skills. 

As a coach, Robert takes an approach that promotes a fun, friendly, and inclusive environment for all players while developing and nourishing independence and a sense of teamwork: concepts he believes are important not only while playing hockey but in life in general. Robert is also the owner and head coach at the Gotham Goalie Academy, focusing on private lessons and occasional camps for goalies of all ages. 

Coach Robert played goal against Jimmy Fallon and Justin Bieber on The Tonight Show in 2020.

Hometown Ostrava, Czech Republic 

Position 14U Bantams Program Director;

Head Coach 14U Bantams Black

Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel, Metropolitan Riveters

Joined North Park 2010

Previous Coaching commenced with North Park

Playing Career Val D’or Les Foreurs (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League); HC Vítkovice (Czech Elite League); Basingstoke Bison (British Elite League); New York Aviators (Federal Hockey League); Czech Republic 16U, 17U, 20U National Team

Certification USA Hockey Level 4

Coach Ivo grew up in a big hockey family and played alongside his brother, older cousin, uncle, and grandfather. In his hometown of Ostrava, he played for the HC Vitkovice as a junior. He then played in Canada for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League where he was drafted in the first round of the import draft by the Val D’Or Les Foreurs. There he got to play with and against some of the best players in the world. After returning back to Europe Ivo signed his first pro contract, was a member of the Czech 20U National Team, and played for multiple professional teams before coming back to North America where he played for the New York Aviators in the Federal Hockey League. 

Upon retirement from pro hockey, Ivo started coaching the North Park 10U team and immediately fell in love with being a coach. He knew it was a great way to stay around hockey. In 2019 Ivo joined the Metropolitan Riveters in the National Women’s Hockey League (now the Premier Hockey Federation) and serves as Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel in addition to his duties with North Park.

Ivo believes hockey is the best sport in the world and feels very grateful to have the opportunity to coach at North Park and help players to be better on and off the ice. 

Hometown Whippany NJ

Position Head Coach 14U Bantams Green

Assistant Coach 14U Bantams Black

Joined North Park 2017

Previous Coaching commenced with North Park

Playing Career University of Delaware (ACHA D1), Providence College (NCAA D1), The Hill School, Seton Hall Prep, NJ Devils AAA, NJ Rockets 

Certification USA Hockey Level 4

Coach Marcello started his high school career at Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, New Jersey where he led all freshmen in points. Marcello went on to play at The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania from 2008 to 2011 where he accumulated 76 goals and 93 assists, totaling 169 points in the 76 games played.

After a successful high school career, Marcello earned a hockey scholarship to Providence College in Rhode Island. Due to multiple surgeries plus a re-injury on his shoulder, Marcello transferred from Providence to the University of Delaware. He played hockey for four years at Delaware, serving as a Captain his senior season and winning the AHCA Men’s Division I National Championship in 2011. 

Coach Marcello credits much of his hockey success and character to the many great coaches and mentors of his past. He passes on his vast knowledge of hockey to North Park, working to make his players better each and every day. He brings a wealth of experience, high-level skill development, technique, and a passion for winning to the program. 

Hometown Washington D.C. area

Position Head Coach 14U Bantams Green

Assistant Coach 14U Bantams Black

Joined North Park 2016

Previous Coaching commenced with North Park

Playing Career University of Delaware (ACHA D1), Washington Junior Nationals AAA, Washington Junior Capitals AAA, Washington Little Capitals

Certification USA Hockey Level 4

Coach Ryan grew up playing youth hockey in the Washington D.C. area at the AAA level for the Washington Little Capitals through his 16U season. Ryan closed out his youth career and made the jump to Junior hockey playing for both the Washington Jr. Capitals and the Washington Jr. Nationals, traveling the east coast from Washington D.C. to Maine for league games. Ryan led the Jr. Nationals in points in his final season and was named Captain.

After a successful Youth and Junior career, Ryan went on to compete at the collegiate level for The University of Delaware. He was part of the University of Delaware’s 2011 National Championship winning team, where he led the team in points. Ryan played 140 total games over four seasons, totaling 68 goals and 60 assists for 128 points. He was named a Captain his Senior year.

Coach Ryan is entering his 5th season with the North Park organization and is eager to bring his hockey and life lessons to the players.

Hometown Philadelphia PA

Position Head Coach 12U PeeWees Green

Joined North Park 2021

Previous Coaching Allen-Stevenson School, Central Park North Stars

Playing Career North Park, Allen-Stevenson School

Certification USA Hockey Level 2

Hockey has always been Coach Whitney’s life-long love. Harry is a North Park alumnus and played under Martin Cejka’s direction. Harry grew up in Philadelphia and skated at the Wissahickon Skating Club, the proud home of Mike Richter. After moving to NYC, he played for the Allen Stevenson School in New York City, the Central Park North Stars, and North Park. 

North Park taught Harry lessons about leadership and grit. The support he received from and relationships developed with the North Park coaches brought him back to North Park. This is Harry’s first year coaching Peewees. He has found the shared vision that ice hockey is a valuable resource for humility and success, even off the ice with family and friends.

Hometown New York NY

Position Head Coach 10U Squirts Green

Joined North Park 2021

Previous Coaching commenced with North Park

Playing Career Ohio Wesleyan University, The Hill School, NYC Cyclones, North Park

Certification USA Hockey Level 1

Coach Hunter joined North Park initially as a player in 1999. He developed his love for the game during cold mornings and late nights at Lasker Rink, learning the basics of skating, hockey rules, and successful team play. Hunter attributes his continued hockey career and appreciation to the great coaches and families from his initial North Park experience. Martin Cejka was one of his hockey coaches and he was blessed with a unique opportunity to travel to the Czech Republic for the summer and train with their minor team, Vítkovice Steel.

Hunter continued his hockey journey at The Hill School in Pottstown, PA. His competitive years ended in college so he and a few friends re-founded a Club Hockey team at Ohio Wesleyan University.

During high school summers, Hunter was the Head Tennis Instructor at Trinity Day Camp. This is where he found his passion for coaching and helping children find their own love for athletics. Upon graduating from college, he offered private skating and hockey lessons for children of all levels—whether they were just learning or looking to refine certain skills. Private lessons were a great avenue for continued individual growth and development, but nothing matches the camaraderie and energy of winning as a team. Coach Hunter feels his hockey career has gone in a full circle and is lucky to coach for the organization that once taught him. 

Hometown New York NY

Position Head Coach 10U Squirts Blue

Joined North Park 2018

Previous Coaching commenced with North Park

Playing Career Elite Hockey Program, New York Aviators, North Jersey Avalanche, Westchester Express, North Park, Central Park Hawks, Central Park Rangers

Certification USA Hockey Level 2

Coach Trevor’s love for hockey began when his father took him ice skating for the first time at Central Park’s Wollman Rink; not only did Trevor fall in love with skating, he was a natural.  

That was the beginning of a long hockey career that started at North Park and ended in U18 AAA with the Elite Hockey Program. The time in between saw Trevor go from a humble start in Central Park to playing on a top 10 AAA team for three straight seasons. Following his stint with Westchester Express, Trevor accumulated quite a respectable amount of accolades. 

From becoming a captain to being drafted first overall for the ECEL (East Coast Elite League) All-Star Game at Harvard University in his U16 Major year, Trevor was also named MVP of the aforementioned All-Star Game. His final season was with the Elite Hockey Program U18 team which played in several leagues, the NAPHL (North American Prospects Hockey League) being one of them. The NAPHL being a major feeder league for the NAHL (North American Hockey League), Trevor was the first player out of the whole league to receive a “tender” from an NAHL team. 

Despite his successful hockey career, Trevor decided to commit himself to academics in the hopes of a career centered around medicine and helping people. Trevor is currently a full-time student finishing his undergraduate studies in Biology at the City College of New York as well as being an NYS Certified EMT and ice hockey coach. 

Trevor’s coaching philosophy revolves around ensuring his players prioritize hard work, constantly honing one’s skills on and off the ice, and a sense of self-confidence. Having been coached by many along the way, Trevor knows how beneficial a supportive coach can be and brings that to the rink every day for his North Park players. 

Hometown Reno NV

Position Head Coach 10U Squirts White

Joined North Park 2021

Previous Coaching Pro Ambitions Hockey Camp, Ice Hockey in Harlem, New York Rangers (Learn to Play)

Playing Career Buffalo State (NCAA D3), Sioux Lookout Flyers, Schreiber Diesels (SIJHL Canadian Junior A), Eugene Generals, Rogue Valley Wranglers (NPHL / USA Junior A III)

Certification USA Hockey Level 4

Clayton Lewis played street roller hockey in his neighborhood of Rancho Cucamonga, California from the age of 6-12 eventually earning a spot on the All-Star Travel Roller team.

At the age of 12, Clayton traded his roller skates for ice hockey skates and joined the High Sierra Sharks PeeWee B team. He continued to play travel hockey at the A, AA, and AAA levels with the Capital Thunder, California Gold Rush, California North Stars, and LA Hockey Club. Clayton also earned the chance to represent the States of Nevada and California at the USA Hockey Sanctioned Pacific District Hockey Festival. 

After graduating from high school in 2007, Clayton decided to try his chances at a career in Junior Hockey. He attended Buffalo State College as an NCAA Student-Athlete and earned a degree in Media Productions in 2014. Today, Clayton works as a Technical Producer creating video streaming ads.

Clayton has been coaching hockey in New York City since 2016 and encourages all his players to have fun; while displaying confidence within themselves as they develop a true hockey sense! Clayton emphasizes fundamentals and positioning, and commends a good attitude, hard work, and resiliency. 

Hometown Kosice, Slovakia                                                

Position Assistant Coach, 8U Mites Black and Green;

Assistant Coach, 6U Mites Blue                                                        

Joined North Park 2015                                                    

Previous Coaching NY Ice Cats, St. David’s School, Browning School              

Playing Career College and Club Hockey in Kosice, VSZ Kosice Youth Hockey

Certification USA Hockey Level 4

Coach Viliam grew up playing hockey in his hometown of Kosice in eastern Slovakia where he spent his entire hockey player career from the age of 7. His team was a Slovakia National Championship winner in a 14U age category. While studying Mechanical Engineering at Technical Institute in Kosice, Viliam continued playing 2nd division Club hockey for 4 years.

Viliam has always been a sports enthusiast and a big fan of cycling, swimming, and many outdoor sports. He was instrumental in raising funds, establishing and running a fitness center in his suburban hometown to promote sports and a healthy lifestyle with a focus on youth and young adults.

Upon arrival to the US, Viliam was certified by NASM and continued as a fitness coach and a recreational hockey player where he started coaching youth hockey in order to stay close to his favorite sport. He has coached players in ages ranging from 4 to 16 but is passionate about working with young players in the early stages of development. He strongly believes in solid fundamental skating and stick handling skills which he promotes using various unique training drills.

For the past 8 summers, Viliam has been a head coach at Hockey Bear Camp in Wilkes Barre, PA.

Hometown Smithtown NY

Position Assistant Coach 8U Mites

Assistant Coach 6U Mites

Joined North Park 2021

Previous Coaching commenced with North Park

Playing Career West Chester University, Valley Forge Minutemen Juniors, Suffolk PAL Juniors, Long Island Gulls, Long Island Royals 

Certification USA Hockey Level 1

Growing up a few minutes away from the Superior Ice Rink opened the opportunity to try out hockey at a young age for Coach Matt. Matt’s journey began as a 7-year-old Mite goalie. He played for the Royals AAA team from 10U Squirts through 14U Bantams, where he competed at Silver Sticks Internationals four times and won once. He also won the AYHL twice and was a runner-up once. Matt played one year of 16U Midget hockey for the Gulls, and two years of 18U Juniors for Suffolk PAL and Valley Forge Minutemen. He attended West Chester University where he played ACHA D1 until an injury Sophomore year halted his hockey career. 

Matt graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Mathematics and a minor in Physics. He went on to work in software development for over five years, both in LAMP Stack development and later writing T-SQL stored procedures for manufacturing execution systems. In 2020 he made the career jump to teaching Math and Science in a middle school classroom with a focus on restorative justice practices and socio-emotional learning in a Montessori setting. This is where Matt discovered North Park where he was able to get back on the ice and share his passion for hockey with today's young players.

Aside from hockey, Matt’s hobbies include hiking and backcountry backpacking, cooking/eating, and being given the opportunity, ping-pong.

In goal at the Moscow Cup

Hometown Pawling NY

Position Assistant Coach 10U Squirts White

Joined North Park 2021

Previous Coaching NY Ice Cats, Pawling Youth Hockey Learn to Skate Program, 

Playing Career Quinnipiac University (Men's Club), Pawling High School (Boys Varsity), Brewster Lady Bulldogs

Certification USA Hockey Level 2

Coach Rebecca originally took to the ice as a figure skater but transitioned to hockey early in her career to follow her three older brothers. Growing up, Rebecca played mostly on boy's/men's teams, as women's hockey was not as popular in her hometown. She was the sole girl on her high school varsity team and was an integral player on the team. At the same time, she played for the Brewster Lady Bulldogs and was on the 2009 State Championship team. She continued playing hockey in college on a men's club team to keep up with the sport in a more relaxed environment.

Coach Rebecca mainly focuses on skating skills, which was a large part of her hockey base. She teaches players that having both solid skating and positioning skills will help them improve their overall game. Her favorite part of coaching is encouraging players and watching them have fun when they see their own improvement. Fun is the most important thing for young players because players who love the sport will be motivated to work hard.

Off the ice, Rebecca is a Physician Assistant at The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), who specializes in foot and ankle orthopedic surgery. Working in sports medicine is a natural fit for her, as she has always been an athlete who is dedicated to fitness and nutrition. She uses this sports medicine knowledge to promote healthy habits for athletic development. 

Coach Rebecca has a love for the sport and hopes to pass on healthy habits and a positive attitude to her players, so they can continue to grow as athletes while having a blast.

Hometown Needham MA

Position Coach 8U Mites

Joined North Park 2022

Previous Coaching Canterbury School, Long Island Gulls, NYC Cyclones, Yale Junior Bulldogs

Playing Career Sacred Heart University (NCAA D1), UMass-Lowell (NCAA D1), Lincoln Stars (USHL), South Kent School, Neponset Valley River Rats, Needham High School

Certification USA Hockey Level 4

Coach Will grew up playing hockey outside of Boston and starred for Needham High School, serving as captain for their MA State Championship team and winning League MVP. He also captained the #1 ranked U18 AAA Tier I Neponsit Valley River Rats on a roster with all NCAA D1 commits and multiple current NHL players.

After a post-graduate year at the South Kent School, Coach Will accepted a scholarship to UMass-Lowell and was drafted by the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. After completing his USHL season in Nebraska, he competed in Hockey East for the Riverhawks, then transferred to Sacred Heart University where he competed in Atlantic Hockey for the Pioneers. At Sacred Heart, Coach Will was a two-time team captain and team MVP.

Hometown Evanston IL

Position Skating & Skills Development Coach [Spring]

Joined North Park 2018

Other Coaching Skating & Skills Development Coach, Chicago Blackhawks; Skating & Skills Development Coach, University of Wisconsin Men's & Women's NCAA hockey

Playing Career Lake Forest College, Lake Forest IL (DIII); Canterbury School, New Milford CT

Certification USA Hockey Level 4

Kevin Delaney is in his 11th season with the Blackhawks organization, specializing in skating and skills development, after being named to the position in August 2011. Coach Delaney is also in his 6th year as skating and skills coach for the University of Wisconsin men's and women's hockey teams.

A lifelong hockey player and coach, he is the founder of Delaney Hockey, one of the top programs in Illinois for developing youth, high school, junior, college and pro hockey talent. Delaney has held numerous coaching positions, earning such distinctions as Coach of the Year and State + League titles at the High School, AAA, NCAA and Stanley Cup levels, plus the Gold Medal with Team USA in the Deaflympics in 2019.

In addition to coaching, Delaney also serves the president of the American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association (AHIHA). Kevin was introduced to the AHIHA via a camp he attended in his youth, a camp for deaf and hard-of-hearing hockey players started by Hockey Hall of Famer Stan Mikita and Chicago businessman Irv Tiahnybik.

Coach Delaney sharing practice pointers with three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks