Coach John Cokos: General Manager
Born: 1968
Michigan State Spartans (Club) 1986-1990
Favorite Hockey Moment: Having my shoulder separated by Kip Miller, steamrolling his brother Kelly on the next shift (on the way to the infirmary), and having Coach Ron Mason use that as motivation for the team's pre-game speach the next week against U-M. The Spartans Varsity team won the NCAA Frozen 4 2 months later.
Coaching Philosophy: I've got a picture that hangs in my locker that says "You're either part of the steamroller, or part of the pavement". I teach, very plainly, that you take the game to the opponent, and force them to react to you, not the other way around. I firmly believe that Hockey is the toughest game on earth to master, and the most rewarding once you do. It's a whole lot more fun when you're the dominator. It is my goal to impart a "Can Do" attitude in my students, to teach them to believe in themselves, and to use that confidence to elevate their game.
Best Advice Given: Learn to separate the fly "poo" from the pepper.
Best Advice To Give: If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. There's never a reason not to give 110%.
Coach Sheldon Haskell: Development Coach
Born: 1985
Washington Totems 2003
Puget Sound Tomahawks (NORPAC) 2003-04
Butte Roughriders (NORPAC) 2004-05
Kent Crusaders (NORPAC) 2005-06
Favorite Hockey Moment: Grabbing the puck off the boards, seeing former NHL'er Jamie Huscroft in front of me, and going between his legs with the puck, picking up the puck on the back side, deking the goalie and scoring backhanded. Top Shelf.
Coaching Philosophy: I believe in having fun while at the same time producing results. Guaranteed.
Best Advice Given: Make sure to enjoy your career and love to show up for work every day.
Best Advice To Give: If you are confident in your skills, you can do anything!