COACHES

Coach Mike brings over 15 years of youth hockey coaching experience and holds a Level 4 USA Hockey Coaching Certification. His coaching journey has included significant successes, including leading St. Jude to two AAU league championships and a second-place finish in the NIHL. After a season with the Orland Vikings, he went on to coach the Blackbirds, where he captured a NIHL Gold Division Championship as head coach. 

For the past five years, Coach Mike has been a key part of the Bishop Noll hockey program, contributing to two state championships - one at the JV level and one with Varsity - as well as multiple Roper Cup titles. His dedication to developing players and building winning teams continues to  leave a lasting impression on the programs he serves. 

Before turning to coaching, Coach Mike had a standout playing career that began at Marist High School where he played Varsity hockey in the Catholic League during the 1996-97 season. That year, his team reached the Kennedy Cup Championship, falling to Fenwick, and advanced to the state semifinals, where they were defeated by eventual state champions, Loyola. As a freshman, Mike made an immediate impact, finishing third in Catholic League scoring. 

Following his freshman year, he joined the Chicago Young Americans, competing in elite tournaments in Toronto, Ontario and Kamloops, British Columbia. He went on to finish his junior and senior seasons with Team Illinois, earning trips to the USA Hockey National Tournament both years, including a semifinal appearance his senior year. During that time, Team Illinois won the prestigious St. Michael’s Tournament in Toronto.

Mike’s talent earned him an invitation to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program tryouts in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Coach Mike is committed to developing the Mohawks to achieve their ultimate hockey journey. 

Coach Matt Baran brings 30 years of playing and coaching experience. A Bishop Noll Institute graduate and former Varsity AA player, he continues to play recreationally and stay active in the sport. Coach Matt holds an A.S. degree in Fitness & Nutrition, B.S. in Sports Management: Fitness & Wellness, and a M.S. in Performance Enhancement & Injury Prevention. In the past he has served as an off-season strength coach for Munster Ice Hockey, Bishop Noll Ice Hockey, and Bishop Noll Softball, and has led off-ice conditioning for prior summer skill development programs at The Kube. Coach Matt previously held certifications through NASM as a Certified Personal Trainer and Performance Enhancement Specialist, as well as Level 1 credentials with both USA Weightlifting and the National Association of Speed and Explosion. His background includes years of experience as a personal trainer and small-group coach, with a strong focus on helping athletes build strength, speed, confidence, and reduce the risk of injury.

Coach Alex has been playing hockey since he was 8 years old. He started out playing roller hockey and moving to the ice at age 12. Coach Mike is an experienced goaltender coach and player. He played for Portage Hockey Club, Valparaiso Hockey Club, as well as Team Michiana.

Currently, Coach Alex plays competitive inline hockey in two leagues (MIHA and PIHA) and select national tournaments. In addition to that, Coach Alex has a very important role in professional hockey. He is an Emergency Backup Goaltender for our very own Chicago Blackhawks!

Coach Alex is entering his first year as USA Hockey registered coach and goaltender coach. Coach Alex is just beginning his certification journey and he is extremely excited to join the Mohawks Hockey organization!