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!

SPRING CLINICS SHORT COACHES BIO

Mike Kurczewski

Chicago Young Americans AAA

15 Years Coaching Experience

Multiple Year State Champion Coach

Advance Skating and Skills Instructor

Rich Sobilo

Nearly 40 Years Coaching Youth Sports at All Levels

Numerous High School Coach of the Year Honors

Five Time High School State Championship Coach

Three Year Letter Winner, Notre Dame (NCAA D-1)

Matt Baran

Certified Atheltic Trainer

NIHSHL All Star

1999 ISHSHA Class AA State Runner's Up

Tyler Groen

Purdue University Leading Scorer, 2023 and 2024

Munster High School Coach

Roper Cup ChampionRyan CurtisIlliana All-Star - Three Years

ISHSHA State Champion and Roper Cup Champion

Amassed Over 70 Points as a High School Defenseman

Jason Kasper

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds AAA

Ammased 80 Points in Three High School Seasons as D

NIHL Gold Coaching Championship

ISHSHA Prep Runner's Up Head Coach

Owen Rycerz

Illiana All-Star - Three Years

ISHSHA State Champion and Roper Cup Champion

Amassed Over 200 Points in High School

Chicago Crush Junior Hockey

Mike Banning

Lake Central/Bishop Noll Hockey Player

ACHA D-I Robert Morris University

Current Bishop Noll Hockey Goalie Instructor

Alek Musick

Chicago Blackhawks Third Goaltender

Purdue University Goaltender

Current Mohawks Goalie Instructor