Corwin Nycholat is from Calgary, Canada where his passion for the game of hockey was instilled playing on icy streets and the pond, and where he had a front row seat to the Flames-Oilers Battle of Alberta. Starting hockey at a young age Corwin played AA through Bantam and Midget then Junior B in Calgary. He brings over 40 years of hockey experience.

As a coach, Corwin creates a positive learning environment where players are pushed out of their comfort zone to develop fundamental skills and learn the game of hockey. He expects his players to work hard, be good teammates, and show respect for the game. Corwin has been coaching at San Diego Ice Arena for three years – coaching co-ed hockey at the 8U, 10U, and 12U levels. He is a Level 3 USA Hockey coach.

Corwin is excited to serve as the Head Coach for the 2020-21 SDIA SCAHA 12U B/BB team.

I come from a family of coaches & educators. Coming to the game late, I started playing ice hockey in high school and continued at the club level at Ithaca College in central New York State.

I spent summers playing inline and assistant coaching with some amazing instructors at Cornell University.

I moved to SoCal in 2000, and after 20 years off away from the game, have returned to the ice at SDIA, playing pickup, men’s league, and coaching with my 8 year old son’s teams.

I’ve spent a great deal of time with kids, with summertime coaching, substitute teaching at the schools where my parents worked in New York, and working at various summer camps over the years.

I look forward to meeting and working with everyone in the SDIA community and especially the kids while I re-acclimatize to the ice myself!

Matt was born in Duluth, Minnesota and began playing hockey at 4 years old.
He moved to California in 2017 and has found his passion in helping young hockey players develop their skills and love for the  game.

Matt started coaching at SDIA in 2022, beginning with the Bantam AA age group. In 2023-24, Matt helped lead the Oilers to 27-8-8 season.

As a player, Matt played competitively for 18 years, captaining his high school and junior hockey teams while learning from great coaches at all levels.

Garry grew up and played competitive hockey in Toronto, Canada.

He moved to California in 2000 and has coached youth hockey in San Diego for over two-decades.  He has coached all levels from Mites up to Bantam AAA.
He also coaches the San Diego Special Gulls hockey team.

He has a son and daughter that played youth hockey at SDIA.  His son currently plays goal at the University of Rhode Island.

Garry is a level 4 USA Hockey coach and as well as a Silver-Level certified goalie coach.

Bobby Oliver grew up playing and watching ice hockey in Los Angeles. Playing for various teams in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, he was active in youth leagues from Mini-Mites all the way through Midgets and high school
leagues.
As a die-hard Kings fan, his hockey highlight was being in the arena for the Stanley Cup-clinching game six in 2012 against the New Jersey Devils. With his dad next to him, they watched their team hoist the Cup after decades of being season ticket holders.
As a coach, his approach is putting emphasis on fun and gameplay as a way of developing skill and hockey sense, especially when working with very young players.
Developing a team mentality and love for the game are paramount to his coaching philosophy.

Mike Jager hails from Wilmington DE where he played high school hockey before playing for the Univ of Delaware.  He continued to play competitively after college and throughout his Navy career and since, and really enjoys getting on the ice and helping others learn the game!

Mike is a Level V  USA Hockey Coach and has coached in youth house/travel and adult hockey off and on for 38 years.  Starting in college as assistant coach on a women's hockey club, he has coached in many youth programs including the Jr. Stingrays (Charleston SC), Jr. Admirals (Hampton Roads VA), Jr. Ice Pilots (Pensacola FL), youth hockey in Atlantic City, and SDIA House and SCAHA teams (various ages).  He is a co-founder and former Coach of the Patriots men's military hockey team.  Mike currently coaches house peewee and bantam teams, and in his spare time is Head Coach of the Univ of San Diego College  Men's Ice Hockey team.

In Mike's view, every player has something to offer and to learn from playing hockey!

 

Coach Greg grew up playing hockey in San Diego through SDIA and has a lifelong passion for the game and the community around it. He has coached with SDIA for the past 4 years and currently coaches 10U while also assisting at the 14U level. As a hockey dad of three kids, including two current SDIA players, Greg understands the importance of creating a positive, challenging, and supportive environment for young athletes.

Why I Coach

I coach because hockey gave so much to me growing up, and I want to help give that same experience to the next generation of players. My goal is to help kids develop confidence, teamwork, discipline, resilience, and a true love for the game.

 

I believe youth hockey should challenge players while still being fun and encouraging. Every player develops at their own pace, and I want kids to feel supported, motivated, and excited to come to the rink every day. For me, coaching is about developing not only better hockey players, but great teammates and strong young people on and off the ice.

 

A little about coach Andrew

Josh Johnson has been involved in the game of hockey for over 36 years, beginning his journey in youth travel hockey at the age of nine. Throughout his playing career, he developed a deep passion for the sport, competing at a high level while building a strong understanding of teamwork, leadership, and player development.

Today, Josh continues to play competitively semi-pro hockey, as a defenseman and Captain of San Diego Renegades. His extensive playing experience, combined with decades of involvement in the game, allows him to bring valuable knowledge, leadership, and enthusiasm to every practice and game.

As the father of two boys currently playing in the San Diego Ice Hockey program, Josh has a personal investment in the growth and success of young athletes. He understands the positive impact great coaches can have on a player's development both on and off the ice and is passionate about helping the next generation build confidence, character, and a lifelong love for the game.

Josh is committed to creating a positive, competitive environment where players can develop their hockey skills while learning the values of hard work, accountability, teamwork, and sportsmanship. His goal is to help every athlete become not only the best hockey player they can be, but the best person they can be as well.