Coaching Staff

Coach Tony was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago and has been involved in hockey since the age of 5. With over 20 years of coaching experience, he has coached at every level from youth to collegiate play. 

Coach Tony will bring his years of experience in coaching and recruitment to the club. His proven record as a coach will help build upon the successes of Lake Central Hockey.

Coach Tony’s accomplishments include:

•  Co-founding the PNW college hockey program with Coach Kevin Cole, growing from 16 players to two men’s teams (Division 1 & Division 2), with two top-15 national finishes
• 3 years coaching high school hockey at Bishop Noll, earning 2 state championships
• 6 youth hockey championships

Coach Cole played high school hockey at Munster High School for four years, where he served as assistant captain his senior year and finished top 5 all-time in points. He began his college hockey career at Trine University, earning Rookie of the Year honors, and then transferred to Purdue University Northwest (PNW).

At PNW, he played five seasons, was team captain throughout, and became the program’s all-time leader in games played, finishing with 137 games played, 89 points, and recognized as an Academic All-American. Coach Cole ranks in the top 10 in points in team history at PNW.

His experience as a long-term leader has shaped his ability to unite a team, lead by example, and perform under pressure. He brings strong discipline, work ethic, and leadership both on and off the ice.

Kyle has been playing hockey since he was 4 years old, playing travel from Chicago to South Bend. He has played for Team Michiana, Team Illiana, and Team Indiana.

He played high school hockey at Valpo and Munster where he was selected to multiple All-Star teams. He finished off his playing career playing 2 seasons with the Illiana Blackbirds Junior A team winning the MNJHL central division.

Welcome to the tribe!

Cooper Olson brings over five years of goalie coaching experience in the Twin Cities, working with goaltenders ranging from squirts to high school. He played two seasons of junior hockey with the Willmar Warhawks (NA3HL) and served as a two-year captain for Osseo Senior High (MSHSL). Currently entering his senior year with the Purdue Northwest men’s ice hockey team (ACHA Div 1), Cooper Olson is passionate about developing goalies both on and off the ice.