Staff

 

TOMMY GOEBEL

PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

A native of Independence, Ohio.  Goebel played in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) at age 15. He was a True freshman at Michigan State University (NCAA – D1). He then transferred to the Ohio State University (NCAA – D1). Has a 5-yr Professional Playing Career (AHL, ECHL, Europe). Goebel is currently Cleveland Barons Head of Program and is a Certified Performance Trainer.

 

 

 

CHRIS WILK

ACADEMY DIRECTOR / HEAD OF ACADEMICS 

Chris Wilk brings 25 years of Head Coaching experience at the ACHA Division I college level, earning 324 wins during that span at Kent State and John Carroll University. During his tenure at JCU, the Blue Streaks were a strong contender in College Hockey Mid-America and the ACHA Div I National picture, having won their first league title and qualified for the first National Tournament in team history, in 2013. Coach Wilk guided the Bluestreaks to five winning seasons in his last 7 years, 2 National Tournament appearances, and lead JCU to back-to-back CHMA Playoff Championships in 2017 & 2018. Prior to John Carroll, Coach Wilk spent 12 seasons as the Head Coach with Kent State University where his teams earned three ACHA Division I National Tournament Appearances and were consistently ranked in the Top 20 Nationally. During his time at Kent State and John Carroll, he served as an adjunct professor and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. 

 

KENNY RYAN

ACADEMY SKILLS COACH

Kenny Ryan is a native of Detroit, MI. He grew up playing AAA hockey in Detroit before moving to Ann Arbor to play for the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP) where he won the U-18 World Championship. Following NTDP, Kenny was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2009 NHL draft, the 50th selection overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Before turning professional, Kenny continued his career in the Ontario Hockey League playing for the Windsor Spitfires. While with the Spitfires, Kenny helped his team win both the OHL championship and the Memorial Cup championship. Throughout his professional career, Kenny spent time with the Toronto Marlies, the Cleveland Monsters, the San Diego Gulls, the Cincinnati Cyclones, and the Indy Fuel, before moving overseas and playing in the Swiss Ice Hockey League.

Kenny has trained with, worked alongside, and coached players of all levels, ranging from youth hockey all the way to NHL players and Olympians. Kenny’s main goal and focus is to develop each individual player to the best of their ability and provide them with the necessary knowledge and tools they need to be successful. Kenny will be acting as the Cleveland Barons and Cleveland Athletic Academy Director of Player Development.

 

MIKE WILSON

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING PROGRAMS, CAMPS AND SKILLS  

Mike was born and raised in Brampton, Ontario. He had a tremendous youth hockey career before moving on to play for Georgetown Raiders of the OJHL for 2 seasons. He was 6th Round 86th overall by the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL and played 3 seasons with the Wolves. Mike was selected in the 1st round, 20th overall in 1993 NHL draft by the Vancouver Canucks and went on to play 336 games in the National Hockey League for Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers. After his NHL career wrapped up, he went on to play an additional 243 games of professional hockey in the AHL and Europe. After retirement Mike settled in Independence with his wife and 3 daughters and was owner/operator of Ohio Hockey Academy for 8 years. He has run over 10,000 hours of skill development and will be directing and implementing skills sessions, camps, and development program at CAA. 

 

NEIL CONWAY

GOALIE COACH

Neil grew up in Painesville, Ohio playing for the Mentor Cardinals, Euclid Panthers and CSC Chargers. He then played for the Cleveland Barons and Pittsburgh Hornets before moving to Stouffville, Ontario at the age of 15 to play Jr. A for the Stouffville Spirit. From there Neil was drafted to the Ontario Hockey League, (OHL) and played for the Owen Sound Attack and Oshawa Generals while also spending time with the Greenbay Gamblers (USHL). Neil then went on to play at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business. Neil played 4 years of professional hockey in North America as well as in Europe; ECHL, EIHL (England) Series A (Italy). Neil is the owner/founder of CONWAY GOALTENDING, and serves as the program goalie coach for the Cleveland Barons.

 

HUNG LE

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH 

Hung Le is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Hung Le has been the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Cleveland Barons since 2018. Hung oversees strength and conditioning efforts, dry land activities, and all weight room training related. He came to the Cleveland Barons after spent time as an intern for The Ohio State University in 2017, where he assisted all strength and conditioning efforts for over 24 sports, with the exception of football, lacrosse,and basketball in the Buckeyes athletics program.  Prior to his tenure at Ohio State, Hung spent two years in similar position at Notre Dame College, where he also earned BA Degree in Sports Management and Human Resources Development.

 

LAUREN MOLLS

NUTRITION COACH

Lauren is a professional nutritionist who is dedicated to giving our athletes the right tools to properly fuel their game and overall health. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), as well as Masters in Clinical Nutrition from Case Western Reserve University. While working towards her Masters, she served as graduate assistant/ nutrition educator for the Case Western Medical School Wellness Pathway. She currently runs her own company “Fit For the Kingdom”, where she is dedicated to improving her clients physical, mental, and spiritual health. Through her education and fitness background, she has worked with a variety of individuals, ranging from youth athletes to professional athletes. Her passion for research and new information makes her a key asset in our athletes lives, ensuring they are ready to go in their athletic careers.

 

TONIA KWIATKOWSKI

POWER SKATING COACH

Cleveland native Tonya Kwiatowski is a renowned figure skating coach and competitor. She is a two time Winter Universiade champion, a winner of two silver medals on the Champions Series, and the 1996 U.S. National Silver medalist. Additionally, she finished in the top ten at two World Championships and competed in 13 U.S. Championships. While pursuing her skating career, she also obtained a degree in communications and psychology from Baldwin-Wallace. Her commitment to the sport and helping others makes her a huge asset for our CAA athletes and local ice skaters in the area.

 

KAYLA BECKA

POWER SKATING COACH

Kayla grew up in North Royalton, Ohio. She grew up figure skating and briefly played hockey during her youth. She continued to excel in figure skating and recently achieved Quadruple Gold Medalist status at the senior level in 2022. All the while, she started back up her hockey career as a mites coach for the Cleveland Barons Organization in 2015 and has most recently served as a skating coach for the organization. She has a level 4 coaching certification from USA hockey with many years of technical skating behind her. She coaches private figure skating and hockey lessons. She helps out with several power skating clinics in the Cleveland area. With a focus in coaching the fundamentals and continuously learning from her students, she strives to make her skaters reach their full potential.