Leadership

Hockey Director and Varsity Head Coach Matt Gurklis is in his 7th season of coaching with Yeti Hockey. This is his third season as a Hockey Director and Varsity Head Coach. Throughout his time with Yeti he consistently is working closely with the JV and Varsity teams. Matt believes hockey brings more than just hockey for the players and works to push players both on and off of the ice. He continues to push the players and the program to become more competitive and push past their limits each day.

Matt played his hockey career at the AA and Central States levels in the Park Ridge Northern Express Hockey Organization. He also played high school hockey for the Maine Township combined program in the IHSHL Metro North Division.

JV Head Coach Ryan Ruether attended Wauconda High School from 2017-2019, playing for the LZMW varsity team. After being named the captain his senior year and participating in the 2019 IHSHL All-Star game, he went on to attend St. Norbert College to study business administration.

Throughout 4 years at college, Ryan played for the D2 ACHA club hockey team and was an alternate captain senior year. While up north, Ryan also completed a season with the De Pere Deacons in the GLHL.

Since graduating in 2023, Ryan has been back home and a coach for LZMW Yeti.

Michael Kissane grew up playing hockey in the northwest suburbs, competing at both the Central States and AAA levels before finishing his playing career at Saint Viator High School. With the Lions, he helped capture a league championship, earned team MVP honors, and advanced to the state Final Four.

After high school, Michael attended Illinois State University, where he earned a degree in Finance. He currently works as a financial analyst and is excited to bring his experience and passion for the game to the LZMW Yeti Junior Varsity program.

P.A.D.S. is a premier goaltending school founded in 2009, dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized, and practical training for goalies of all ages and skill levels. Unlike traditional drill-heavy clinics, P.A.D.S. focuses on teaching fundamentals through real game situations, building confidence and trust while delivering superior results. Guided by experienced coaches with backgrounds in college, junior, club, high school, and house programs, P.A.D.S. combines organization, structure, and positive reinforcement to develop battle-tested, successful goaltenders.

Tactic Sports Performance, based in Lake Zurich, IL, has partnered with Yeti to deliver a specialized training program designed to complement players’ on-ice development. Their program combines sport-specific exercises, weight training, and plyometrics to build explosive power, balance, and control, helping Yeti athletes compete at a higher level. Backed by a highly educated coaching staff and a commitment to excellence, Tactic provides Yeti players with the tools and guidance needed to elevate their overall athletic performance.