High Level Staff
CAN/AM has selected a unique group of professional teachers that represent the BEST in the sport. The teachers and coaches introduced below are the foundation of the CAN/AM program. Their varied backgrounds reflect the philosophy of CAN/AM. A winning combination…the best teachers and coaches in North America.
Rodger Huiatt…Over 20 years of coaching at all age levels… 12 years professional playing experience in both Europe and North America… strong teaching and coaching association with elementary and high school students… an extraordinary teacher and motivator…former Junior hockey team owner and coach.
Nick Vitucci…Scout for the New Jersey Devils... Former Assistant Coach with AHL Portland Pirates...Former GM of the ECHL Toledo Walleye... recently inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame... pro Scout for the Carolina Hurricanes... former ECHL Coach of the Year, Twice ECHL playoff MVP... excellent 1 on 1 Goaltending Instructor.
Dave Smith…Head Coach at Divison 1 RPI... former Head Coach at Divison 1 Canisius College..former coach at Mercyhurst... assistant coach at Bowling Green and Miami... Outstanding career at Ohio state as Team Captain and prolific scorer... Great motivator and coach!
James Boyd…General Manager of the Ottawa 67's (OHL)...Former Head Coach & General Manager with Mississauga Steelheads...former Coach of Hockey Canada under 17 Team… an expert at video application to team skill development and anticipation training.
Dave Bell...Current Head Coach of the Belleville Senators of the AHL and previous Coach of the Ontario Reign...Former Team Captain of the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL, where he played 4 seasons...Won Kelly Cup Championship as Team Captain of the Greenville Grrrowl of the ECHL...Played 8 seasons professionally in the UHL, WCHL, ECHL, and AHL...Currently Asst Coach of the Ontario Reign of the AHL – Former Asst Coach in Springfield (AHL) and Former Head Coach of the Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL).
Steve Smith… Presently New Jersey Devils Scout... former Head Coach of OHL’s Windsor Spitfires… former Coach of Peterborough Petes…former head coach in Italy… Academic and Athletic All-American at Colgate University… left Colgate as all-time scoring leader…Hobey Baker Finalist at Colgate… vast experience in European Hockey.
Chris Bernard…Head Coach at Potsdam State University... previous assistant coach at Canisius College... assistant coach of the St. Louis Sting (NAHL)... former Goaltender at Clarkson continuing on to play in the UHL.
The staff listed above are typical of the highly qualified personnel that will be present each week. In addition, a highly trained and select group of experienced counselors, recreation and physical education instructors will be assisting the total hockey program.