Personal Background

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, in 1972, Yuri Melnyk began playing hockey at the age of seven. During his studies at the Kiev Olympic Reserve Sport School, he participated in numerous championships and summer training camps. After high school, he pursued a degree in Physical Education and Sport at the University of Ukraine, where he continued to play hockey and compete in college tournaments. In 1998, he started his coaching career at the Kiev Olympic Reserve Sport Center.

Coaching Philosophy

Coach Melnyk believes hockey is more than just a game; it's a life journey that builds confidence, discipline, courage, persistence, and respect. He aims to foster individual qualities in players to build a stronger team, establishing trust and respect within the team. His systematic training approach is designed to help players reach their full potential by combining talent, diligence, and dedication.

Playing Experience

• 1997-98: "Sokol" team, Kiev
• 1996-97: Ukraine Army team during military service
• 1994-96: Attended the School of High Sport Merit, Kiev
• 1989-94: Kiev State University

Awards

• 1991: 2nd Place, Annual Student Championship in hockey, Russia
• 1989: 3rd Place, National Hockey Championship of USSR among juniors
• 1986: 1st Place, International Hockey Championship in Finland
• 1984-89: Champion, National Hockey Championship of Ukraine

Work and Hockey Experience

• 2019-20
• Head Coach of State Champion 12U AA McKinney North Stars team
• Head Coach of McKinney North Stars 12U A DSTHL Playoff team
• 2018-19
• Head Coach of 12U A McKinney North Stars (DSTHL Playoff Runner-Up)
• Head Coach of 10U AA McKinney North Stars (DSTHL Semi-Finalist)
• 2017-18
• Head Coach of 12U AA McKinney North Stars
• Head Coach of 10U AA McKinney North Stars (DSTHL Semi-Finalist)
• 2016-17
• Head Coach of 12U A McKinney North Stars
• Head Coach of 10U AA McKinney North Stars
• 2015-16: Peewee AA Head Coach, Texas Warriors
• 2014-15: Squirt A Head Coach, Midget Minor A Head Coach, AAYHA
• 2013-14: Peewee A Head Coach, Midget Minor A Head Coach, AAYHA
• 2012-13: Squirt A Assistant Coach, AAYHA
• 2000-12: Part-time coaching in the USA

Education

• 1989-93: Degree in Hockey Coaching from Kiev State University of Physical and Sport, Ukraine
• 1991: Certification in medical and segment-reflexive massage
• 1990:Graduate of Kiev Special School of Junior Olympics candidates in hockey
• 1989:Graduate of Kiev High School, Ukraine

Timothy "TJ" Samuelson was born in Nebraska and raised in Bedford, TX, TJ Samuelson is a product of the vibrant youth hockey programs in North Texas. His early hockey journey included playing for the Dallas Junior Hockey Association, the Dallas Jr. Stars, the Dallas Ice Hawks, and the Trinity Trojans (AT&T High School Hockey League). TJ's dedication and talent led him to play four years of club hockey at Arizona State University, competing at the ACHA Division 1 level.

Playing Experience:

• Dallas Junior Hockey Association
• Dallas Jr. Stars
• Dallas Ice Hawks
• Trinity Trojans (AT&T High School Hockey League)
• Four years of club hockey at Arizona State University (ACHA Division 1)

Coaching Experience:

• Assistant Coach, McKinney Ice Hockey Club: Varsity Gold (2017-Present)
• Assistant Coach, Austin Metro Hockey Association: Pee Wee & Bantam (2013-2015)
• Assistant Coach, Northwest ISD Hockey Club: JV (2008-2010)
• USA Hockey Level 4 Certification

Upon returning to Texas after graduating from ASU, TJ dedicated himself to giving back to the sport by coaching youth and high school hockey in the DFW and Austin metro areas. With over 25 years of playing and coaching experience, TJ brings a knowledgeable, personable, and balanced coaching style to the McKinney Ice Hockey Club.

Coaching Philosophy: TJ's coaching philosophy is rooted in his deep passion for hockey and his commitment to developing well-rounded athletes. He believes in creating a positive and encouraging environment where players can thrive both on and off the ice. TJ emphasizes the importance of teamwork, discipline, and continuous improvement, ensuring that his players not only develop their hockey skills but also build character and resilience.

Personal Life: TJ and his wife, Courtney, have a three-year-old daughter, Finley, and reside in Colleyville, TX. TJ enjoys spending time with his family, staying active in the hockey community, and contributing to the development of young athletes.

TJ Samuelson's extensive experience, both as a player and a coach, combined with his passion for the game and dedication to his players' growth, make him an invaluable leader for the McKinney Varsity Ice Hockey Program. His balanced approach to coaching ensures that his players receive comprehensive development, preparing them for success on and off the ice.

Alan is a dedicated Junior Varsity Ice Hockey Coach for the McKinney Ice Hockey Club, bringing years of playing and coaching experience to the team. His journey in hockey began at a young age, and his dedication to the sport has only grown over the years.

Educational Background:

• Graduated from McKinney Boyd High School
• Studied at Collin College

Playing Experience:

• 2013: Played for Dallas Oilers Midget Major
• 2004-2012: Played for McKinney Ice Hockey Club/McKinney Lightning from Squirt to Midget Major

Coaching Experience:

• 2019-20: Assistant Coach for Dallas Stars Travel Hockey League Playoff Team 12u A and other North Stars teams
• 2018-19: Assistant Coach for Dallas Stars Travel Hockey Playoff Runner-Up 12u A and 14u A McKinney North Stars teams
• 2017-18: Assistant Coach for McKinney North Stars
• 2017-2019: Assistant Coach for McKinney Varsity Bronze team
• Involved with Dallas Stars Youth Hockey Program
• USA Hockey Level 4 Certification

Coaching Philosophy: Alan's coaching philosophy is built on inspiration and motivation. He believes that every player has the potential to excel, both on and off the ice. His approach focuses on fostering a positive mindset, resilience, and teamwork. Alan inspires his players to see challenges as opportunities and emphasizes the importance of perseverance. He teaches that success is not just about winning games, but about personal growth and development.

Alan’s dedication to his players' improvement and his ability to inspire confidence make him an invaluable asset to the McKinney Ice Hockey Club. His commitment to nurturing young talent ensures that each player not only hones their hockey skills but also develops essential life skills, creating a supportive and motivating environment for the Junior Varsity team.

Shane Crowley was born and raised in Simi Valley, California. Growing up as a competitive club soccer player, Shane didn't start playing hockey until age 13. He quickly fell in love with the sport, and knew he was meant to be a hockey player. He's been playing hockey ever since. He has also been fortunate to coach for the past 12 years, and he has also served as a referee for the past 4 years.

Playing Experience:

• 1993-1998 played for Thousand Oaks/Simi Valley Thunder Travel Hockey Club B/A/AA
• 1998 Team CA U18 selects
• 1998-2000 played for Ventura Mariners (WSHL)

Coaching Experience:

• 2015-16 Assistant Coach for Dallas Penguins 10U AA
•  2016-17 Assistant Coach for Dallas Penguins 12U A
• 2017-18 Assistant Coach for Dallas Penguins 12U AA and 10U A
• 2019-2023 Assistant Coach for all McKinney Ice Hockey Club teams
• USA Hockey Level 4 Certification

Coaching Philosophy: Shane is focused on player development through building mental toughness and on-ice awareness in his players. He is effective at finding the right line combinations that provide cohesiveness to his team as a whole. Shane expects his players to compete regardless of the score and maintain sportsmanship on and off the ice.

Personal Life: Shane and his wife Lisa moved to Texas with their 4  children in 2014. They reside in McKinney, TX. Shane enjoys spending time with his family, going to church, and coaching as well as playing on several adult teams.  His favorite team is the one he plays on with his oldest son, and he dreams of the day when all his boys will be old enough to join him on the ice and play together.

Kurtis Elofson grew up in Southern California, where he developed a passion for hockey, playing for various organizations, including the Jr. Ducks. On the ice since the age of four, Kurtis continued to play through his last year of 18U, and while he no longer plays competitively, he still enjoys skating for fun.

Kurtis began his coaching career in 2014 at the Aliso Viejo Ice Palace, focusing on recreational hockey. In 2017, he became one of the inaugural coaches for the Goldrush Hockey Club, where he consistently led teams from 10u to 14u to playoffs and multiple tournament victories. In 2018, Kurtis was instrumental in starting the Saddleback Rangers high school hockey program, coaching both JV and Varsity teams.

Playing Experience:

• Youth hockey since 4 years old
• Played for Jr. Ducks 18UAA

Coaching Experience:

• 2014-2017: Aliso Viejo Ice Palace House League
• 2017-2018: Head Coach Goldrush Hockey Club 10U & 14U
• 2018-2020: JV & Varsity Coach Saddleback Rangers High School Hockey
• 2021-2024: Head Coach Frisco Junior Varsity
• 2021-2024: Coach Texas Warriors 10U & 14U
• Regional Scout Bozeman Icedogs NA3HL
• USA Hockey Level 4 Certification

Additional Background:

Kurtis specializes in power skating and skill development, having conducted private lessons since 2015. He has served as an instructor for Barron Hockey, Champions Hockey Academy, and Silver Hockey School, working alongside respected coaches such as Larry Barron, Marty Wilford, and Nick Silver. Kurtis earned his Level 4 USA Hockey coaching certification in 2019, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, hard work, intensity, and most importantly, having fun in the game of hockey.

Coaching Philosophy:
Kurtis Elofson's coaching philosophy is rooted in a deep passion for the game of hockey and a commitment to developing young athletes both on and off the ice. Having been involved in hockey from a young age, Kurtis understands the importance of fostering a love for the sport while emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and personal growth.

Above all, Kurtis's goal is to help his players grow as individuals and teammates, preparing them not just for success in hockey, but for life. He is dedicated to creating an enjoyable and challenging experience where players can develop their skills, build confidence, and have fun.
 

Josh is a dedicated Junior Varsity Ice Hockey Coach for the McKinney Ice Hockey Club, known for his hard work ethic both on and off the ice. Balancing his extensive playing and coaching experience with his studies in paramedicine and emergency medical services, Josh exemplifies commitment and resilience.

Educational Background:

• Graduated from McKinney Boyd High School in 2019
• Currently studying Paramedicine and Emergency Medical Services at Collin College

Playing Experience:

• 2015-2020: Played for McKinney North Stars for 5 years from 14u to 18u
• 2009-2015: Played for McKinney Ice Hockey Club/McKinney Lightning for 6 years

Coaching Experience:

• 2014-Present: Coach for the Dallas Stars Youth Hockey Program in McKinney
• 2020-2021: Assistant Coach for 10u A McKinney North Stars team
• 2019-2020: Assistant Coach for 10u AA McKinney North Stars team
• 2019-2021: Assistant Coach for McKinney Varsity Bronze and Junior Varsity teams
• USA Hockey Level 4 Certification

Coaching Philosophy: Josh's coaching philosophy is centered on hard work, dedication, and continuous improvement. He believes that success in hockey mirrors success in life, requiring a blend of perseverance, teamwork, and a positive mindset. His dual commitment to his education and coaching roles exemplifies the balance he encourages in his players.

Josh inspires his team by demonstrating that hard work and dedication in their athletic pursuits and academic endeavors will lead to success. His approach focuses on developing not just skilled hockey players but also well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges of life both on and off the ice.

Josh’s dedication to his players' growth and his emphasis on hard work make him a vital asset to the McKinney Ice Hockey Club. His commitment to excellence ensures that each player benefits from a comprehensive development experience, fostering both their athletic abilities and personal growth.