Coach John brings nearly 40 years of playing experience—including time as a goalie at Penn State—to his role with the Pittsburgh Emperors. He loves getting to know each player and discovering what motivates them, and nothing makes his day more than seeing smiles on the ice. Originally from Long Island, John now works as a corporate trainer and plays adult-league hockey several nights a week. A Penguins fan and lifelong hockey lover, he keeps things fun with his humor, his trick-performing cat, and stories like the time he made a breakaway glove save on former Penguin Matthew Barnaby. His advice to young players: Play for the fun of the game, stick to the fundamentals, and keep your head up.
Years Coaching Hockey: 1
Played at Penn State (goalie), playing hockey for almost 40 years
learning about the players, and what motivates them. Seeing smiles on their faces makes my day, every time!
N/A
Long Island, NY
No kids. One cat who does dog tricks. Ask me about them!
Pittsburgh Penguins
Corporate trainer by day, personal budgets coach, avid pickleball player, adult league ice hockey (2-3 times a week) by night.
playing ice hockey, laughing out loud
NY pizza
Black and Gold, of course! Blue is a close second.
Voltron, Sorry board game, my bike.
To heal people’s ailments. I’d also really like the ability to fly!
Making a glove save on a breakaway slap shot from former Pittsburgh Penguin, Matthew Barnaby. He was mic’d up and it was caught on video. You can watch at the bottom of this page!
I can make my stomach growl on command…
Play for the fun of the game, and stick to the fundamentals. Keep your head up!
We played Eye of The Tiger in college and that always got me pumped up to play.
I’m also an aspiring inventor. I just need to learn the process of how to get my product to market!
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