Coaches

Jeremy Blumes

HEAD COACH AND GENERAL MANAGER

A native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Blumes has been involved in hockey for over twenty years in a number of roles: Player, Coach, and Manager at the Junior A, B, Midget AAA, and AA levels, Scout, Mentor, Coach Coordinator, Board Member, Consultant, Web Developer, and Commissioner of the Calgary Summer Hockey League.

Coach Blumes was awarded Calgary Royals coach of the year honors for the 2012-13 season. The following season (2013-14) Blumes' team won a provincial championship along with Hockey Calgary's coach of the year award.

Blumes teaching background helps with the chosen career path of coaching. Proud of the many successful seasons and championships he has been a part of, however, for Jeremy, the most rewarding part of coaching is playing a role in a young man's development both on and off the ice.

Blumes has a proven track record of building junior programs and moving players onto higher levels. Following the ‘19-20 season in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, his passion for coaching and the new challenge of building an expansion program brought Jeremy and his wife Amanda to Southern California to join the USPHL Reign.

Under Blumes' guidance, the Reign has become one of the premier Junior A programs in North America.

Testimonials

“Coach Blumes was instrumental in my development and helped me in midget get to the NCAA today. His coaching style rewarded hardworking players and created a positive platform for skill development and improvement. Jeremy’s ability to find untapped potential in players will lead his teams and players to success.” - Josh Teves, Princeton Tigers, RBC National Junior A Scholarship (Merritt Centennials) 2016-2017, NCAA (ECAC) All-Tournament Team, NCAA (ECAC) Champion 2017-2018, Vancouver Canucks, NHL 2019

“Jeremy Blumes was my head coach for 2 seasons. He gave me my first and only commitment offer to play junior hockey and made sure that I had the opportunity to grow as both a player and a citizen. Jeremy was always the first person at the rink, and the last to leave. This devotion to the game allowed him to create a winning culture and build a strong relationship between the team and the community that supports them.” - Colton Hutchinson, University of Victoria, BCIHL

“Playing for Jeremy for part of 3 seasons - He was a great leader and always a teacher. He taught me how to be professional on and off the ice. He taught me how to play hockey the right way, how to win, and about the importance of respect and loyalty.” - Brayden Beckley, Alberta Scout and Analytics Lead, Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL

“Jeremy has the best interest of his players in mind and wants to move as many of them on to the next level as possible. His consistent winning record as a coach speaks for itself, he always seems to get the most out of his players. Very knowledgeable not only about the game and systems but about team dynamics and how to win!” - Everett Putz - Calgary Mustangs, AJHL

“Coach Jeremy has had a great impact on my playing career. Having played for him my last two years of midget, Jeremy was very influential on my development and preparation for junior hockey. Jeremy has a great sense of what it takes to run a team in terms of identifying player’s strengths both on and off the ice and placing them in positions that will help not only the team succeed but for the player to grow as well.” - Nicholas Sandy - Iowa State University, ACHA

“Jeremy Blumes is a positive influence on young players. He held our team accountable on and off the ice. At the same time, he was very approachable. I feel because of this I improved as a player under his leadership.” - Ben Sanderson Vernon Vipers, BCHL, NCAA Colorado College

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ANDREW O’BRIEN

ASSISTANT COACH

Originally from Toronto, Canada Andrews' love for the game has taken him around the world.

After being drafted in the 4th round by the Anaheim Ducks in 2012 Andrew spent 6 years playing in North America with various organizations including the Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, and Calgary Flames where he was fortunate enough to play under coaches such as Dallas Eakins (HC Anaheim Ducks) Dean Evason (HC Minnesota Wild) and Trent Yawney (AC LA Kings).

Following his playing career in North America, Andrew most recently spent time overseas playing in the KHL, SHL, Liiga, Germany, and Austria.

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Tony Vargas

Assistant Coach

Coach Vargas grew up playing youth hockey in Southern California, where he developed his skills and hockey knowledge before heading to Texas to play in the WSHL for the Texas Brahmas.

Afterward, Coach Vargas attended Finlandia University to play NCAA D3 hockey. While attending Finlandia University, Coach Vargas earned his bachelor's degree in Business Management, with a focus on Entrepreneurship.

Since then, he returned to Southern California to help grow the game of hockey by partnering with Empire Hockey Club as a Head Coach and Assistant Coach for the California Wave.

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Spencer McLay

Goalie Coach

A native of La Verne, CA, Spencer is the USA Hockey Goaltending Development Lead for the Southern California region.

Spencer competed in Juniors for the Walpole Express before being recruited to the ECHL by the Ontario Reign. Shortly afterward, he moved to the Southern Pro Hockey League to compete with the Mississippi RiverKings and Pensacola Ice Flyers.

He is also the co-founder and director of Goaltending Development at Rose City Pats Tier Hockey Program.

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Nick Mish

Goalie Consultant

Phone(508) 450-3855

Originally from Pennsylvania, Nick Mish previously served as a goalie coach with the Johnstown Tomahawks in the NAHL and is currently a goalie development lead with USA hockey in the mid-am district.

Coach Mish currently serves as Founder of ETM Goaltending + Development, a goaltending school that began in Pennsylvania and has since expanded to cover parts of Ohio, and Indiana. ETM serves as goalie coach for multiple AAA organizations including Esmark Stars and Culver Academy as well as many pro and college goaltenders.

As a junior player, Mish was drafted by the Erie Otters being selected in the thirteenth round of the 1999 OHL Draft. He previously spent time with Golden Rockets (BC) winning rookie of the year, and the Kimberly Dynamiters jr A in the now-defunct rocky mountain junior hockey league.

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Sam Laplante

Video analyst

Sam previously played in the NCJHL at the Junior C level before graduating from the University of Ottawa. In 2021, Sam earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics with a concentration in Sports Management.

Before graduating, Sam completed a university internship with Francis Wathier's hockey academy and with the Mont-Bleu team of the LHPS in Quebec.

Currently, Sam is pursuing his master's degree at HEC Montreal in sport management.

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Strength & Conditioning

CHRIS PHILLIPS

HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER

Chris is the Founder and Owner of Compete Sports Performance & Rehab and sets the standard for Compete’s performance training and sports medicine programs. He is a recognized board-certified Athletic Trainer (NATA) and Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA) that possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of performance training and sports rehabilitation. Chris is also an Integrative Corrective Exercise Specialist, Certified Power Plate Trainer, certified Sports Safety Specialist, a member of the Medical Fitness Network, and a preferred provider for US Figure Skating’s National Network of Sports Medicine.

With more than 20 years of experience in professional sports, Chris has served as the Athletic Trainer for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League, The Los Angeles Sol of the Women's Professional Soccer League, and has served as both the Head Athletic Trainer and Head Strength Coach for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League. More recently, Chris has supervised the sports medicine and performance training programs for the Orange County Blues of the Men’s USL Pro League and Anaheim Bolts of the Professional Indoor Soccer League. Chris is also one of the Co-Founders for 90strong.com, a soccer performance training website where Chris frequently contributes his knowledge of sports medicine and strength & conditioning. He has written for High School Illustrated Magazine, Cali Rubber Magazine, OC Parenting, and Men’s Journal.

While working in the NHL, Chris’s proudest moment was being a member of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finalist, Mighty Ducks. He was also selected as the Head Athletic Trainer for the 2002 Men’s USA Hockey National Team that competed in Sweden. Throughout his career, Chris has worked with elite athletes including Alex Ovechkin, Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, JS Giguere, Joy Fawcett, Marta, Shannon Boxx, and Mariah Bell.

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Mike Hannegan

Athletic Trainer

Mike Hannegan comes to Compete following 15 years as an Athletic Trainer in the National Hockey League. An Orange County native, his resume includes over 17 years of experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer in professional sports including over 1000 Professional Hockey games worked.

Hannegan received his B.S. in Movement and Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology from Chapman University and went on to complete his Masters of Science degree in Athletic Training from the California University of Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength Coaches Association, Level 1 Precision Nutrition Coach, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and Performance Enhancement Specialist with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

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Jenna Janadi

Gameday Athletic Trainer

Jenna is a certified athletic trainer and graduate of Plymouth State University, where she received her Master’s in Athletic Training. She attended Cal State University, Fullerton for undergrad, where she got her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology. Her primary responsibilities at Compete include serving as the Athletic Trainer at Capistrano Valley Christian School, the Ontario Avalanche Junior Hockey Team, and Socal Blues club soccer. Jenna also manages Athletic Training coverage of events.

Moé Okuda

Yoga Instructor

Moé Okuda is a professional figure skater, performer, and coach with 17+ years of skating experience and 8+ years of coaching experience. Moé is also a 5x Southwest Pacific Regional competitor and has earned the title of US Figure Skating Double Gold Medalist. Moé works with various athletes in the Inland Empire area, specializing in skating skills, edge work, on and off-ice conditioning, yoga, and dynamic stretch.

Scouts

BRADEN BYSTROM

SOUTHERN ALBERTA SCOUT

From Benalto, Alberta, Braden Bystrom played the majority of his minor hockey career in Sylvan Lake. While there he played four years of junior hockey with BlackFalds, Wetaskiwin, and Rocky Mountain House.

Since then, Braden has been coaching for the past five years with the West Central Tigers Association and is currently an assistant coach with the Calgary Northstars Association. When not on the bench, Braden is attending Mount Royal University where he is currently taking Sport and Recreation Management.

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Trevor Sabo

Saskatchewan Scout

From Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Trevor has multiple years of scouting experience working with teams in the AJHL, KIJHL, and for the last three seasons, with Notre Dame in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

Trevor also has a son who plays hockey and has enjoyed volunteering in various roles for his son’s teams over the years. When not at the rink, Trevor works for the City of Prince Albert.

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Connor Vermeulen

Vancouver Scout

Connor became involved with hockey at a young age, taking after his father, which means he’s no stranger to Junior A hockey after playing four years in Canada in both the SJHL and AJHL.

Shortly after, Connor attended Trinity Western University to play hockey before moving on to a brief stint playing pro which was cut short due to the pandemic.

Currently, Connor has returned to Vancouver, BC to continue working on his degree while pursuing his hockey career which includes scouting.

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Brett Kramers

Edmonton Scout

The 21-year-old Edmonton native entered his fourth year of coaching this season and currently serves as the Assistant Coach of the U16 AA team at South Side Athletic Club (SSAC).

“I come to the rink every day to help develop these young athletes into elite hockey players both on and off the ice,” said Brett Kramers. “As a scout, I strive to provide athletes with an ambition of developing to higher levels including collegiate hockey. I look forward to helping introduce great hockey players who have proven themselves both on and off the ice.”

Head Coach Jeremy Blumes spoke highly of the new scout saying "Brett is an eager young coach that has demonstrated a dedication for helping young players get to the next level. We are excited to see what Edmonton area players Brett helps to identify as prospects for our club next season."

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Michael Morrow

Calgary Scout

From Calgary, Alberta, Michael Morrow has entered his 6th year of coaching this season. Previously, he has been a goaltending coach/consultant at the U15 AAA and U18 AAA levels and is currently an Assistant Coach for the Calgary Buffaloes Hockey Association (CBHA). Aside from his team coaching experience, Michael is also a Goaltending Instructor at World Pro Goaltending. He has taught over 1000 private goalie sessions and has helped develop and promote goalies to Junior and Pro levels, as well as running numerous goalie clinics across all of Southern Alberta. When not at the rink, Michael currently works for SMT and the NHL in the new Player and Puck Tracking department. As well as is pursuing an education in Sports Management and Business/Marketing.

Anthony Sharp

Massachusetts scout

Originally born in Boston, Anthony grew up in the Edmonton/Calgary area, having played for Coach Jeremy Blumes Calgary Royals at the time. In his five seasons in Calgary, his team won provincials three times, finishing second in the city and third, respectively, the other years. Anthony's hard work ethic and passion for the game made him a welcomed addition to every team he played or coached.

Anthony played junior hockey for the Antigonish Bulldogs while attending St. Francis Xavier University. Since then, Anthony graduated with a BBA in Marketing and a minor in Economics and currently works in Business Development in tech software sales at Reveneer in Boston, Massachusetts.

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David Norris

Arizona Head Scout

David played for the Calgary Mustangs of the AJHL for two years before going NCAA D1. David played a year and a half at AIC, breaking the single-season assist record, he then transferred to the desert to play for the newly formed ASU NCAA D1 hockey program. After helping build the foundation with ASU, he took his talents overseas to play in Europe with the Milton Keynes Lightning of the EIHL and the Hull Pirates of the NIHL. Shortly after, he transitioned to Germany to compete with the ERSC Amberg in the Germany4 league and in Austria with the Steel Wings Linz of the AlpsHL before returning to the US to play with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL.

Medical

Dr. Chris Koutures

Team Physician

Dr. Koutures grew up in Irvine, CA, and attended Irvine High School before earning a B.S. in Kinesiology at UCLA. He went on to obtain his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and spent three additional years in Madison for his pediatric residency working in one of the first pediatric sports medicine programs in the United States. After returning to California in 1997, Dr. Koutures completed a one-year sports medicine fellowship with UC San Diego.

In 2008, Dr. Koutures fulfilled a lifetime dream by serving as the Medical Team Physician for USA Volleyball and Table Tennis in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. He is currently the team physician for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Volleyball Teams, Cal State Fullerton Intercollegiate Athletics, Chapman University Dance Department, and Orange Lutheran Athletics.

Dr. Koutures is currently a mentor for pediatric residents and medical and athletic training students and speaks at local, regional, and national conferences on sports medicine topics.

He recently completed a six-year elected term as a member of the Executive Committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. Dr. Koutures has also authored over 25 published articles and served as co-editor for the textbook Pediatric Sports Medicine: Essentials for Office Evaluation published by SLACK Incorporated in 2013. Still, a dedicated athlete, Dr. Koutures enjoys mountain biking, yoga with his wife, and coaching (and/or chasing after) their three children.

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Dr. Hiep Nguyen

Team Dentist

Dr. Hiep Nguyen was accepted to the Loma Linda School of Dentistry in 1992 and graduated with honor in the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. Afterward, he joined the US Navy from 1996-2004 serving in their medical corps. In June of 2000, Dr. Nguyen and his partner, Dr. Linh Nguyen started Star Bright Dental practice in Ontario. Star Bright Dental is focused on enhancing the quality of life of those people who come to them for their dental care. This is why they emphasize delivering dental services to our athletes with quality, comfort, and integrity.