ST. LOUIS – As Maryville University prepares for its NCAA Division I transition season, Head Coach and Assistant Athletic Director for Hockey John Hogan has finalized the program's most experienced and comprehensive leadership team to date. 

The group brings together extensive NCAA Division I, CHL, junior, professional and international experience, positioning the Saints for a successful transition into college hockey's highest level.

"Our goal from day one has been to build a staff that can serve our student-athletes at the highest level," Hogan said. "As we enter Division I, we wanted to surround our players with outstanding people who not only understand the game but understand how to develop young men. I couldn't be more excited about the group we've assembled."

COACHING STAFF
Hogan will continue to lead the program after guiding Maryville from a startup ACHA Division II team in 2018 to one of the nation's premier collegiate hockey departments, culminating with the University's transition to NCAA Division I.

Joining Hogan is Associate Coach Karlis Zirnis, one of the most accomplished additions. Zirnis brings nearly two decades of NCAA Division I, championship junior and international coaching experience. His résumé includes coaching stops at Mercyhurst, RPI, Alabama Huntsville and Alaska, along with more than a decade on Latvia's National Team coaching staff.

Longtime assistant Kevin Gregory enters his eighth season at Maryville and will continue serving as Hogan's right-hand man while assuming the role of General Manager. Gregory will oversee roster construction, recruiting operations and the day-to-day management of the entire hockey program. 

Mark Abney joins Maryville as Director of Hockey Strategy & Operations following nearly two decades helping build Lindenwood's nationally recognized program. He will oversee video analysis, scouting, hockey analytics and operational planning.

One of the industry's most respected hockey performance specialists, Jeff Lovecchio will serve as Strength & Conditioning Consultant. Through Maryville's partnership with GMBM Performance, he will oversee the Saints' performance program after working with hundreds of NHL, professional, collegiate and junior players. Jake Hanebrink, graduate and ex player from Maryville University,  will also support the performance needs of the team as Strength and Conditioning assistant for the 26-27 season

Connor Chatham will serve as Director of Player Development & Skills while also starting as head coach of Maryville's nationally competitive ACHA Men's Division I team. He will oversee individual skill development while contributing across the entire hockey department.

Lastly joining them is Keith Van Gels, who will serve as Goaltending Consultant. One of the region's most respected goalie instructors, Van Gels has spent years developing goaltenders at the youth, junior and collegiate levels and will oversee the continued development of Maryville's netminders throughout the season.

SUPPORT STAFF
Maryville has also assembled an elite support staff featuring respected leaders in performance, player development, sports medicine and operations. 

Colton Kampa will lead the program's sports medicine efforts. 

Greg Royer returns as Equipment Manager after years of dedicated service to Maryville Hockey. Joey Bunton will serve as Media Manager, and Todd Schleref rounds out the staff as Game Day and Operations Coordinator.

"One of our goals throughout this transition has been to surround our student-athletes with exceptional people," Hogan said. "Whether it's coaching, player development, strength and conditioning, sports medicine, equipment or operations, we've intentionally built a staff that gives our players every opportunity to succeed."

"What excites me most isn't just the experience on paper—it's the people. Every member of this staff shares our vision, our values and our commitment to developing outstanding young men. I truly believe this group will play a major role in establishing the foundation for Maryville Hockey for years to come."

2026-27 MARYVILLE NCAA DIVISION I ICE HOCKEY STAFF
Coaching Staff (7)
•    John Hogan – Assistant Athletic Director for Hockey / Head Coach
•    Karlis Zirnis – Associate Coach
•    Kevin Gregory – General Manager / Assistant Coach
•    Mark Abney – Director of Hockey Strategy & Operations 
•    Connor Chatham – Director of Player Development & Skills
•    Jeff Lovecchio – Strength & Conditioning Consultant
•    Keith Val Gels – Goaltending Consultant 

Support Staff (5)
•    Colton Kampa – Athletic Trainer
•    Greg Royer – Equipment Manager
•    Joey Bunton – Media Manager
•    Todd Schleref – Game Day & Operations Coordinator