our coaching staff

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Coach Franco, founder & CEO of the Saucy Sloths Hockey Club, is a Hockey enthusiast with a rich background in both playing and coaching Roller & Ice Hockey. As the former captain of the Golden Wolves and Cypress Bay High School's Roller & Ice Hockey teams, Franco's leadership on the rink was evident from a young age.  After high school, Franco played junior hockey with the Palm Beach Predators in the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League (MJHL), where he emerged as the league's leading scorer & a MJHL All-Star, showcasing his skill and commitment to the game. 

He continued his journey at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he not only graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing & a minor in Psychology, but also led the team to a national championship.

With over a decade of coaching experience in both Roller & Ice, Franco has become a respected mentor, recently leading his beloved Golden Wolves to it's 4th consecutive league championship & finally a state championship and a ticket to the USA Hockey National Championships in 2025. Coach Franco also led the Saucy Sloths to two finals appearances in the TORHS National Championships. 

Franco's seamless transition from a successful playing career to coaching highlights his dedication to the sport and his ability to inspire teams to success.

 Coach Joey, a native of Davie, FL, has had a multifaceted journey in the sports world, transitioning from a youth hockey player to a seasoned coach with a diverse background in both hockey and golf.

Early Life and Hockey Career:

Growing up in Davie, Joey immersed himself in the world of roller and ice hockey in South Florida during his youth. His passion for the sport led him to play competitively, honing his skills and contributing to the local hockey community. After graduating from Sagemont High School, Joey pursued higher education at the University of Central Florida, where he was an integral part of a hockey team that competed at the national level.

Venture into Golf:

Following his collegiate hockey pursuits, Joey shifted gears and delved into the sport of golf. He achieved the esteemed title of PGA Professional and even worked as a caddy on the Korean Pro Golf Tour in 2010. For seven years, Joey served as a golf instructor, bringing his expertise and passion for sports to a new domain.

Return to Hockey and Coaching:

Driven by his love for hockey and a desire to give back to his community, Joey made a return to his roots. He rejoined his former youth hockey club and embarked on a coaching career that has spanned a decade. His coaching journey has been primarily with the Golden Wolves Hockey Club, where he has made significant contributions to the development of players at various age and skill levels.

Current Role and Certifications:

Presently, Joey is an integral part of the Pines Ice Arena, where he dedicates himself to training players of all ages and skill levels. With a decade of coaching experience, he continues to shape the future of hockey players within the Golden Wolves Hockey Club. Joey's commitment to professional development is underscored by his certification as a USA Hockey Level 4 coach, highlighting his dedication to excellence in coaching.

Joey's unique blend of experiences in both hockey and golf, coupled with his coaching expertise, makes him a valuable asset to the Pines Ice Arena and the Golden Wolves Hockey Club. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and underscores the diverse paths one can take within the world of sports.

Coach Miles stands as a role model in the South Florida hockey community, embodying a deep commitment to the sport and its development. With an impressive 16-year tenure in South Florida Hockey, Miles has left an indelible mark both as a player and a coach.

Player Achievements:

Miles's roots in South Florida Hockey are firmly planted with the Golden Wolves, where his prowess as a player contributed to the team's success. Having clinched three state championships during his playing years, Miles established himself as a key player with a knack for triumph in high-stakes competitions.

Entrepreneurial Venture - Florida Hockey Center:

Beyond the rink, Miles transitioned into entrepreneurship, owning and operating the Florida Hockey Center for a commendable seven years. Under his leadership, the center became a hub for hockey enthusiasts, featuring a synthetic ice sheet and innovative offerings such as virtual reality hockey sessions, private shooting and skating lessons, contributing to the growth and accessibility of the sport in the community.

Coaching Career:

Miles's coaching journey took a significant turn when he returned to the Golden Wolves, this time as a coach. In his initial year, he worked under Coach Joey, gaining valuable insights into coaching methodologies and team dynamics. In his second year, Miles ascended to the position of Head Coach, leading the team to capture two championships and reinforcing his impact on the next generation of players. In his recent season as a head coach, he captured a 20-12-1 record with 3 back to back tournament championships.

Education and Personal Achievements:

Miles attended the University of Gulf Coast from 2020-2022. Currently pursuing studies at Broward College, Miles remains dedicated to personal and professional growth. In 2016, he not only showcased his skills on the ice but also participated in the Maccabi Games with Team Fort Lauderdale. Despite the team not securing victory, Miles earned the prestigious Medal of Honor Award at the JCC-sanctioned event, highlighting his character and contributions to the game. 

Community Service and Values:

Throughout his extensive involvement in hockey, Miles has absorbed the core concepts and life values integral to better serving the community. His multifaceted journey as a player, entrepreneur, and coach underscores the importance of not only excelling in the sport but also imparting valuable lessons and building a strong sense of community within the hockey fraternity.

Miles Tessier's enduring impact on South Florida Hockey extends beyond the wins and losses, resonating in the lives he has touched and the values he instills in the next generation of players. His dedication to the sport, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to community service make him a true cornerstone of the South Florida hockey landscape.