Our Coaches

Wyatt Trumbley

“Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” – Coach Trumbley

Coaching Philosophy

Wyatt powers the Skillz coaching standard — working side-by-side with coaches to turn every lesson into high-impact, game-ready development. His training systems are built to accelerate real growth, transforming how players learn, think, and compete. From first-time beginners to elite athletes, across all ages and skill levels, players leave Skillz faster, sharper, and more confident — reacting quicker, making smarter plays, and performing under pressure and game situations like never before.

Background & Experience

Hailing from British Columbia, Canada, Wyatt brings true hockey pedigree and over a decade of high-impact player development to Skillz. As a player, Wyatt Played junior hockey in VIJHL, KIJHL, BCHL, and CCHL, NCAA DIII at Westfield State University and Professional in the FPHL, SPHL, and ECHL. From a Coaching background with Hockey Canada Coaching certifications, as an Associate Coach with Vancouver Island HC U17, he helped drive elite systems, video prep, and competitive player growth. Through years of advanced skills and skating instruction, Wyatt is known for accelerating development at every level — building strong foundations for beginners while sharpening more advanced athletes into explosive, game-ready performers. His high-energy, detail-driven approach pushes players of all ages and skill levels to train harder, think faster, and elevate their game every time they step on the ice.

Fun Fact

Wyatt enjoys staying active hiking, golfing, and working out. Favorite team is the Colorado Avalanche watching the great players like Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Adam Foote, Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar.

Favorite Drill or Skill to Teach

Wyatt’s favorite drills to build at Skillz center around puck protection, skating, and puck handling. From beginners learning strong puck habits to advanced players refining elite edge control and possession skills, these high-rep, game-realistic drills build confidence, balance, and decision-making. Players leave stronger on the puck, more explosive in movement, and ready to execute at speed in real game situations.

Tyson Derryberry

“When you take a rest day, someone else is putting in the work getting better.” – Coach Tyson

 

Coaching Philosophy

Tyson bases his coaching style on what separates a good player from a great one — the little things. His focus is on breaking bad habits, reinforcing strong fundamentals, and helping players improve every single session. Above all, he believes development should be fun, motivating, and purposeful.

Background & Experience

  • Grew up playing for the Jr. Coyotes Association, traveling across the U.S. competing in elite tournaments and showcases
  • Played the last four years with Pinnacle High School’s Division 1 team, including winning the 2025 Arizona State Championship
  • Selected to represent Team Arizona for the past two seasons
  • As a defenseman, Tyson focuses on edgework, skating, defensive zone coverage, and overall Hockey IQ — bringing that same attention to detail into his coaching sessions

Fun Fact

Tyson’s favorite NHL player growing up was Quinn Hughes, admiring his leadership, elite edgework, and hockey IQ — qualities Tyson strives to pass on to his players. Off the ice, Tyson enjoys golfing or hitting the gym with teammates.

Favorite Drill or Skill to Teach

Tyson loves working on skating speed and explosiveness. He uses the Skatemill to teach proper stride mechanics and full blade usage in a controlled one-on-one environment, helping players become faster and more efficient on the ice.

Cameron O’Connor

“Success is the result of daily habits, not one perfect performance. – Coach Cam

Coaching Philosophy

Cam’s philosophy centers on developing disciplined, confident athletes who understand why they do what they do, not just how to do it. He focuses on breaking down fundamentals, building repeatable habits, and creating a positive, competitive environment where progress is clear and measurable.

Background & Experience

  • Former high-level player from Connecticut with a strong background in competitive minor, 4-year varsity, 1 year of junior, and collegiate hockey
  • Over 3 years of experience coaching skill development and player performance across youth and high school programs
  • Specialized in shooting mechanics, shooting power, and puck control
  • Combines traditional player development techniques with modern analytics and training tools like RapidShot

Fun Fact

Cam’s favorite NHL player growing up was Patrick Kane, and he models much of his shooting instruction after Kane’s balance of strength and finesse. When he’s not at the rink, Cam works as a financial advisor, enjoys golf and working out.

Favorite Drill or Skill to Teach

Cam loves working on shot power and accuracy, helping players find more power and precision whether in stride or off the pass.

Josh Ihling

Skill development isn’t about being perfect — it’s about making small improvements every day that add up to big results.” – Coach Josh

Coaching Philosophy

Josh’s key to developing successful hockey players revolves around repetition. By putting in consistent work on specific skills we are able to eliminate bad habits and reinforce good ones. It also helps us build a good foundation of fundamentals to help ease us into more complex skills.

Background & Experience

  • Grew up in the valley playing for both Jr. Coyotes and Pinnacle High School, winning multiple state championships across the two programs.
  • Played college hockey at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for 2 seasons
  • Has spent 4 years as an assistant coach for the Jr. Coyotes program and spent his teenage years helping out with his younger siblings teams.
  • Developed an affinity for not only coaching teams, but also individual skill development through leading his brother in off-ice drills and video sessions when he was younger.

Fun Fact

As a kid, Josh’s favorite player was Patrick Kane because he used skill and IQ to set his teammates up, more often looking to pass the puck than shoot it.

Favorite Drill or Skill to Teach

Josh’s favorite drill is using the skate treadmill to perfect stride mechanics and breaking down each element of the stride.