Our Coaches

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.