Head Coach & GM – Casey Mignone
Mignone enters his second season as Head Coach & GM for the Chippewa Steel during the 22-23 season. Before serving as the Steel’s head coach, he previously was with the St. Cloud Norsemen the last two years. Before than, he was the head coach of the Rochester Grizzlies (NA3HL) during the 2018-2019 season. Born in Ramsey, NJ, the east coast native spent his playing days climbing the ranks of both college and pro hockey. Graduating from Westfield State College in 2010, Mignone then continued his playing career in the FHL and the SPHL before making the switch to coaching. Since 2015, Mignone has been climbing the ranks of coaching through both college and junior hockey and looks to continue this growth for years to come.
Assistant Coach – Steve Dougherty
Dougherty has been coaching professionally for the past twelve years. He most recently was an assistant coach for the Walpole Express. Prior to coaching, he played his youth hockey in New Jersey and eventually worked his way up to play juniors in British Columbia, Canada.
“I really enjoy being a part of the player development process and moving players on to the next level,” Dougherty said. “I’m really excited to join such a well-rounded staff and can’t wait to get the season underway.”
Goalie Coach – Dan Hoehne
Hoehne also joins the staff with a plethora of hockey experience specifically in goaltending. He began coaching career in 2005 at Stauber’s Goalcrease where he worked his way up to a Lead Instructor in 2012. Since then, Hoehne has only gained more experience. Since 2015, Hoehne has been a goalie coach with Attitude Goaltending. Since 2016, he’s worked with goalies in the Breakaway Bucks AAA program. And most recently he was an assistant coach/goalie coach with Chanhassen HS.
“I’m really excited to be a part of this great organization,” he said. “My goal is to help develop and mentor the young goalies we bring in.”
Director of Player Personnel – Brandon Ferns
Brandon enters the 21-22 season as his first with the Chippewa Steel. He was previously working as the Minnesota scout for the St. Cloud Norsemen under Coach Mignone. Besides scouting for the Steel, Brandon is also the Minnesota scout for the Omaha Lancers in the USHL, and is an assistant coach for Shakopee High School located in the Twin Cities.
Brandon is excited to continue to work with Mignone and says “Casey’s relentless work ethic to recruit, develop, and move players on is why it was a no-brainer for me to work under his leadership.” If you see Brandon around the rink please come up and introduce yourself, as he loves talking hockey.
Email: brandonferns3@gmail.com
Director of Scouting – Steve Williams
Steve enters his first season as the Director of Scouting and second with the Steel. In addition to his work with the Steel, Steve serves an Assistant Coach with the New Jersey Rockets U18 Program. Prior to joining the Steel staff, he worked as a Scout with the St. Cloud Norsemen in the NAHL (2020-2021).
Steve hails from Sparta, NJ and grew up playing youth and collegiate hockey on the east coast. He played his Jr. Hockey with the Cobourg Cougars in the OJHL before moving to the collegiate ranks at SUNY-Morrisville. Steve currently resides in West Chester, PA with his wife Chrissy and two sons, Carter and Mason.
Email: stwilliams275611@gmail.com
Scouts
Athletic Trainer:
Phil Dolan
