Robert Esche - Leadership Team

Rob serves as the President of the Utica Comets, AHL Affiliate of the New Jersey Devils. In addition, Rob is also the President of Garden Entertainment LLC and Mohawk Valley Garden, companies that oversee the operations for a number of different entities, including the Adirondack Bank Center and Utica University Nexus Center. In addition, Rob is the owner of several different restaurants in the Utica area, as he has been pivotal in the recent development of the city.

Rob played his youth hockey in the Utica area before playing in the Ontario Hockey League. He followed up his amateur career by playing 8 years in the NHL for the Phoenix Coyotes and Philadelphia Flyers. He also has a vast playing experience for Team USA, representing the United States at the World Junior tournament, World Championships, and at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

Gary Heenan - Leadership Team

Gary was hired as head coach of the Utica University men's ice hockey program in August 2000. As the program’s founder, Heenan has been named Coach of the Year multiple times. Under his direction, Utica has won numerous regular and post season championships. The Pioneers consistently produce All Americans and each year graduate players to the Professional level.

Gary played 4 years of college hockey at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY, followed by a year professionally in Austria. With over 25 years of coaching at the collegiate level, Gary has a wide range of contacts and connections across the NCAA and Junior levels of hockey.

Keith Veronesi - Leadership Team

Keith is the Chief Revenue Officer of Garden Entertainment LLC, the Adirondack Bank Center, and Utica University Nexus Center with a focus on bringing large scale, foot traffic events to the Utica area. Prior to coming back to Utica in August 2024, Keith spent 8 years in Las Vegas working for the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL. Hired by Vegas in 2016, shortly after the NHL announced expansion to the city of Las Vegas, Keith spent his time in Vegas working in the Hockey Operations department as the Director of Scouting operations, working directly with the Pro and Amateur scouting staffs and won a Stanley Cup in 2023. Prior to joining Vegas, Keith was the Vice President of the Utica Comets.

Keith played 4 years of Prep School hockey at Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA before playing 4 years at Connecticut College at the NCAA Division 3 level.

Justin Allen - 16U Boys Head Coach

A native of Rochester NY, Justin played 5 seasons for Utica University. During his 5 year career, Justin received many accolades including; 2 time NCAA DIII All-American, UCHC Defensive Player of the Year, 3-time first team all-conference, and 1st team all-rookie team during his freshman year. He also holds numerous program records including; career games played, points by a defenseman, career assists, single season assists, and single season points by a defenseman. In his 5 years he helped lead the school to 3 conference championships as well as 3 NCAA tournament appearances. After his college career Allen went on to play two seasons in the ECHL for the Norfolk Admirals, and Allen Americans. 

Allen will oversee and coach the 15U boys team. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Allen will lead the recruiting and scouting for the team. Allen will also serve as a dorm parent for the academy.

Johnny Jackson - 15O Boys Head Coach

Johnny is an experienced and dedicated athlete who has a passion for ice hockey. Originally from Gloucester Township, New Jersey, but has Utica roots with his parents being from both Utica and New York Mills respectively. His father, Jim, was the play-by-play announcer for the Utica Devils and called all 499 games that the team played from 1987-1993. His grandfather, Tony Filipelli, was a well renowned boxing referee. Both are in the Utica Sports hall of fame.

Jackson grew up playing for Tier 1 hockey for Team Comcast and the New Jersey Titans. He played four years of Varsity at Gloucester Catholic and was the leading point scorer in his senior year helping his team to a Gordon Conference National Division Championship. In his two-year junior hockey career, he produced 62 points in 85 junior hockey games for the Wilkes Barre Scranton Knights, New Jersey 87s and Team Maryland. Jackson is graduate from Nazareth University and competed in over 80 NCAA D3 games with the Men’s Ice Hockey team while maintaining a 3.75 GPA for four years and obtaining his degree in Business and Sports Management. After college Johnny took his coaching ability to Utica where since 2024 he served as the Head Coach for the Utica Jr Comets USPHL Premier Head Coach as well as the NCDC Assistant Coach. He has spent his summers training and coaching youth hockey teams and camps, this will be his first season with NDHA

Matt Sayles - 15O Boys Assistant Coach & Goalie Coach

Matt Sayles, a native of Milton, Georgia, joins Notre Dame Academy as a 15U Assistant Coach and Goalie Coach.

Matt played hockey at the prep, junior, NCAA Division III collegiate, and professional levels, including at Nazareth University and in the SPHL and FPHL.

With extensive coaching experience from working with some of the game’s most influential coaches and goaltenders from beginner to collegiate levels, Matt is passionate about developing the technical, mental, and competitive aspects of the position.

Ty Simmons - Development Coach

Ty Simmons serves as the Development Coach at Notre Dame Hockey Academy, where he specializes in skating and individual skills development. In his role, Ty works closely with each team while providing personalized instruction tailored to every athlete, helping players refine their technique and elevate their overall performance. He also collaborates with the NDHA coaching staff on practice planning and contributes to detailed video analysis to support player growth.

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Beyond his work at NDHA, Ty is the founder of Simmons Skating, a premier skills training company. Through his program, he has trained and developed athletes competing at the NHL, AHL, and NCAA levels, bringing elite-level experience and insight to every session. Known for his hands-on approach and attention to detail, Ty is dedicated to helping players reach their full potential both on and off the ice.

Sam Cammilleri - 16U Assistant Coach

Sam Cammilleri joins Notre Dame Hockey Academy as the Assistant Coach of the 16U Boys program. Sam previously resided in Rochester and has spent his professional career working as a lead coach and instructor at The Academy out of the Rochester Ice Center in Rochester, NY. Additionally, Sam has spent the last few years as a Head Coach and lead Skills instructor for the Saints Hockey Club.