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Bob Boughner is a former NHL defenseman and a highly regarded coach with experience at both the junior and professional levels. He played over 600 NHL games with teams including the Buffalo Sabres, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, and Colorado Avalanche. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and quickly made an impact, leading the Windsor Spitfires to back-to-back Memorial Cup championships in 2009 and 2010. Boughner has also served as the head coach of the Florida Panthers and an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks. He was most recently an associate coach for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). His extensive experience in player development, defensive strategy, and leadership training makes him a crucial asset to BioSteel Sports Academy. His ability to mentor young athletes and prepare them for the next level ensures that players receive elite-level coaching tailored to today’s fast-paced game.
Boughner was twice named OHL Coach of the Year, winning the Matt Leyden Trophy in 2008 and 2009, and also received the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award in those same seasons for his outstanding leadership. On the international stage, Boughner served as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
D.J. Smith, a former NHL defenseman and current Assistant Coach with the Los Angeles Kings, brings a wealth of coaching experience to the BioSteel Sports Academy. He spent five seasons as Head Coach of the Ottawa Senators and four as an Assistant Coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Before the NHL, he coached in the OHL for 10 seasons, winning three Memorial Cups and earning Coach of the Year honors in 2014. Known as a “players’ coach,” D.J. looks to provide valuable insight to help our coaches maximize player performance.
D.J. Smith has over 20 years of experience in hockey, both as a player and a coach. D.J. Smith’s coaching achievements include winning three Memorial Cups with the Oshawa Generals (2010, 2015, and 2017) and being named OHL Coach of the Year in 2014.
Steve Ott is a former NHL forward who built a reputation as one of the league’s most tenacious and versatile players. Over a 14-season career, he played for the Dallas Stars, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, and Montreal Canadiens, serving as an alternate captain and key locker room leader on multiple teams. Ott’s grit, two-way play, and ability to get under opponents’ skin made him a valuable asset throughout his career. Since retiring, he has transitioned into coaching and is currently an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues, where he was part of the staff that helped guide the team to its first-ever Stanley Cup Championship in 2019. At BioSteel Sports Academy, Ott brings his deep understanding of the game, high-intensity playing style, and leadership skills to mentor the next generation of athletes looking to elevate their game both mentally and physically.
Steve Ott has been coaching with the St. Louis Blues since 2017, playing a key role in their 2019 Stanley Cup win and earning a promotion to associate coach in 2024. He made his international coaching debut as an assistant for Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championship and previously represented Team Canada at the 2001 World Juniors, winning a bronze medal.
Michael Weber is a former professional ice hockey defenseman who played in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres and Washington Capitals, as well as Frölunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League. Known for his physical, shutdown style of play, Weber was a reliable presence on the blue line throughout his career. Following his playing days, he transitioned into coaching and is currently an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues in the NHL. His experience working with elite athletes at the highest level brings invaluable insight to BioSteel Sports Academy. With a focus on defensive play, positioning, and leadership, Weber helps young athletes develop the skills necessary to compete at the next level while emphasizing the importance of discipline and work ethic.
Mike Weber began his coaching career in 2018 as an assistant coach with the Windsor Spitfires (OHL). He then moved to the Rochester Americans (AHL) in 2020 as an assistant coach and later joined the St. Louis Blues (NHL) as an assistant coach in 2023.
As of 2025, he has been coaching for 7 years.
Scott Murray is the highly respected goaltending coach for the Washington Capitals, having played a crucial role in developing some of the NHL’s top netminders. Since joining the Capitals, he has been instrumental in refining the skills of elite goaltenders, including Braden Holtby, helping lead the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2018. With years of experience at both the professional and junior levels, Murray specializes in technique refinement, mental toughness, and game preparedness for goaltenders. At BioSteel Sports Academy, he provides young goalies with the elite training necessary to compete at higher levels, offering insights into positioning, reflex development, and handling high-pressure situations. His expertise ensures that aspiring goaltenders receive top-tier coaching tailored to the demands of today’s game.
Scott Murray has been the Washington Capitals’ goaltending coach since 2013, playing a key role in their 2018 Stanley Cup victory. Under his guidance, Capitals goaltenders have consistently ranked among the NHL’s best, contributing to over 250 team wins in six seasons.
Dwayne Blais is one of the most respected skills development coaches in hockey, currently serving as a skills consultant for the Detroit Red Wings. With a background in elite player development, Blais has worked with numerous NHL players, helping them fine-tune their puck-handling, skating, and overall offensive skill sets. He is also the founder of Total Package Hockey, a program designed to enhance player performance at all levels. Blais’s expertise in advanced skill development, hockey IQ training, and precision-based coaching makes him a valuable asset to BioSteel Sports Academy. Young athletes training under his guidance gain access to pro-level techniques and strategies that can help separate them from the competition. His passion for player development ensures that every athlete he works with leaves the program more confident and capable in their game.
Blais’s contributions to hockey development and coaching have been widely recognized, underscoring his commitment to enhancing player skills and coaching methodologies.
With over 20 years of NHL scouting experience, Rick Pracey brings elite hockey insight and talent evaluation to the BioSteel Sports Academy. Currently the Director of Amateur Scouting for the Edmonton Oilers, he has also held key roles with the Colorado Avalanche and Philadelphia Flyers. Rick has identified and connected with many of the top-ranked prospects over the past two decades, gaining a deep understanding of the development systems they come from and the key indicators of success. Our coaches and players are fortunate to benefit from his knowledge of what it takes to reach the highest level.
Pracey oversaw Colorado Avalanche NHL Draft classes highlighted by the selections of some of the highest-ranked players in the league.
Matt Dumouchelle is an experienced hockey development coach and the Assistant General Manager of the Leamington Flyers in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL), a role he has held for the past three seasons. Prior to his time in Leamington, he played a key role in the success of the Lakeshore Canadiens, helping the team secure back-to-back Stobbs Division championships in 2017 and 2018 in the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL). Dumouchelle’s expertise lies in skill progression, player performance analysis, and team development. At BioSteel Sports Academy, he helps young athletes refine their game with a focus on precision, efficiency, and strategic play. His experience in junior hockey management gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to advance through the ranks, making him an invaluable mentor for players aspiring to compete at higher levels.
Matt’s commitment to fostering effective coaching practices is evident through his contributions to platforms like The Coaches Site, where he shares strategies on building cohesive coaching communities and prioritizing long-term player development over immediate results.
