our STAFF

Ben Warda is currently the Head Coach of the Grosse Pointe South Varsity Hockey team & the Detroit Bulldogs 9U team. Ben has over 6 years of AAA coaching experience  with Compuware & Little Caesars 15U & 16U programs. Prior to his coaching career Ben was a scout for the Ottawa 67s in the Ontario Hockey League focusing on Detroit area prospects after retiring from professional hockey in 2017. Ben spent the previous 4 years playing professionally overseas in Germany. Prior to turning pro, Ben played two years of Jr. A hockey for the St. Louis Bandits (NAHL) under current Tampa Bay Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper (NHL), winning back-to-back national championships while leading the team in scoring his second season. Ben received a scholarship to Michigan St. University (BIG10)  where he played his freshman season before transferring to Western Michigan University (NCHC) where he completed his college career from 2010-2013 under coaches Jeff Blashill & Andy Murray, winning a CCHA championship in 2011. 

Coach Kovacs is currently the Associate Head Coach of the Grosse Pointe South Varsity Hockey team, Head Coach of the 2015 Victory Honda AAA team,  & Director of the Victory Honda Player Development Center. Prior to coaching, Justin played 6 years of professional hockey split between the Kalamazoo K-Wings (ECHL), England, and Slovakia. Before turning pro, Justin was a standout in the USHL where he played 2 years of junior hockey for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders where he earned a scholarship to Western Michigan University (NCHC) winning a CCHA Conference Championship during his sophomore season and winning the NCHC goal of the year during his senior year. Justin grew up playing his youth hockey for Compuware AAA. "Coach Kovacs brings an elite level skill set to the DPH staff. Our players will improve their overall skills while working with him and we couldn't be more thrilled to have him apart of our staff." - Ben Warda

Coach Dedenbach is currently Head Coach of the Detroit Bulldogs 2012 & 2013  teams. Jared's 2012 finished the 2025-2026 season ranked #1 in the state of Michigan. They were state final runner ups & Silverstick National Champions. Jared is entering his 6th year coaching and is also Director of the 8U Grosse Pointe Player Development Program & a level 4 certified coach. Prior to his coaching career, Jared played 3 years of Jr. A hockey split between the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (NAHL), New Jersey Hitmen (USPHL), and the Fargo Force (USHL) winning a national championship for New Jersey and Clark Cup runner up for Fargo in the USHL. After juniors, Jared went on to play college hockey at Wisconsin-Superior (NCAA D-III) before retiring in  2017. "Coach Jared really brings a ton of knowledge to our players from all different age groups. He has a knack of connecting with the kids and teaching them in a way that really resonates & makes a difference in their overall game." - Ben Warda

Coach Berschbach is entering his 6th year on the DPH staff. Shane is currently a member of Fore Hockey IQ specializing in video and IQ training for players of all ages. Prior to coaching, Shane grew up playing his youth hockey for Little Caesars AAA. Shane played 2 years of Junior hockey for the Indiana Ice (USHL) earning a scholarship to Western Michigan University (NCHC) playing for coaches Jeff Blashill and Andy Murray winning a CCHA Championship during his sophomore season. After college Shane went on to play 6 years of professional hockey for the Toledo Walleye (ECHL) where we became the team's all-time assist and point leader having amassed over 400 points throughout his career. "Coach Bershy brings both a high level skill set and hockey IQ to our players to learn and improve from." - Ben Warda

Coach Albers is entering his 6th year on the DPH staff. Kevin spent 2 seasons as Assistant Coach for the Lake Orion High School Hockey team. Prior to coaching, Albers played 3 seasons of junior hockey in the USHL split between the Green Bay Gamblers, Muskegon Lumberjacks, and Omaha Lancers. In 2009-2010 Albers was selected to the U19 USA Development Team and also won the Clark Cup (USHL Championship) in the same year. After juniors Kevin was awarded a full scholarship to Niagara University where he spent 2 of his 4 years as team captain. After his college career, Kevin played 2 years of professional hockey in the ECHL and overseas in Europe. "Coach Albers is a vital piece to our academy with over 5 years experience as a skills coach for us. Kevin knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest levels and is great at relaying his invaluable knowledge to our young players." - Ben Warda