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. 

Justin 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

Kevin Albers is entering his 6th year on the DPH staff. Kevin has coaching experience at both the AAA & High School levels. 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

Greg Squires is currently the Head Coach of the Oakland Grizzlies 2015 Pee-Wee Minor team. Prior to coaching, Squires had an extensive playing career beginning with the USA National Development Program 17s & 18s teams. After USA NTDP, Greg played 2 seasons for the Indiana Ice in the USHL amassing 102 points in 99 games earning himself a scholarship to Western Michigan University (NCHC). Greg was a standout at WMU totaling 100 points in 160 games while winning a CCHA Conference Championship during his senior season. After college, Greg played 9 years of professional hockey throughout the top leagues in Europe (DEL2, SHL, KHL, & LIGA). "We're very lucky to have a coach with Greg's level of skill and expertise. Not only his ability, but his passion for the game is something our players at DPH will thrive off of." - Ben Warda

Addison Spitz is a current Division 1 hockey player for the University of New Hampshire women's hockey team. Addison is entering her Junior season for the Wildcats after recording 21 points in 35 games during her sophomore season. Prior to UNH, Addison attended Colgate University for her freshman season. Prior to college, Addison was a standout for Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club from 12U through 19U amassing over 500 points in just 250 career games earning her a spot at the USA National Development Camps during her 15U and 18U years. "Addison is a big time addition to our PDC and on ice staff. Having a current Division 1 player, with her skill set and overall work ethic changes everything for us. Our players will see first hand what it takes to prepare and succeed at the highest level after working with her." Ben Warda 

Matthew is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Exercise Science. A former multi-sport athlete, Matthew attended University Liggett competing as a five-sport varsity athlete in baseball, basketball, soccer, football, and lacrosse. Matthew has developed a strong foundation in athletic performance training, with a particular focus on youth hockey athletes helping them improve performance through structured training programs. He holds the IYCA High School Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification and is currently pursuing his certification through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS). Matthew is also certified in AED/CPR emergency response. "Matthew's overall knowledge of strength performance training is so vital to our player's overall development, we're very proud to have him run our PDC's strength program!" - Ben Warda