2025-2026 Rockford Lightning Coaching Line Up

As we gear up for an exciting second season, the Rockford Area High School Hockey (RAHSH) program is proud to announce this year’s coaching lineup. With a continued commitment to developing our student-athletes both on and off the ice, our staff brings the experience, leadership, and passion needed to elevate Rockford Lightning hockey to the next level.

Hockey Director: Don Walker

Don Walker will lead our program as the Hockey Director. Don's extensive experience and vision for the future of RAHSH hockey will continue to be instrumental in guiding our teams to success. Originally from Franklin, Massachusetts, Donny brings over 40 years of experience in hockey coaching and evaluation. Don had a tryout with the Boston Bruins and played in the International Hockey League (IHL), now known as the American Hockey League (AHL). He was the leading scorer in the NJHL. Coach Walker also attended and evaluated players at the 2012 U-17 World Hockey Challenge in Windsor, Ontario, and the 2013 U-17 World Hockey Challenge in Quebec. Over the last 40 years, Don has coached all levels from 8U to 18U. Donny holds a USA Hockey Level 5 coaching certification and has served as the RPD Hockey Coordinator from 2009 to 2015, as well as the RPD Hockey Director since 2015.

Don's coaching philosophy emphasizes hard work, discipline, and teamwork, values that he instills in every player he coaches. His approach is tailored to support each athlete's individual growth while fostering a cohesive and supportive team environment. Under his guidance, players will refine their hockey abilities and build character and resilience.

Furthermore, Don's experience in coaching various levels of hockey equips him with the unique ability to connect with and mentor players of all ages, understanding their needs and challenges. His dedication to their development ensures that each player receives the attention and training necessary to reach their full potential.

Coach Walker’s mission is to place players at the proper levels to succeed and push them to grow as players and individuals through hard work, dedication, and commitment.

Varsity Team

Head Coach: Alex Edwards

Alex is back as the Head Coach for the Varsity team. Alex's strategic acumen and commitment to player development make him an ideal fit to lead top-tier teams. Alex has a rich history in hockey, beginning his journey with the Rockford Hockey Club, where he played from Mites through Bantam. He continued his hockey career with the Rockford Icemen, playing JV and Midget Minor during his freshman year, then Midget Major and Varsity from sophomore through senior year, serving as captain for the 2008-2009 team. During his high school career, he became a three-time state champion.

Alex played Division 2 hockey for four years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and served as team president for three years. He began coaching for the Rockford Hockey Club in 2014 and has coached at every level since then. Alex holds a USA Hockey Level 4 coaching certification and has recently returned to assist with the 8U Junior IceHogs program.

Assistant Coach: Eric Brown

Returning to assist Alex is Eric Brown. Eric's dedication and expertise will continue to provide invaluable support, ensuring our Varsity players reach their full potential. Also known as "Whitey," Eric was born and raised in Cherry Valley, IL. He played for the RHC before advancing to the Madison Capitols AAA program, where Gary and Bob Suter coached him. Eric competed in multiple league championships and won State Championships with the Capitols during his youth hockey career.

Eric continued his hockey journey at Illinois State University, where his team competed for conference championships and reached the Final Four in the National Tournament. Eric was named to the All-Conference Team four times and was a runner-up for Offensive Player of the Year. He set the all-time point record at Illinois State and has been inducted into the ISU Hockey Hall of Fame.

In his ten years of coaching, Eric has made a significant impact within the Rockford Hockey Club. He assisted Oak Hewer in winning multiple NIHL championships and one of the few State Championships in RHC history. Eric also assisted Scott Burfoot with the U18 RHC team, reaching the NIHL championship. Eric is a USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach.

Eric has been fortunate to learn from great hockey minds throughout his playing and coaching career, absorbing invaluable knowledge. As a coach, he believes that hard work trumps skill and that anyone willing to learn can improve. He is committed to offering athletes his unique perspective and understanding of the game.

JV Team

Head Coach: Tom Breitfuss

Tom Breitfuss will take the reins as the head coach for our defending State Champion JV team. Tom's enthusiasm and knowledge of hockey will significantly benefit our developing players. Tom grew up in Chicago, where his passion for hockey was ignited at the age of two. He began his hockey journey with the Glenview Stars, playing AA hockey until he was a squirt. Tom then advanced to the Chicago Young Americans AAA organization, where he honed his skills for four years before moving to Rockford. In Rockford, he played for the Rockford Hockey Club and eventually the Rockford Icemen.

From his sophomore to senior year, Tom stood out on the Varsity and Midget Major teams. His tenure with the Icemen was marked by significant achievements, including winning two state championships. In his junior year, Tom was voted a top-six player in the state and earned a spot on the Illinois showcase team, leading them to their first victory in 30 years. Demonstrating leadership and skill, he was elected alternate captain in his junior year and captain in his senior year, leading his team to another state championship at the United Center. Under his captaincy, the Rockford Icemen made history by becoming the first team from the organization to advance to nationals, where they placed third in the country.

After high school, Tom continued his hockey career by playing Junior A hockey for the Salt Lake City Moose in the Western States Hockey League. Currently, Tom serves the City of Rockford as a firefighter. He has dedicated the last seven years to coaching at the Rockford Hockey Club and Rockford Lightning, where he continues to inspire and develop young hockey players with his extensive experience and passion for the game.

Assistant Coach: Dom Colombi

A proud Rockford native, Dominic Colombi brings a lifelong passion for hockey and a well-rounded background in player development to the Rockford Lightning JV coaching staff.

Dom began his playing career with the Junior IceHogs before moving on to the Rockford Hockey Club. He was a three-year standout with the Rockford Icemen and continued his hockey journey at the collegiate level, playing for Bradley University. After graduating in 2019, he quickly transitioned into coaching, where he has worked with multiple age levels, including U10, U12, and U18.

In addition to his on-ice experience, Dom currently oversees the Lightning’s off-ice training program, focusing on athletic development, strength, and conditioning. His well-rounded experience as both a player and coach make him an asset to our JV program.

We're excited to have Coach Dom bring his energy, knowledge, and commitment to player growth this season.

Assistant Coach: John Crowley

John brings over 25 years of experience, both as a player and coach, to the Rockford Lightning JV bench. A former defenseman for the Rockford Icemen, John was part of two State Championship teams in 2005 and 2006, gaining firsthand knowledge of what it takes to compete and win at a high level.

Over the past 15 years, he has coached at nearly every level within the Rockford Hockey Club, earning his USA Hockey Level 4 certification and a reputation for developing skilled and team-oriented athletes. His coaching style emphasizes speed, systems, hockey IQ, and leadership, qualities he instills in every player he mentors.

John played a pivotal role in the inaugural 2024–25 Rockford Lightning season, helping guide the JV team to an impressive 26 5 5 record. That season culminated in a thrilling 3–2 win over Plainfield in the AHAI Combined School JV State Championship, marking his first state title as a coach and adding to his championship pedigree.

John’s deep roots in Rockford hockey and his passion for fostering a competitive, positive team culture make him a cornerstone of the Lightning’s coaching staff.

Goaltending Coach: Brandon Roderick

Brandon Roderick will serve as the Goaltending Coach for both the JV and the Varsity. Brandon's specialized training and focus on goaltender development will ensure that our goalies receive the highest quality coaching.

Brandon, a lifelong resident of the Rockford area, began his hockey journey at the age of 7. Starting with the Jr. Ice Hogs program, he progressed to join the Rockford Hockey Club and, later, the Rockford Icemen. During his three years with the Icemen's Varsity and Central States teams, Brandon was a key player on the 2013 State Championship team and played a crucial role in leading the Central States team to nationals for the first time that same year.

In addition to his local success, Brandon expanded his experience by playing summer hockey with the Milwaukee Admirals AAA program. He has also been assigned as a practicing goalie with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.