Dallas Ice Jets

The Dallas Ice Jets are proud to announce our coaching staff of the inaugural WSHL team for the 2011-2012 season:

Head Coach Paul Taylor
Assistant Coach Nick Ghidina
Assistant Coach Derek Seal
Goalie Coach Billy Pye
Head Scout Tom Kelly

Ice Jets Add NCAA experience to coaching staff

This year’s coaching staff brings NCAA Division I & III hockey experience to the squad. Joining Head Coach and General Manager Paul Taylor are assistant coaches Derek Seal and Nick Ghidina, Goalie Coach Billy Pye, and Head Scout Tom Kelly.

Derek Seal joined the Ice Jets organization in 2008. Derek grew up in Sudbury, Ontario and moved to Texas when he was 10 years old and then at 16 moved to New England to play Junior hockey in the EJHL. Playing Junior hockey Derek earned a scholarship to Lake Superior State University, CCHA Div. I. Following his college career he went on to play professional hockey in the ECHL and CHL. During his Junior, College and Professional career, he played 375 games, amassed 171 goals, 222 assists, 393 total points and 356 penalty minutes.

Nick Ghidina is new to the Jets in 2011 and brings experience in hockey training and development. Nick grew up in Pekin, IL and played AAA hockey for the Marquette Electricians and then Junior hockey for the Wichita Falls Wildcats in the NAHL. Playing Junior hockey Nick received a Div III scholarship to play at Lake Forest College (NCHA). Nick is currently studying at Texas Christian University for his Master’s degree in Education in Behavioral Therapy and is a personal trainer at the Metroflex Gym in Fort Worth.

Billy Pye has been with the Ice Jets for nine years. His playing career and highlights include two-time WCHA playoff MVP, NCAA College All-American, and NCAA Division I National Championship with Northern Michigan University. Billy was a member of the USA Select team, USA Pravda Cup, and USA World team.

Tom Kelly joins the staff as Head Scout. Tom grew up playing hockey in the Philadelphia area and is a graduate of Shippensburg University. He played his youth midget and Junior hockey in Philadelphia. Tom has worked with the Ice Jets since 2007 and is also the Director of Player Personnel and Head Scout for the Topeka Roadrunners in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Tom has been involved in recruiting Midget and Junior hockey players from around the country and especially the Dallas area in the last seven years. He has helped many players advance to the Division I & III college levels.