Leadership

Johnny Johnson brings elite playing experience and proven leadership to the Yeti program.

As a standout with the Chicago Mission, Johnny won five Tier 1 State Championships and a National Championship, serving as captain of each championship team. He was drafted into the USHL and went on to play junior hockey in the USHL, NAHL, and BCHL — the top developmental leagues in North America. At Norwich University, he continued to wear the “C,” captaining his college team in both his sophomore and junior seasons.

Johnny has also coached at the Tier 1 level with Team Illinois, working daily with high-end players and immersing himself in modern skill development, systems play, and team culture-building.

At Yeti, Johnny’s focus is clear: bring a high-level standard to local high school hockey while keeping the experience grounded, competitive, and team-first. He believes in demanding, up-tempo practices, clear expectations, and a positive locker room environment that pushes players to grow as athletes, teammates, and young men.

JV Head Coach Ryan Ruether attended Wauconda High School from 2017-2019, playing for the LZMW varsity team. After being named the captain his senior year and participating in the 2019 IHSHL All-Star game, he went on to attend St. Norbert College to study business administration.

Throughout 4 years at college, Ryan played for the D2 ACHA club hockey team and was an alternate captain senior year. While up north, Ryan also completed a season with the De Pere Deacons in the GLHL.

Since graduating in 2023, Ryan has been back home and a coach for LZMW Yeti.

Michael Kissane grew up playing hockey in the northwest suburbs, competing at both the Central States and AAA levels before finishing his playing career at Saint Viator High School. With the Lions, he helped capture a league championship, earned team MVP honors, and advanced to the state Final Four.

After high school, Michael attended Illinois State University, where he earned a degree in Finance. He currently works as a financial analyst and is excited to bring his experience and passion for the game to the LZMW Yeti Junior Varsity program.

P.A.D.S. is a premier goaltending school founded in 2009, dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized, and practical training for goalies of all ages and skill levels. Unlike traditional drill-heavy clinics, P.A.D.S. focuses on teaching fundamentals through real game situations, building confidence and trust while delivering superior results. Guided by experienced coaches with backgrounds in college, junior, club, high school, and house programs, P.A.D.S. combines organization, structure, and positive reinforcement to develop battle-tested, successful goaltenders.

Tactic Sports Performance, based in Lake Zurich, IL, has partnered with Yeti to deliver a specialized training program designed to complement players’ on-ice development. Their program combines sport-specific exercises, weight training, and plyometrics to build explosive power, balance, and control, helping Yeti athletes compete at a higher level. Backed by a highly educated coaching staff and a commitment to excellence, Tactic provides Yeti players with the tools and guidance needed to elevate their overall athletic performance.