Mark Abalan – Senior Consultant
Abalan joins Hawkeye Hockey Services with more than 20 years of coaching experience. The Duluth, Minnesota native has experience working with elite youth-level programs as well as an extensive track record in the USHL. At the youth level, Abalan has worked 2 seasons with the Shattuck St. Mary’s program (2010- 2011, 2016-2017), helping develop 1st round draft picks Nathan MacKinnon and Brendan Brisson. Abalan has also had tremendous success with Northstar Christian Academy (2021-2024), helping lead the 16U Knights to a total record of 111-34-7-10. At the junior level, Abalan was an assistant and associate head coach for 8 total seasons with the Sioux City Musketeers (2011-2016, 2018- 2020), compiling a record of 354-326-38. Abalan has also been a head coach of the Chicago Steel and Tri-City Storm. In addition to his domestic success, Abalan also brings a winning pedigree on the international stage, having won 2 gold medals (2013, 2018) and a bronze medal (2019) with the United States at the World Junior A Tournament. Although Abalan has many wins under his belt, one of his greatest strengths is developing players and advancing them to the next level. Many players under Abalan’s guidance have advanced to NAHL, USHL, USNTDP, NCAA, and NHL. Abalan is excited to bring his wealth of experience to help the clients of Hawkeye Hockey Services reach their desired goals in all facets of hockey, school, and life.
● Head Coach: Shattuck St. Mary’s (16U AAA)
● Co-Head Coach: Northstar Christian Academy (16U AAA)
● Associate Head Coach: Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
● Head Coach: Chicago Steel (USHL)
● Head Coach: Tri-City Storm (USHL)
● Assistant Coach: Team USA (WJAC-19)
Nick Adamek – Senior Consultant
A native of Hollister, California, Nick Adamek just wrapped up his 18th year of coaching junior hockey, in which he spent the last 12 years as the head coach of the Steele County Blades in the USPHL. During his time with the Blades, Nick helped over 60 players reach their goals of playing collegiately and/or higher levels of hockey.
Adamek started his coaching career with the University of Wisconsin-Stout, handling Head Coach and Assistant Coach responsibilities with the women’s club program. Shortly after that, he started working with the Hudson Crusaders of the now-defunct Minnesota Junior Hockey League, serving as an Assistant Coach from 2008-2011, where he helped lead them to a USA Hockey National Tournament appearance in 2011. Adamek went on to join the Gillette Wild of the North American 3 Hockey League in 2011 as an Assistant Coach. He was there for three years, where he also spent time as the Head Coach of the Gillette High School program. He led the team to a State Championship in 2012 and appearances in the State Tournament Championship game all three seasons. Additionally, Adamek was a volunteer assistant coach with the Austin Bruins of the NAHL from 2015 to 2017. His primary focus was on assisting with video and statistical analysis during gameplay.
He currently coaches with the Minnesota Mavericks AAA Hockey Club and Team UNRL AAA Hockey Club. Nick owns 3 Brothers Hockey with his two older brothers. Together, they run camps in the Rocky Mountain area in the summer. Nick has always been a players’ coach. He has a reputation for always helping his players navigate through the unique challenges presented in the game of hockey, both on and off the
ice. It is with this experience that Nick is excited to share this knowledge with his clients at Hawkeye Hockey Services.
Nick and his family live in Owatonna, MN.
Phil Axtell – Senior Consultant
Phil Axtell joins Hawkeye Hockey Services with 15 years of coaching experience. Phil’s been in the Midwest since moving from Maryland at 16 to play AAA, USHL, D1, and Pro. He played for the Marquette Electricians 18U AAA(2002-2004), was a 2-time USHL all-star and a Clark Cup Champion with Cedar Rapids(2004-2006), played NCAA D1 at NMU and MTU prior to playing AA pro for Quad City (2010). Axtell has a diverse background in the sport, and has experience working with players at the youth, junior and pro levels. Axtell’s coaching career began in 2011 for the Metro Maple Leafs organization, where he served as the travel hockey director and 16U AA coach. After a season with the NA3HL Quad City Jr Flames, he helped move the team to Madison, WI. During the season in Madison Axtell helped recruit and build the inaugural ACHA Midland Men’s hockey roster. Axtell then joined the Quad City Mallards of the ECHL as an assistant coach for 2.5 seasons starting in 2014 until he was named interim head coach of the Quad City Mallards in January of 2017, and was head coach for the 2017-18 season. While coaching in Quad City, Axtell was able to attend and work NHL development camps with the Minnesota Wild and the Vegas Golden Knights and their AHL training camps…Following his tenure with the Mallards, Axtell continued to develop young talent as an assistant coach in the USHL for 3 seasons with the Dubuque Fighting Saints ( 2018-2019) and the Waterloo Black Hawks (2019-2021). Axtell has worked with many players who have advanced to NAHL, USHL, NCAA, and even the NHL. Phil is excited to bring his wealth of experience to help our Clients reach their desired goals in all areas of life, on and off the ice.
- Head Coach: Oakmoor Patriots(18U AAA)
- Travel Hockey Director: Metro Maple Leafs (16U AA)
- Assistant coach/Assistant GM: Wisconsin Whalers(NA3HL)
- Assistant Coach: Midland University(ACHA)
- Assistant Coach: Quad City Mallards(ECHL)
- Head Coach(ECHL)
- Assistant Coach: Dubuque Fighting Saints(USHL)
- Assistant Coach: Waterloo Black Hawks(USHL)
Mike Bloome – Senior Consultant
Mike Bloome brings over 20 years of coaching and scouting experience to Hawkeye Hockey Services.
Bloome started scouting for the Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL) in 2018 and has served as the Director of Player Personnel since 2021. He has also taken on the General Manager role for the NA3HL Texas Brahmas team. As a scout, Bloome has helped identify and attract top talent to the Brahmas organization, which has helped them achieve top rankings in their league, including a Robertson Cup Championship win in 2024.
Bloome has also been a midget coach for the Chicago Jets U16 and U18 teams since 2016. During this time, Bloome led the 2004 birth year team to win state championships two back-to-back years. Prior to that, he coached the U16 and U18 teams for the Chicago Hawks.
For three years, Bloome also co-hosted a weekly Junior Hockey podcast, with the goal of providing players and their families with valuable information on advancing their hockey careers, as well as insight on what was happening across different leagues.
Over the years, Bloome has developed an extensive network that spans various leagues and levels. He also prides himself on having a keen eye for spotting talent and is passionate about helping players find and navigate their unique path forward.
Bloome has a reputation for always doing things the right way with the best interest of his players. Because of this, he’s able to build strong, trusting relationships with players and their families, and earn the respect of other hockey professionals as well. Mike’s goal as your advisor is to arm you with the information, provide you with opportunities, and help guide you through the ever changing world of hockey.
Mike currently resides in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife and newborn son, Tyler.
- Director of Player Personnel, Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL)
- General Manager, Lone Star Texas Brahmas (NA3HL)
- Regional Scout, Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL)
- U16 and U18 Midget Coach, Chicago Jets (CSDHL)
- U16 and U18 Midget Coach, Chicago Hawks (CSDHL)
- Varsity Coach, Naperville Central High School
- Podcast Co-Host, Junior Hockey Live!
Nick Bydal – Senior Consultant
The East Grand Forks, MN native returned to the MN Magicians of the NAHL from the University of St. Thomas, where he spent four seasons as the Assistant Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. During his time at UST, the Tommies won the MIAC regular-season championship in 2018 and the playoff championship in 2020. The team qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2020, before the season was halted due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Bydal previously served as the Assistant Coach of the Magicians from 2014 to 2017. Bydal became the first Head Coach and General Manager of the College Station Spirit (NA3HL), now the Texas Roadrunners, while continuing with the Magicians as Assistant General Manager.
Before his time with the Magicians, Bydal coached high school hockey at his alma mater, East Grand Forks High School, assisting with both the varsity and junior varsity squads, while also coaching the Squirt A team in East Grand Forks.
In 2013, he served as an assistant coach for the Crookston High School Varsity hockey team and as an evaluator at the Minnesota Reebok High-Performance Select 15 Festival.
Following a high school career in which he captained East Grand Forks High to two Minnesota State Tournament appearances (2001 & 2002), Bydal spent three seasons with the Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL) before continuing his career as a student-athlete at UW-Stevens Point (NCHA). After graduating from Stevens Point, he played two seasons professionally in the SPHL with the Fayetteville FireAntz, Louisiana Ice Gators, and Augusta RiverHawks. Nick’s coaching resume includes:
- Head Coach/GM | Minnesota Magicians | NAHL
- Assistant Head Coach | the University of St. Thomas | NCAA Div. 1 CCHA
- Assistant GM | Minnesota Magicians | NAHL
- Head Coach/GM | College Station Spirit | NA3HL
- Assistant Coach | Minnesota Magicians | NAHL
- Crookston High School
- East Grand Forks High School
- East Grand Forks Squirt A
Mike Letizia – Senior Consultant
Mike Letizia has spent the last ten seasons behind the bench as the Johnstown Tomahawk’s (NAHL) head coach before joining Hawkeye Hockey Services in May of 2024. Letizia, originally from Chicago, served as the team’s assistant coach during their first two seasons.
During his first season as head coach, six Tomahawks received commitments to NCAA Division 1 programs, with seven players also playing at the NCAA Division 3 level. In addition, the Tomahawks also had their first-ever player drafted to the NHL, goaltender Ryan Bednard to the Florida Panthers. In his second season as head coach, the Tomahawks set franchise highs for points, wins, and goals scored. The team also captured its first playoff series victory in team history. Another major highlight of Coach Letizia’s second season as head coach was a team record 17 NCAA commitments.
In 2016-2017, in Letizia’s third season as head coach, the team once again set franchise highs in wins (40), point total (84), and goals scored (204). Additionally, a league-high 7 players attended the NAHL’s Top Prospects Event with Letizia serving as Assistant Coach of the East Division team, and 5 Tomahawks players received NCAA Division 1 commitments during the season. In 2017-2018, 3 players received NCAA Division 1 commitments.
In 2018-2019, Letizia led the Tomahawks to the best season in franchise history. 8 players received NCAA Division 1 commitments. He was selected as the Head Coach for the East Division at the NAHL’s Top Prospects event. The Tomahawks captured their first East Division Regular Season title and also won the NAHL’s President’s Trophy as Regular Season champions with an overall record of 47-9-4 for 98 points. This set franchise highs for wins and points. After the Regular Season, Letizia was chosen as the East Division Coach of the Year and GM of the Year. The Tomahawks won the East Division Playoff Championship advancing to the Robertson Cup Championship for the first time in team history. Letizia was recognized as the 2018-2019 NAHL’s Coach of the Year.
In 2019-2020, the Tomahawks once again compiled a strong season finishing with a record of 34-13-2-2 in 51 games before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Away from the ice, Letizia participated as an ambassador in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign to help raise support and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. After his October campaign, he raised over $10,000 for the American Cancer Society. During this season, Letizia was named as Assistant Coach of the East Division for the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament. Additionally, several players received NCAA Division 1 and Division 3 commitments. Letizia recorded his 200th win as Head Coach in the final game of the shortened 2019-2020 season. After the shortened season, Letizia was named NAHL East Division Coach of the Year for the second straight season.
During the 2020-2021 season, Letizia once again led the Tomahawks to the East Division Regular season title compiling a record of 39-10-5 for 83 points and a .769 Win Percentage. Once again, several Tomahawk players made NCAA Division 1 and Division 3 commitments. After the Regular Season, Letizia was named the East Division Coach of the Year for the third straight season.
In the 2021-2022 season, the Tomahawks once again built a strong campaign under Letizia finishing with a 34-20-6 record finishing 8th overall in the NAHL. Another 7 Tomahawks made NCAA Division 1 commitments, including 2 that joined NCAA programs mid-season. Multiple other players committed to NCAA Division 3 schools.
As a junior player, Letizia spent four seasons in the OHL with the Plymouth Whalers after being selected in the fourth round of the 2002 OHL Draft. He served as one of the team captains for two seasons. The defenseman signed his first professional contract with the Rockford Icehogs of the former United Hockey League. During his time there, Letizia won a Colonial Cup Championship in 2007.
Letizia currently resides in Somerset, PA with his wife Alana, their daughter Myla, and son Niko.
Sam Rud – Senior Consultant
In joining HHS, Rud will bring knowledge of the game after spending a lifetime witnessing at high levels. Sam spent the last two seasons as a scout for the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), where he was internal in the evaluation of players for the draft and helped Sioux Falls build their roster throughout the year. He also helped the Wenatchee Wild (WHL) this past season with their 2009 American Priority Draft prep. Including Sam’s time in the trenches, he has witnessed hockey following his father, Eric Rud’s long coaching career, where Coach Rud has spent 5 years coaching in the USHL and 17 years on the NCAA Division 1 bench.
Lance West – Senior Consultant
Lance is looking forward to using his 21 years of NCAA coaching experience to help young athletes in their development and pursuit of their personal goals. Using his experience as a coach and recruiting coordinator, Lance’s goal is to guide players by sharing the knowledge he has gained from others during his time as a player and coach. Building relationships and sharing his experiences and knowledge to help student-athletes in their development as athletes, students, and people is what he enjoys most. The building of these relationships through honest and open communication gives the athletes the right information to help them understand and make the best decisions. He is excited to work with the Hawkeye staff because he believes in and shares many of the core values that Eric and Lincoln have used throughout their time building Hawkeye Hockey Services.
During his time as an NCAA coach, Lance has helped guide both programs to their First NCAA Division-1 NCAA Championship tournament appearance. He was also a staff member of The University of Alabama In Huntsville’s 1998 NCAA Division-II National Championship team. He as has the honor of coaching 4 NCAA All-Americans, 1 WCHA Player of the Year, 1 CCHA Rookie of the Year, and 2 WCHA Defensive Player of the Year.
As a player, he attended and played for the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Saskatchewan, and then spent 4 years in the BCJHL, winning the 1989 BCJHL Championship and the Abbott Cup as Western Canadian Champions while with the Vernon Lakers. After Junior, he played 4 years at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, participating in both NCAA Division I and NCAA Division II-
II.
- Head Coach, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, WCHA, NCAA Division I
- Assistant Coach, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, WCHA, CHA, NCAA Division-I
- Head Coach, University of Alaska Fairbanks, WCHA, NCAA Division I
- Assistant Coach University of Alaska Fairbanks, CCHA, WCHA, NCAA Division-I
- Volunteer Assistant Coach, the University of Alabama In Huntsville, NCAA-II
HOCKEY GROWTH AND MARKETING
Bubba Tschida – Hockey Growth Consultant / Junior Consultant
Bubba is a Cottage Grove, MN native and is a 1993 Park of Cottage Grove Graduate who still resides in Cottage Grove. Bubba was a 2-sport athlete at Park where he earned 3 letters in both soccer and hockey. Unfortunately, a handful of injuries put a stop to his competitive playing days, but he has never lost his passion or love for the game of hockey.
After High School he attended community college before taking a manager position for a local business and also knew he needed to get back to the rink, which he calls his “Happy Place” and in the summer of 1997, he started coaching a summer/fall tournament team of select girls from all over the twin cities metro area with a handful of them that that went on to play NCAA Division 1 Hockey. After coaching girls for 3 years, he then got back to coaching boys’ hockey at the Peewee and then Bantam levels until his boys started playing he coached his kids up until the end of 2021-2022 season when he decided to take a step back and watch his youngest play.
In December of 2022 Bubba realized he was missing his rink time, and hockey family and knew he still wanted to give back to the hockey community that did so much for him during his playing and coaching days and decided to reach out to friends in the hockey community about scouting and landed a position with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of NAHL and has been scouting local talent the past 2 seasons.
Bubba is excited to not only join Hawkeye Hockey Services but also share his love and passion for the game with staff and most importantly with future players and families that are looking for help and guidance on their path to the highest level and future success.