PHOENIX, Arizona (May 10, 2026) — SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy is proud to announce the hiring of Richard Matvichuk as Assistant Hockey Director and Head Coach of the 18U program.
"Richard Matvichuk brings a wealth of hockey knowledge to our organization. His experience as an NHL player, combined with his leadership as a General Manager and Head Coach at the professional level, makes him an outstanding addition. More importantly, Richard brings an unmatched passion for player development at all levels of hockey."
— Troy Mick, Hockey DirectorA Distinguished NHL Career
Matvichuk, 53, joins the Academy after spending the past three seasons as Head Coach and Senior Advisor to Hockey Operations at Okanagan Hockey Colorado. Prior to that, he oversaw all hockey operations for the Burnaby Winter Club and its Academy program.
A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Matvichuk enjoyed a distinguished 14-year NHL career with the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils. Over 796 regular season games, he recorded 178 points (39 goals, 139 assists), along with 24 points in 123 playoff appearances.
Matvichuk was a member of the 1999 Stanley Cup Champion Dallas Stars and represented Canada internationally at both the 1992 World Junior Championship and the 2002 IIHF World Championship.
Originally selected 8th overall in the 1991 NHL Draft by the Minnesota North Stars, Matvichuk developed his game in the WHL with the Saskatoon Blades, where he was named the league's Top Defenseman in 1992.
"Richard, along with his wife Tracy and their sons Dalton, Dillon, and Cole, are excited to relocate to Arizona and join the SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy community."
— SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy🏆 Career Highlights
- 1999 Stanley Cup Champion (Dallas Stars)
- 8th overall pick — 1991 NHL Draft
- 796 NHL regular season games
- 178 points (39G, 139A) & 123 playoff games
- 1992 World Junior Championship (Canada)
- 2002 IIHF World Championship (Canada)
- WHL Top Defenseman 1992 (Saskatoon Blades)
- Head Coach & Sr. Advisor — Okanagan Hockey Colorado
- Hockey Operations Director — Burnaby Winter Club
🎯 Role at SSS Phoenix
- 18U Head Coach
- Assistant Hockey Director
- Player development at all levels
- Leadership and mentorship
- Professional-level coaching expertise
- GM and Head Coach experience
Announcement Video
About the Academy and Facility
About SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy
SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy brings together education, elite training, and athlete development in Phoenix, offering a year-round model for student-athletes who want to grow on the ice, in the classroom, and as people.
About Fire 'n' Ice Arena
Located in North Phoenix, the new Fire 'n' Ice Arena facility will be a premier 250,000 square foot multi-sport destination featuring two NHL-size ice rinks, five multi-sport courts, elite training facilities, dining, wellness, entertainment, and the home of SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy and the Phoenix Inferno. Opening August 2026, the facility is set to become one of Arizona's top destinations for youth sports and family entertainment.
For more information, visit www.firenicearena.com | www.sssacademies.org
Media Contact
📞 Press Contact
Troy Mick
Hockey Director
SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy
tmick@firenicearena.com
🛈 General Information
info@sssacademies.org
info@firenicearena.com
(602) 314-2552
sssacademies.org | firenicearena.com