PHOENIX, Arizona — The Phoenix Inferno and Fire 'n' Ice Arena are proud to announce that Troy Mick has been named Head Coach of the Phoenix Inferno, the newest expansion team in the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL). Mick, who also serves as Hockey Academy Director and President of the Phoenix Inferno organization, will lead the team into its inaugural 2026-27 season at Fire 'n' Ice Arena.
A native of Vernon, British Columbia, Mick brings over three decades of experience as a player, coach, general manager, and hockey executive. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the seventh round (130th overall) of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft and went on to record 466 points in 267 games during a standout junior career in the Western Hockey League with the Portland Winterhawks and Regina Pats.
After three seasons of professional hockey in North America, Mick transitioned into coaching and hockey operations following multiple knee surgeries. Over the course of his career, he has held leadership positions across the WHL, BCHL, NCDC, KIJHL, RMJHL, CSSHL, and AAA Tier I youth hockey in both the United States and Canada.
“I am honored and excited to serve as Head Coach of the Phoenix Inferno. This is a tremendous opportunity to build something special in Phoenix. Our goal is to create a competitive, disciplined, and development-focused program that prepares young men for the next level of hockey while helping them grow as people.”
— Troy Mick, Head Coach, Phoenix Inferno NA3HLA Complete Development Pathway
The appointment of Mick as Head Coach creates a seamless connection between the SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy and the Phoenix Inferno NA3HL team. Academy players now have a clear pathway from elite development programming directly into Tier III junior hockey, with the long-term vision of adding a Tier II team in the near future.
Under Mick's leadership, the Phoenix Inferno will focus on player advancement, competitive excellence, and character development. The team will operate out of Fire 'n' Ice Arena's world-class facilities, which include two NHL-size ice rinks, elite training areas, and comprehensive athlete support services.
Most recently, Mick led a Wenatchee Wild AAA academy platform, where he oversaw player development, daily operations, and team growth. In Phoenix, his dual role ensures that the Academy and the Inferno share the same coaching philosophy, development standards, and commitment to moving players forward.
“Troy's appointment as Head Coach is the natural next step in building our hockey program. His experience across every level of junior and academy hockey, combined with his passion for developing young athletes, makes him the ideal leader for the Phoenix Inferno's inaugural season.”
— Shubham Pandey, CEO, Fire 'n' Ice ArenaCoaching Philosophy and Vision
Mick's coaching philosophy centers on accountability, discipline, skill development, and competitive preparation. Players in the Phoenix Inferno program will be held to the highest standards both on and off the ice, with an emphasis on professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
The Inferno coaching staff will work closely with the SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy to ensure that younger players are prepared for the demands of junior hockey, while current Inferno players receive the development and exposure needed to advance to Tier II, college hockey, and beyond.
🏆 Troy Mick — Career Highlights
- 1988 Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick (130th overall)
- 466 WHL points in 267 games (Portland, Regina)
- Three decades in coaching and hockey operations
- WHL, BCHL, NCDC, KIJHL, RMJHL, CSSHL experience
- Former Head Coach, GM, and Academy Director
- President, Phoenix Inferno NA3HL
- Hockey Academy Director, Fire 'n' Ice Arena
🔥 Phoenix Inferno 2026-27
- NA3HL expansion team approved by Board of Governors
- Inaugural season: 2026-27
- Home arena: Fire 'n' Ice Arena, Phoenix, AZ
- Main Camp: June 5-6, 2026
- Development pathway to Tier II and college hockey
- Connected to SSS Phoenix Hockey Academy
- Full-time training and game schedule
Main Camp and Next Steps
The Phoenix Inferno Main Camp is scheduled for June 5-6, 2026 at ASU Mountain America Community IcePlex. Players interested in trying out for the team are encouraged to register through the Fire 'n' Ice Arena website. Additional announcements regarding assistant coaches, player signings, and the full game schedule will be made in the coming weeks.
About the Phoenix Inferno
The Phoenix Inferno is the newest expansion team in the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL), approved by the league's Board of Governors for the 2026-27 season. Operating out of Fire 'n' Ice Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, the Inferno provides a competitive Tier III junior hockey experience with a clear pathway to advancement.
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. The Academy serves as the development foundation for the Phoenix Inferno pathway.
About Fire 'n' Ice Arena
Fire 'n' Ice Arena is a new 250,000 sq ft multi-sport destination in Phoenix featuring two NHL-size ice rinks, court sports, training, dining, wellness, entertainment, and a 2,500-seat show arena. Opening August 2026, it is designed to serve athletes, families, teams, and the wider community. For more information, visit www.firenicearena.com
Media Contact
📞 Press Contact
Troy Mick
Head Coach, Phoenix Inferno NA3HL
Hockey Academy Director
tmick@firenicearena.com
250-938-8962
🛈 General Information
info@sssacademies.org
info@firenicearena.com
(602) 314-2552
sssacademies.org | firenicearena.com