Coach Bernie John brings equally impressive coaching credentials as his playing resume.

He was the Head Coach of the ECHL's Indy Fuel for three seasons from 2016-2019, as well as an assistant with the team from 2013-2016.

Bernie was an assistant coach with the USHL's Indiana Ice during their 2014 Clark Cup Championship season under Jeff Brown.

Coach John grew up in Sudbury, Ontario where he played youth hockey and went on to play for his hometown Sudbury Wolves of the OHL.  After junior hockey, he racked up nearly 800 professional games in a variety of leagues and cities, winning a championship for the Indianapolis Ice in 2000 alongside 16U AAA coach Ken Boone and 10 U Coach Jan Jas. 

What do you love most about coaching?
Developing these kids into athletes and watching them grow to be great kids
 

What values/lessons do you hope to teach your players?
Be respectful. Be a great teammate. Work hard.
 

What was your best youth hockey memory?
The life long friendships and having a blast playing the best sport.
 

Who was your most influential coach?
As a kid it was Wayne Goudreau because of how hard he pushed me yet made it fun. As a pro, Ken McCrae made me understand the full game

What was the best advice that you received as a hockey player?
Respect the game and the game will reward you

What advice do you have for hockey parents?
Be a fan. Cheer your child and their team on. Enjoy it because it doesn’t last.  Leave the refs alone. Your kid’s years of playing hockey are too short to worry about officials and a bad call here or there. You should not let referees impact the experience. Let the kids play and have fun. Don’t be a distraction. Lastly, let the coach lead the team and just be a parent.