Columbus Chill Announces 2025 Head Coaches for Fall Season
The Columbus Chill Hockey Club is proud to unveil its full slate of 2025 Fall Head Coaches across all program levels: National, Competitive, and In Town. We’re excited to welcome back a strong lineup of returning leaders as well as introduce new faces who bring valuable experience to help elevate player development and team culture.
NATIONAL LEVEL
18U & 16U Chill - RJ Umberger
At the helm of our National level teams, we welcome back RJ Umberger as Head Coach for both the 18U and 16U Chill National teams. In 2024, Umberger led both teams to Mid-Am State Championships and USA Hockey Tier II National Tournament appearances, with the 16U squad earning its second consecutive trip to Nationals.
With over 30 years of experience in hockey, Umberger’s resume spans youth, collegiate, professional (NHL), and international competition. His past nine years of coaching at the AAA and AA levels have further sharpened his player development expertise. In addition to his role with the Chill, RJ is the current Head Coach of the CAHA 2013 Select Team and works closely with Lee Harris and his team at Lee Harris Skating Systems (LHSS), helping drive elite skill development in the Columbus hockey community.
COMPETITIVE LEVEL
18U Chill Jackets & 16U Chill 67's - Jeff Martin
Jeff Martin returns for his second season with the Chill, taking on the Head Coach roles for both the Chill Jackets 18U and Chill 67's 16U teams. In 2024, Jeff led the Chill 67's to runner-up finishes at the Mad Men Elite Series and the Veterans Cup. With 19 years of head and assistant coaching experience across 8U to 16U, JV, and college club hockey, Jeff creates a space for players to refine their skill sets, prepare for their high school seasons, and reconnect with their love for the game.
18U Chill Owls - Chris Moran
Chris Moran is back to lead the Columbus Chill 18U Owls for the 2025 season. A USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach, Chris brings a decade of coaching experience from 8U to 18U. His past coaching stops include CAHA House, Select, A, AA, and CAHA 67’s Pre/Post teams. Chris emphasizes player growth on and off the ice, aiming to instill both hockey and life skills in his players.
16U Chill Golden Seals - Dustin Carlson
Dustin Carlson joins the Chill for his first season as Head Coach of the 16U Chill Golden Seals. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Carlson has specialized in goaltender development since graduating high school in 2004. A former Ohio State Buckeye, Carlson served as a volunteer assistant with OSU from 2017-2023, and in 2024, worked as Assistant Coach and Goaltending Coach for the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL).
As a Buckeye, he appeared in 71 games from 2008–2011, finishing with a career .913 save percentage (T-7th in program history) and a 2.71 GAA (8th). His standout 2009 season included 21 wins and four shutouts, ranking among the program's best. Carlson also played five pro seasons in the ECHL, SPHL, and FHL.
IN TOWN LEVEL
16U Chill Bobcats - Adam McHugh
Adam McHugh returns to lead the 16U Chill Bobcats. With 12 years of coaching experience across 8U through high school, Adam currently serves as Assistant Director of Elite Development Program (EDP) in Columbus. His coaching resume includes stints at St. Charles (Assistant Varsity), Orange High School (Head JV/Assistant Varsity), Columbus Academy (Head Varsity), and as Head Coach/Director with Mitch Korn’s Defensive Camps.
16U Chill Buckeyes - Danny Greiner
Danny Greiner returns to the Chill, now as Head Coach of the 16U Chill Buckeyes. Danny currently leads the St. Charles Varsity team and was named the 2024 Columbus Dispatch Coach of the Year after guiding the Cardinals to a district title and state semifinal appearance. His 2023 EDP Spiders team won Ohio and MidAm titles, finishing as USA Hockey National Semi-Finalists. He has also coached at Dublin Coffman HS and played for Nichols College, where he later coached the women’s team.
16U Chill Checkers - Dave Gnas
Dave Gnas is back for his second season leading the 16U Chill Checkers. A coach with a deep background in player development, Dave currently serves as Varsity Head Coach at Dublin Coffman HS (since 2022). His past includes roles with CCYHA Girls 19U, Northeast Storm HS, and California Selects AAA. He has also coached a USA Hockey Women’s Senior Team to a silver medal at Nationals (1998–2000). As a player, Dave competed at Major Junior, Junior A, and AAA levels across Western Canada and the U.S.
16U Chill Union Soldiers - Adam Kieffer
Adam Kieffer returns for his second season as Head Coach of the 16U Chill Union Soldiers. His coaching history includes leading CAHA AA teams (6U–14U), CBJHL squads, and running high school captains skates and private training sessions. Adam played ACHA college hockey and is known for his calm, player-first approach to coaching.
We’re excited about the depth of experience and leadership this staff brings to the Columbus Chill. Assistant coaches will be named after team tryouts conclude.
🔗 Tryout registration is now open at www.columbuschillhc.com. 16U is currently waitlisted.