2011 BY Team

Joe Thomas - Head Coach, 2011BY Team

Head Coach Joe Thomas brings a wealth of local hockey experience to the 2011BY Team, having developed his skills in the Pittsburgh area from an early age. His formative years were spent with the Arctic Foxes organization, where he progressed through the ranks from mite to midget, demonstrating his growth and dedication to the game. Additionally, he showcased his abilities with the Bishop Canevin Crusaders, where he played from middle school all the way to the Varsity level.

Transitioning from player to coach, Joe began his coaching career within the PIHL, contributing to the Bishop Canevin Crusaders' program both as an assistant and head coach at the middle school level, and as an assistant coach at the varsity level. With a USA Hockey Level 4 certification, he has a proven track record over ten seasons of coaching in both the PIHL and PAHL. His experience includes five seasons as a head coach in the PAHL, particularly at the 14U and 16U levels where he has been instrumental in player development.

Most recently, Coach Thomas led the South Pittsburgh Rebellion's 2006 BY team for three consecutive seasons, a testament to his ability to build and maintain a competitive and cohesive team unit. As he steps into the role of Head Coach for the 2011BY Team, his extensive coaching background and intimate knowledge of the local hockey scene make him ideally suited to guide the team in their athletic and competitive endeavors.

DJ Zeh - Assistant Coach, 2011BY Team

Assistant Coach DJ Zeh comes to the 2011BY Team with a solid background as both a player and a coach, making him a valuable addition to the coaching staff. His playing career took him through a variety of competitive environments, starting with the Southpointe Rink Rats and advancing through the Pittsburgh Predators AA program. DJ further showcased his skills at the high school level with Bishop Canevin Varsity, before moving on to collegiate hockey with the University of Pittsburgh's ACHA Division 1 team.

Transitioning into coaching, DJ Zeh has accumulated nine seasons of coaching experience, spanning the PIHL and PAHL, where he has contributed to the development of middle school and varsity teams, as well as teams at the 14U and 16U levels. His recent coaching tenure includes serving as an assistant coach for the South Pittsburgh Rebellion's 06BY team for three consecutive seasons, where his expertise and approach to coaching have positively impacted young athletes.

Coach Zeh's comprehensive understanding of the game, derived from his experiences across various levels of play, equips him with the insights and strategies needed to guide and develop the 2011BY Team. His commitment to fostering a competitive and supportive environment will be instrumental in helping the team achieve their goals and reach their full potential.