2025-2026 BOARD

President: Mike Sharp 

Mike has been on the Ice Dogs Board for 8 years, serving as an At-large member, CCHL Director, Vice President, and President. He has been involved as a coach in the program since 2010 and coached every age group from LTP to 19U Girls. He looks forward to continuing to work with the Board, our membership, and our key partners on the ongoing rebuild of Ice Dogs programming and to positioning the Club for continued growth and success in the future.  

Vice President: Phil Erdie 

Phil's experience with the Northern Virginia Hockey Club began in 2018 when his son first participated in NOVA’s Learn-to-Play program. The following year, Phil became an active volunteer with NOVA's 8U program. For the past four seasons, Phil has served as the NOVA scheduler. In serving as the scheduler, Phil has developed an acute understanding of the many concurrent administrative tasks and operational activities required to support a youth hockey club. Phil’s leading priority will be working with NOVA’s coaches and the club’s primary volunteers to enhance core operational functions as well as augment the administrative framework to accommodate NOVA’s anticipated growth in the coming seasons.  

Treasurer: HB Swoope 

H.B., current NVHC Treasurer, has served on the BOD as Treasurer for the past 14 years. H.B. has had one son begin in cross ice and play through all levels and another son begin in cross ice and is now a second-year 16U. In his time as Treasurer, he has helped automate the club's payment system and migrated through two registration platforms and help the Club navigate through the COVID years. H.B. has enjoyed working with the BOD and NVHC families to ensure a fun, safe and affordable hockey program. 

Secretary: Will Heaton 

Will has been part of the Ice Dogs since his son and daughter, now 14U and 12U, started in LTP. He joined the board as an At-Large member in 2021 and has helped coach both his son’s and daughter’s teams in the 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U levels and helps organize and run practices for the spring hockey season. Will is eager to continue serving as Secretary for the NHVC board as the Ice Dogs return to Mt. Vernon rink and begin growing the Club to accommodate more hockey opportunities for current and future players. 

CCHL Director: Ben Marter 

Ben has coached Ice Dogs hockey since 2013 at the 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U levels. He joined the board in 2020 as 8U Director, and has directed the club’s CCHL program since 2023. He hopes to continue in this role as our club grows and moves back to Mount Vernon Rec Center. A lifelong goalie and goalie coach, he has a special appreciation for people who jump in front of pucks. 

CBHL Director: Liz Townsend  

Liz has been a part of the Ice Dogs since her son, now 16U, started in LTP and was a 10U and 14U team manager. This year she volunteered her time to spearhead the newsletter, support key communications efforts, the raffle, and Ice Dog Night and also served as the CBHL director as the Club prepared to return to Mt. Vernon. Her goal is to continue to support the Club and position us for great success in the future.  

Girls’ Hockey Director: Larry Blake 

Larry has been an Ice Dog since 2017, coaching his daughter and son at Girls 14UAA, 16UAA,19UAA as well as 12U, 14U and 18U CCHL teams. He has spent the past four years as the Girls program director and 19U Girls Head Coach and looks forward to continuing to grow and rebuild the Ice Dogs Girls program. 

8U Director: Jon Howard 

Jon has been an Ice Dog parent and coach since 2021, with two kids (8U and 12U) in the program. He’s coached hockey at both 8U and 10U levels and other youth sports. He enjoys working with kids, creating a positive environment in which they can learn, and building the love for hockey that he’s enjoyed for much of his life. Jon grew up playing hockey (including with his high school team in the Johnstown, PA arena rink where the movie “Slapshot” was filmed) and continues to play in local pick up leagues. He believes in the Ice Dogs’ philosophy and as part of the Board will work to continue the positive, fun environment and attract new families to the Club as the Ice Dogs return to their home at the Mt. Vernon rink.

Board Member At-Large: Courtney Cheney 

Courtney has been involved with the Ice Dogs organization since 2018, serving as a LTP, 8U, and 12U coach. As a Board Member-at-large since 2024, Courtney has assisted with fundraising, team assessments, and additional projects. In addition to hockey, he has coached more than a dozen seasons of youth sports in the Fort Hunt area, and prides himself on teaching the critical skills necessary to execute in competition, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship, and leadership.

Board Member At-Large: Chris Upham 

Chris has been an Ice Dog parent and coach for the last 6 years. He has two sons in the program and is excited to continue coaching with their teams at the 12U and 14U levels in addition to coaching in the spring program. Over this last year, Chris served on the Ice Dogs board in the At-Large position and took on the roles of coordinating parent's Safe Sport certification to align our club with USA Hockey's priorities of player safety as well as coordinating team photos. Chris loves serving on the Ice Dogs Board because he’s grateful for the opportunities the Ice Dogs have given his kids to grow and develop in their love of hockey. He would like to continue serving on the board to help the organization in this exciting time as we move back to Mount Vernon and build back stronger than ever before. 

KEY VOLUNTEERS

• Registrar: Kristi Carbone
• Scheduler: Phil Erdie
• Web and Social Media: Jen Myers and Sally Velez
• PVAHA Rep: Andy Mueller
• Merchandise Chair: Erica Rabe
• Fundraising Chair: Sarah Hazeltine
• Uniform Chair: Lauren McMahon
• Adviser Emeritus: David Paradise