Coaches

In the competitive world of high school hockey, where grit meets grace on frozen sheets of ice, one program is building a legacy not just with wins but with purpose. At Lutheran South Hockey, Head Coach Tanner is leading a renaissance, building a powerhouse from the ground up through unyielding discipline, strategic brilliance, and an unapologetically Christian-centric approach that puts faith at the heart of every shift.

It all starts with Tanner, a proud Lutheran South leading goal scorer during his 2017 senior year as the visionary architect of this inaugural season's success. A seasoned tactician with a passion for the game that burns as bright as the arena lights, Tanner took the reins of the newly formed Lutheran South hockey club with a clear mission: to foster excellence on the ice while nurturing the souls of his young athletes. Drawing on years of coaching experience, he emphasizes fundamentals, crisp passing, relentless forechecking, and airtight defense, while weaving in life lessons rooted in Scripture. "Hockey isn't just about scoring goals," Tanner often tells his team during pre-game huddles. "It's about playing with integrity, supporting your brothers, and glorifying God in every battle." Under his guidance, the Lancers have transformed from underdogs to contenders, exemplified by their stunning upset victory over league powerhouse Chaminade in their debut campaign.

But Tanner doesn't do it alone. His Assistant coaches Brendan, Brandon and Braden, a proud Lutheran South hockey alumnus, bring a unique blend of insider knowledge and heartfelt dedication to the staff. Having laced up his skates for the school years ago, Brendon knows the halls, the traditions, and the community's spirit like the back of his hand. Now back in the fold, he's the bridge between past and present, mentoring freshmen with the same Christian values that shaped him. Brendon's role extends beyond drills, reminding players that true strength comes from humility and service.

Core Development Philosophy

Coaches at LUSO Hockey adopt a holistic, values-driven model that integrates athletic growth with personal and spiritual maturation. Key elements include:

• Skill Development — Focused, intentional training to build technical hockey abilities, game intelligence, and overall athleticism, ensuring players progress steadily and are prepared for higher levels of competition.
• Teamwork and Character — Emphasizing collaboration, mutual respect, accountability, and resilience. Players learn essential life lessons such as perseverance, humility, self-sacrifice, and composure under pressure, all viewed through a Christ-centered lens.
• Faith-Integrated Approach — The program operates under Christian principles, encouraging players to compete with integrity and confidence, reflecting positively on Lutheran South Academy's mission of fostering exceptional character.

This philosophy ensures development extends beyond the rink, preparing Pioneers for success in hockey, academics, and life.

Cultivating a Winning Spirit

While placing strong emphasis on process, growth, and positive values, LUSO Hockey coaches instill a relentless competitive mentality and winning spirit by:

• Preparing players to face challenges with courage and a steady resolve.
• Fostering confidence through skill mastery, team unity, and faith-based resilience, enabling them to compete fiercely and pursue excellence.
• Balancing enjoyment of the game with high standards of effort, discipline, and execution, so victories are celebrated as outcomes of consistent hard work and character rather than the sole measure of success.

This approach cultivates a culture where players develop an unwavering belief in their abilities, embrace adversity as opportunity for growth, and pursue wins with integrity—creating a program that is both competitively driven and spiritually uplifting.

Impact and Outcomes

Through this intentional coaching framework, LUSO Hockey players emerge as disciplined, confident, and resilient athletes who stand out for their work ethic, sportsmanship, and leadership. The program's focus on skill progression, teamwork, character, and a faith-rooted winning spirit not only enhances on-ice performance but also strengthens recruitment by attracting families seeking a supportive, values-aligned environment. Ultimately, LUSO Hockey coaches build a legacy of excellence that equips student-athletes to thrive today, tomorrow, and eternally—both as hockey players and as servant-leaders in their communities.

For more information, contact any of the Lutheran South Coaches above.