.png)
news
Former Washington Capitals Star Michal Pivonka Named New Team Maryland 15O Head Coach
May 19, 2025
ROCKILLE, MD – May 19, 2025 – Team Maryland is thrilled to announce Michal Pivonka as the new Head Coach of its 15U AAA hockey team. A former NHL star and seasoned coach, Pivonka brings unparalleled expertise and a proven track record to elevate the program’s young athletes. Red Brow will be working full time with the Youngstown Phantoms in the USHL next season. The entire Team Maryland is thankful for Red's work the past two years and is excited to watch him grow in his career. Pivonka, a Czech hockey legend, played his entire 13-season NHL career with the Washington Capitals, amassing 181 goals and 418 assists for 599 points in 825 games. At retirement, he held the franchise record for most assists, currently ranking fourth behind John Carlson, Nicklas Backstrom, and Alexander Ovechkin. Drafted in 1984, Pivonka left Czechoslovakia in 1986 to join the Capitals, where he became a cornerstone of the team’s offense, notably hitting a career-high 80 points in the 1991-92 season. As a coach with the Chicago Mission program, Pivonka has consistently had some of the top teams in the country over the past decade. In 2022 he led the Chicago Mission 15O team to a National Championship defeating Shattuck St Mary’s in the final. Pivonka has mentored numerous elite players, with over a dozen of his former players drafted into the NHL, including his son Jacob, selected by the New York Islanders in 2018. Additionally, over 25 players under his guidance have secured NCAA Division 1 commitments, reflecting his ability to develop talent for the highest levels of collegiate hockey. His coaching philosophy emphasizes player development, discipline, and a passion for the game, making him an ideal fit for Team Maryland’s mission to nurture future stars. “Michal’s experience as an NHL veteran and his success in player development make him a transformative addition to our program,” said Team Maryland’s Hockey Director Robbie Murden. “Pivo has been regarded as one of the top Midget coaches in the country the past 5 years. He and his family spent 13 years in the DMV, and it can’t be understated how fortunate our players are to have someone of his pedigree joining the Team Maryland family. Players will have the opportunity to learn from a Washington Capitals legend every day. We truly believe our coaching depth is as good as any program in the country from 11U-18U. It is inevitable that players matriculating through our program are positioned to drastically improve year over year. This is yet another commitment by Team Maryland to raise the bar for hockey in the DMV to new heights with player development at the forefront.” Michal and his wife Renata look forward to living much closer to their daughter - Nicole - and their twin granddaughters Misha and Maddie. "Id like to thank Team Maryland, Black Bear Sports Group and Mr. Gunty for giving me the opportunity to come back to Maryland. The DMV was home to us for many years. My wife Renata and I are happy to be back in the area and closer to our daughter and twin granddaughters. I am excited to work with Team Maryland's young players and help guide aspiring future junior, college, and pro players." - Michal Pivonka Team Maryland’s 15U AAA team will kick off its season under Pivonka’s leadership this fall. For more information, visit www.teammaryland.com (http://www.teammaryland.com/)
Team Maryland 2012 Peewee Team Headed to the Quebec International Peewee Tournament
October 15, 2024
Team Maryland 2012 Peewee Team will be headed to the Quebec International Peewee Hockey Tournament in February of 2025. The Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament is the most prestigious minor hockey tournament in the world. It takes place in the beautiful city of Quebec, at the Videotron Center and the Pavillon Guy-Lafleur (formerly Pavillon de la Jeunesse), and allows 120 teams from all over the world to enjoy an unforgettable experience each year.
