President
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Alan rhoadsAlan Rhoads is a proud Atlantic City native, Air Force veteran, and Ivy League graduate. In addition, Alan has been a state champion youth ice hockey coach and successful small business owner. His diverse achievements reflect his resilience, dedication, and ability to excel in the face of challenges.
A true "homegrown" leader, Alan's roots in the local ice rink community have profoundly shaped his life and career. Growing up as part of the Atlantic City Sharks’ early years, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of Mainland Ice Hockey, drafting the program's first roster while still a freshman at Mainland Regional High School. |
Alan pursued his academic passions at Stockton University and the University of Pennsylvania, earning degrees in Psychology and Education. Throughout college, he balanced his love for hockey with academics, playing for both schools. As a Co-Captain alongside Jim O’Donnell, Alan helped lead Stockton Ice Hockey to its first ACHA National Tournament in 2012.
After completing his education, Alan returned to Atlantic County with his wife, Taryn, to give back to the community that shaped him. In 2019, he launched Downbeach Hockey, a small business offering affordable, engaging summer camps designed to challenge youth hockey players both mentally and physically. Alan’s commitment to coaching yielded remarkable results, most notably guiding the Atlantic City Sharks 12UA team to a State Championship in 2021. He is also the former Head Coach of Stockton University's Men’s Ice Hockey team.
Alan’s personal journey reflects his deep belief in the transformative power of youth sports. He remains dedicated to ensuring that young athletes in the South Jersey area have the resources and facilities they deserve. His vision is that the SJIAC (South Jersey Ice and Athletic Center) becomes a cornerstone for fostering community development and athletic excellence.
After completing his education, Alan returned to Atlantic County with his wife, Taryn, to give back to the community that shaped him. In 2019, he launched Downbeach Hockey, a small business offering affordable, engaging summer camps designed to challenge youth hockey players both mentally and physically. Alan’s commitment to coaching yielded remarkable results, most notably guiding the Atlantic City Sharks 12UA team to a State Championship in 2021. He is also the former Head Coach of Stockton University's Men’s Ice Hockey team.
Alan’s personal journey reflects his deep belief in the transformative power of youth sports. He remains dedicated to ensuring that young athletes in the South Jersey area have the resources and facilities they deserve. His vision is that the SJIAC (South Jersey Ice and Athletic Center) becomes a cornerstone for fostering community development and athletic excellence.
Vice President
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jim o'donnellJim’s lifelong passion for ice hockey began nearly three decades ago at the Flyers Coliseum in Voorhees, NJ, where he sharpened his skills competing with top-tier programs like the Delaware Ducks and Vineland Patriots. A proud alumnus of Ocean City High School, Jim not only excelled on the ice, but also helped launch the school’s inaugural lacrosse team, showcasing his leadership and athletic versatility.
In 2009, Jim joined the Stockton University Ice Hockey Team, where his tenacity and leadership earned him the honor of serving as captain of the 2012 Nationals team. He graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, balancing a rigorous academic schedule with elite-level collegiate athletics. |
Following his graduation, Jim transitioned into the commercial construction industry, where he has since managed over $100 million in projects across South Jersey. As a Project Manager at Weatherby Construction in Atlantic City, he has led complex builds for institutions including Stockton University, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), the Camden County Improvement Authority (CCIA), and both the City of Atlantic City and City of Camden.
Jim brings to the SJIAC Board a rare combination of deep hockey roots and real-world construction expertise. His vision is instrumental in helping to design and deliver a state-of-the-art facility that reflects both the spirit of the South Jersey sports community and the future of regional athletic development.
He resides in Egg Harbor Township with his wife, Michelle.
Jim brings to the SJIAC Board a rare combination of deep hockey roots and real-world construction expertise. His vision is instrumental in helping to design and deliver a state-of-the-art facility that reflects both the spirit of the South Jersey sports community and the future of regional athletic development.
He resides in Egg Harbor Township with his wife, Michelle.
treasurer
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kevin heumanKevin is a seasoned financial professional and lifelong hockey enthusiast with deep roots in the South Jersey community. A proud graduate of Egg Harbor Township High School (2007) and Stockton University (2012), Kevin earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance, laying the foundation for a dynamic and upwardly mobile career in financial services.
Kevin began his journey in finance with an internship at Scottrade, where he earned his Series 7 and Series 63 securities licenses, becoming a licensed Investment Consultant. His talent and drive quickly propelled him into the Private Bank division of J.P. Morgan in 2016. Since then, Kevin has earned two promotions and currently serves as a Vice President, advising high-net-worth clients with integrity, precision, and vision. |
Kevin’s passion for hockey began on the streets of Egg Harbor Township, where he first picked up a stick in the local street hockey program. He went on to play for the AC Storm and the AC Sharks Youth Hockey Club, developing into a dedicated team leader. At Stockton University, he proudly wore the Alternate Captain “A” and helped guide the team to its first-ever Nationals appearance in 2012 — a historic milestone for the program.
Kevin now lives in Mays Landing with his wife and son. Through his role on the SJIAC Board, he brings a powerful blend of financial expertise, leadership experience, and lifelong dedication to the sport, helping to shape the vision and sustainability of a new ice and athletic center for generations to come.
Kevin now lives in Mays Landing with his wife and son. Through his role on the SJIAC Board, he brings a powerful blend of financial expertise, leadership experience, and lifelong dedication to the sport, helping to shape the vision and sustainability of a new ice and athletic center for generations to come.
EXECUTIVE Secretary
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Darren wanDarren Wan is a dynamic young leader, athlete, and coach whose lifelong connection to South Jersey sports continues to shape his commitment to community development and youth athletics. A 2016 graduate of Egg Harbor Township High School, Darren excelled in ice hockey, football, and track & field, earning widespread recognition for both his athletic talent and leadership.
As captain of the EHT Ice Hockey Team, he led the program to a championship title in the 2015–2016 season. He also began his hockey journey at age six at Young’s Skating Rink and the Atlantic City SkateZone, two rinks that helped launch a passion that would define much of his life. |
Darren attended Stockton University, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and an MBA (2022) while competing as a two-sport student-athlete. On the ice, he served as Alternate Captain for the Stockton University Ice Hockey Team and was named a Conference All-Star in 2021–2022. On the field, Darren achieved elite national status as a four-year NCAA competitor in throwing events and was ultimately recognized as an NCAA All-American in the hammer throw.
Today, Darren serves as a Track & Field Throwing Coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) during the academic year, while remaining closely connected to South Jersey in the offseason — where he supports his family’s beloved new business, Jersey Cow Ice Cream.
Within the SJIAC Association, Darren brings youthful vision, dual-sport collegiate experience, and a deep personal connection to the region’s ice rinks, helping shape a facility that will inspire the next generation of athletes and community members.
Today, Darren serves as a Track & Field Throwing Coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) during the academic year, while remaining closely connected to South Jersey in the offseason — where he supports his family’s beloved new business, Jersey Cow Ice Cream.
Within the SJIAC Association, Darren brings youthful vision, dual-sport collegiate experience, and a deep personal connection to the region’s ice rinks, helping shape a facility that will inspire the next generation of athletes and community members.
BOARD MEMBER
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Hugh TurnerFormer Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Borgata
Hugh Turner is a highly respected finance executive and veteran of the gaming industry, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience spanning both Atlantic City and regional markets across the United States. A recognized authority in gaming operations and strategic financial management, Hugh played an integral role in the launch of nine gaming properties nationwide, contributing to some of the industry's most successful development projects.
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From 2006 to 2022, Hugh served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City’s flagship resort. He originally joined the Borgata team during the pre-opening development phase and was instrumental in guiding the property's historic launch in July 2003, setting a new standard for integrated resort excellence in the region.
Throughout his distinguished career, Hugh has worked both on-property and at the corporate headquarters of major gaming enterprises, consistently leading high-stakes projects with fiscal discipline, vision, and integrity. His expertise in capital development, operational finance, and large-scale project execution positions him as a key contributor to the SJIAC's mission of building a sustainable, world-class athletic facility for the South Jersey region.
Hugh is a proud graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New Jersey and an active alumni contributor to the Ziegler College of Business' annual professional development programs.
In addition to his service on the SJIAC board, Hugh is a trustee of the Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation, where he continues to champion education and local development. He resides in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, with his family.
Throughout his distinguished career, Hugh has worked both on-property and at the corporate headquarters of major gaming enterprises, consistently leading high-stakes projects with fiscal discipline, vision, and integrity. His expertise in capital development, operational finance, and large-scale project execution positions him as a key contributor to the SJIAC's mission of building a sustainable, world-class athletic facility for the South Jersey region.
Hugh is a proud graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New Jersey and an active alumni contributor to the Ziegler College of Business' annual professional development programs.
In addition to his service on the SJIAC board, Hugh is a trustee of the Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation, where he continues to champion education and local development. He resides in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, with his family.
BOARD MEMBER
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Ken ClevelandNonProfit Expert &
Board Member, Atlantic City Sharks Youth Ice Hockey Mr. Cleveland is a seasoned executive with over two decades of distinguished experience in association leadership, financial management, and organizational strategy. Since 2004, he has served as the Executive Director of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP), where he has played a pivotal role in advancing clinical excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration across the dental and medical communities.
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In addition to his role at AAOP, Mr. Cleveland also leads AES as Executive Director and is a long-standing member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). He holds a degree in Financial Management from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, and is a proud member of Mensa, reflecting both his analytical acumen and commitment to lifelong learning.
A reservist in the United States Coast Guard, Mr. Cleveland brings a strong ethic of service and precision to every endeavor. Yet, his most passionate role might be his unofficial one: that of a dedicated hockey dad — fully immersed in the values of teamwork, discipline, and youth development.
At SJIAC, Mr. Cleveland contributes deep expertise in governance, nonprofit operations, and strategic planning, helping to lay the foundation for a lasting and inclusive community sports facility.
A reservist in the United States Coast Guard, Mr. Cleveland brings a strong ethic of service and precision to every endeavor. Yet, his most passionate role might be his unofficial one: that of a dedicated hockey dad — fully immersed in the values of teamwork, discipline, and youth development.
At SJIAC, Mr. Cleveland contributes deep expertise in governance, nonprofit operations, and strategic planning, helping to lay the foundation for a lasting and inclusive community sports facility.
BOARD MEMBER
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Jason ruffenachOwner, Cape May Kraken Hockey
Jason is the Co-Owner of the rapidly expanding Cape May Kraken, a premier youth hockey program committed to athletic excellence and community development. Born and raised in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, Jason brings a unique combination of military discipline, leadership, and entrepreneurial vision to the SJIAC team.
For the past 12 years, Jason has proudly served in the United States Coast Guard, where he has demonstrated unwavering dedication to national security and public service. As he continues to protect and serve his country, Jason is equally committed to strengthening his local community through youth sports and long-term facility development. |
Jason’s focus within the South Jersey Ice & Athletic Center is to leverage his real estate knowledge, leadership experience, and community-first mindset to help secure a permanent, sustainable home for ice sports in the region. His mission is clear: to help build a legacy facility that serves generations of athletes, families, and future leaders.
Board member
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Steve BergeronPresident, Egg Harbor Township Ice Hockey
A lifelong resident of Egg Harbor Township, Steve Bergeron has dedicated decades to growing the game of hockey in South Jersey. As the long-standing President of the Egg Harbor Township Ice Hockey Club, Steve has mentored hundreds of young athletes both on and off the ice. He previously served as Facilities Manager at the Atlantic City Skatezone, where he helped keep the rink running for local families and programs.
Steve is a proud father and a devoted widowed husband, committed to preserving and expanding access to ice sports for future generations. His leadership continues to be a cornerstone of the local hockey community. |