President
Alan rhoadsAs an Atlantic City native, Air Force veteran, and Ivy League graduate, as well as a state champion hockey coach and successful small business owner, Alan has clearly demonstrated that he has what it takes to succeed in the face of adversity.
As a true "homegrown kid," and product of the local ice rink community, Alan knows the positive impact youth sports can play in a young person’s life. Alan’s hockey experience dates back to the first years of the Atlantic City Sharks. He was a key contributor in the creation of Mainland Ice Hockey, drafting the original roster while a freshman at Mainland Regional High School. |
During his college career, while obtaining degrees in Psychology and Education, Alan maintained his passion for hockey, playing for both Stockton University and the University of Pennsylvania. As a future Co-Captain with Jim O’Donnell, he was an integral part of Stockton Ice Hockey's first ACHA National Tournament in 2012.
Returning to Atlantic County with his beautiful wife, Taryn, Alan devoted his time to coaching youth hockey. Starting in 2019, he began his first small business venture: Downbeach Hockey, in order to provide families with an affordable, physically engaging, and mentally challenging summer camp for youth hockey players. For 5 years, he coached an Atlantic City Sharks team, leading the 12UA team to a State Championship in 2021. He now stands as the Head Coach of Stockton University Men’s Ice Hockey. Alan knows from firsthand experience the positive effects hockey, and other sports, can have on a child. It is his dream that the SJIAC provides the facility, once and for all, that our community deserves.
Returning to Atlantic County with his beautiful wife, Taryn, Alan devoted his time to coaching youth hockey. Starting in 2019, he began his first small business venture: Downbeach Hockey, in order to provide families with an affordable, physically engaging, and mentally challenging summer camp for youth hockey players. For 5 years, he coached an Atlantic City Sharks team, leading the 12UA team to a State Championship in 2021. He now stands as the Head Coach of Stockton University Men’s Ice Hockey. Alan knows from firsthand experience the positive effects hockey, and other sports, can have on a child. It is his dream that the SJIAC provides the facility, once and for all, that our community deserves.
co-President
jim o'donnellJim began playing ice hockey nearly 30 years ago at the Flyers Coliseum in Voorhees NJ. He played youth and high school ice hockey for the Delaware Ducks and Vineland Patriots hockey clubs. While attending Ocean City High School, he was a member of the first lacrosse team in the school’s existence. In 2009 he joined the Stockton University Ice Hockey Team where he was a captain of the 2012 National’s team before graduating in 2013.
Jim graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting before transitioning into the commercial construction industry. Currently he is a Project Manager for Weatherby Construction based in Atlantic City, and resides in Egg Harbor Township with his wife Michelle. Jim has managed over $100M of commercial construction projects throughout South Jersey, including projects for: Stockton University, CRDA, CCIA, The City of Atlantic City and The City of Camden. He plans to couple his passion for ice hockey with his construction knowledge to assist in the design and development of the South Jersey Ice & Athletic Center. |
treasurer
kevin heumanKevin graduated from Egg Harbor Twp. High School in 2007 and from Stockton University in 2012 with a Business Finance Degree. He began his career as an Intern with Scottrade an Online Brokerage Firm in 2011. He then obtained his Securities licenses 7 and 63 and started his Financial Career as an Investment Consultant.
He took the next step on his journey and transitioned into JP Morgan's Private Bank division in 2016. He has since received two promotions, currently serving as a Vice President in his role within his division. He began his hockey career with EHT street hockey and moved along to AC Storm and eventually to the AC Sharks Youth Hockey Club. He had a short two year stretch with Stockton University where he wore an Alternate Captain letter as a Co-Leader of the first Team in Stockton's history to reach the Nationals Tournament in their division in 2012. He and his wife and son reside in Mays Landing. |
Secretary
Darren wanDarren Wan graduated from Egg Harbor Township High School in 2016 and graduated with an MBA from Stockton University in 2022 where he was a student-athlete that competed in both ice hockey and track and field during his time there.
Darren started playing hockey at the age of 6 at Young’s Skating Rink and the AC SkateZone. He also captained the EHT Ice Hockey team to a championship in 2015-2016. Aside from hockey, he played football and track and field at EHTHS. In college, Darren played ice hockey for Stockton University for four years, was Alternate Captain, and was selected as a Conference All-Star in the 2021-2022 season. He also competed on Stockton University's track team for four years and received NCAA All-American status in the hammer throw. He currently works as a track and field throwing coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute during the school season. While home, you can find Darren supporting his family's new ice cream business. Jersey Cow Ice Cream, anyone? |
Board member
vINCE rEALEVice President, Atlantic City Sharks Hockey Club
Vincent P. Reale is a native of Atlantic County and has been coaching youth hockey for the past 29 years. He is currently Vice President of the Atlantic City Sharks Youth Hockey Club and an active USA Hockey Level 5 Coach. He began his coaching career in 1994 as the co-founder of the Atlantic City Storm (predecessor to the Atlantic City Sharks). In 1997, he became the Varsity Head Coach and President of the Atlantic City Vikings High School Ice Hockey team. During his 8 years with the organization, the team won numerous tournament championships at the A and AA levels. Two of his former players continued the sport at the ECHL level, with over 20 players continuing to Junior level and college programs.
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Coach Reale knows the value and benefit of developing an accessible, multi-sport facility in the community. In his youth, he played football, baseball and ice hockey. He earned a 4-year letter in varsity football at Holy Spirit High School. He began playing ice hockey at the age of 4 in Brick, NJ. He continued to play throughout high school and went on to become a Forward with NCAA D III St. Mary’s University in Minnesota. As a result of his personal experiences, he is a dedicated coach who encourages team work, skill development, and continued learning.
Personally, Vincent has been employed as a proud member of IBEW Local 351 for the past 32 years. He resides in Atlantic County with his wife of 9 years, Lauren, and their rottweiler puppy, Diesel.
Personally, Vincent has been employed as a proud member of IBEW Local 351 for the past 32 years. He resides in Atlantic County with his wife of 9 years, Lauren, and their rottweiler puppy, Diesel.
board member
amy vanrellVice President, Atlantic City Figure Skating Club
Born and raised in Somers Point, Amy has strong roots in our community. Amy started her insurance career in 2002 by earning her State of NJ property, casualty, life and health licenses. Her current roll is managing the daily operations for local Allstate agent Marc Ludwig and directly supervising the customer service team.
Amy's family reside in EHT and when they are not at the ice rink participating in Learn to Skate or Figure Skating, they take full advantage of South Jersey's beautiful beaches and boardwalks. |
BOARD MEMBER
Ken ClevelandNonProfit Expert & Team Manager of Atlantic City Sharks
Mr. Cleveland has served as the Executive Director of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain since November 2004 and has worked in the Association Management field since 1999. Mr. Cleveland also serves as the Executive Director of AES, is a member of: the American Society of Association Executives, Mensa and a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Mendoza School of Business with a major concentration in Financial Management. Mr. Cleveland also serves as a reservist in the United States Coast Guard. His other full time job is being a hockey dad.
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BOARD MEMBER
Hugh TurnerFormer Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Borgata
Hugh Turner is a veteran gaming industry executive and finance leader with over 30 years of experience in both Atlantic City and regional gaming markets throughout the U.S. He most recently served as SVP/Chief Financial Officer for the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa from 2006 through April 2022. Hugh joined the Borgata during the development phase and was a significant contributor to the successful opening of the property in July of 2003.
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He has worked at both integrated resort properties as well as corporate headquarters for major gaming companies where he played a role in the launch of nine new gaming businesses across the U.S. Hugh is a graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Accounting. He is an alumni contributor to the annual Ziegler College of Business professional development program at Bloomsburg University and became a Certified Public Accounting in the State of New Jersey. Hugh serves as a trustee for the Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation. He and his family reside in Egg Harbor Township, NJ.
BOARD MEMBER
Jason ruffenachCo-Owner, Cape May Kraken Hockey
Jason, Co-Owner of the rapidly growing Cape May Kraken hockey program, was born and raised in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. He has spent the last 12 years serving his country in the United States Coast Guard. As he continues to protect his country Jason wants to assist the local community in achieving the mission of the South Jersey Ice & Athletic Center. His goal is to bring his service and expertise into the real estate aspect of the SJIAC.
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BOARD MEMBER
CRAIG ALLEVADirector, Old Man Hockey League
In West Philadelphia, born and raised, Craig played his youth hockey at the Havertown Stadium Ice Rink & college hockey while attending West Chester University. Craig has been involved with organized ice & street hockey his entire life. Over the years, he has been an integral part in building & maintaining the Egg Harbor Township deck hockey courts. While sitting on EHT Hockey Board, he was a coach for the recreational and travel teams for his entire 15 years while serving.
His involvement with the "Old Man Hockey League" (OMHL) started in 1990, beginning at the Ventnor Ice Rink, continuing at Boardwalk Hall, and extending to the Skatezone upon its opening in late 1999. Skating and maintaining a tradition has been the goal over the years and is now a mantle Craig proudly carries. The OMHL has always supported South Jersey Hockey, both youth and adult, through volunteer time and signification monetary contributions. |
Craig's family is anchored to the South Jersey area with himself owning & operating a local business for the last 12 years. Craig's wife Kathy is a Media Specialist in the Egg Harbor School District. His four sons, Alec, Cole, Brett and Kyle, all work and participate in various hockey programs as well.
Craig's coaching philosophy can be summarized in a single sentence: “Life lessons that are learned on the rinks or fields will always carry you through life.“
Craig's coaching philosophy can be summarized in a single sentence: “Life lessons that are learned on the rinks or fields will always carry you through life.“