Coaches

Meet The Coaches

10U – Brian Marks

12U – Brett Wall

14U – Joe Pace

16U – Brett Wall

Ladies 16U – Tori Emoff

2025 CAMP LIST

Ladies Tournament Team: 

Tori Emoff | 16U

Tori Emoff, named the third head coach in Stevenson University women’s ice hockey history in 2019, has led the Mustangs to notable success, including two MAC Coach of the Year honors (2019-20, 2021-22), the program’s fourth MAC title in 2021-22, and multiple UCHC playoff runs. A 2016 Stevenson graduate and inaugural team member, she was a two-time captain, CHC champion, and school record holder for single-season plus/minus (+24). Under her guidance, Mustang players have earned numerous All-MAC, All-UCHC, and academic honors, including 95 UCHC All-Academic selections. Emoff’s coaching background includes roles at Trine University, Team Indiana, and USA Hockey national festival teams, bringing a strong blend of competitive success, player development, and academic commitment to the program. 


Tournament Team 

Brian Marks | 10U

Coach Brian Marks brings a wealth of experience from his decorated career as a professional defenseman, having competed at the junior, collegiate, and professional levels. He developed his game with the Brockville Braves in the CJHL from 2004 to 2008 before advancing to NCAA Division III hockey with UMass-Boston in the 2008-09 season. Marks went on to have a standout professional career in the FHL and SPHL, earning two Defenseman of the Year honors and captaining a championship-winning team. His leadership was on full display during the 2013-14 season with the Dayton Demonz, where he tallied 20 goals and 36 assists in 55 games. Having played alongside and against numerous NHL players and coaches, Marks brings a deep understanding of the game to his coaching. He emphasizes defensive structure, teamwork, and discipline, using his extensive experience and leadership to develop players’ skills and hockey IQ.


Brett Wall | 12U | 16U

Brett Wall is the Director of Player Advancement and Head Coach of the Midget U18 team for Chicago Fury, Head Scout for the Watertown Shamrocks NAHL. The Huber Heights, Ohio native brings 9 years of coaching experience at the Professional, NCAA, and Jr. A level. Wall spends his summers helping with the 15s at USA Hockey’s Development Camp. Prior to the Fury, he served as Head Coach of the Janesville Jets in the NAH,L where he worked with NCAA D-I committed players, players who advanced to the CHL, an NHL draft pick, and players who participated in the 2024-25 World Junior Championships. While at Lawrence University of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCAA DIII), he served as Head Coach for two seasons (2022-2024). At LU he helped advance multiple players to professional hockey. In his last season at Lawrence, the team doubled their wins from the season prior, beat a top 10 nationally ranked opponent, and secured the highest playoff seed Lawrence had in five years 


Joe Pace 14U

Coach Joe Pace, a Northbrook, IL native, brings an extensive hockey background with 21 years of playing experience and 15 years of coaching experience. After competing at the AAA level for eight years, he began his professional career in the UHL with the Rockford IceHogs during the 2003-04 season. Over the years, he played in the CHL, IHL, FHL, and SPHL, earning numerous accolades along the way. A highlight of his career was winning the RBC National Championship in 2005 with the Weyburn Red Wings of the SJHL. He also made four appearances in the FHL Finals (2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018), showcasing his consistency and leadership on the ice. As a coach, Pace continues to develop young talent, most recently leading Team Florida Selects 2013’s to victory at the CCM 200x85 tournament in Boston. 

Skatecation Teams: 

Brian Marks | 10U

Coach Brian Marks brings a wealth of experience from his decorated career as a professional defenseman, having competed at the junior, collegiate, and professional levels. He developed his game with the Brockville Braves in the CJHL from 2004 to 2008 before advancing to NCAA Division III hockey with UMass-Boston in the 2008-09 season. Marks went on to have a standout professional career in the FHL and SPHL, earning two Defenseman of the Year honors and captaining a championship-winning team. His leadership was on full display during the 2013-14 season with the Dayton Demonz, where he tallied 20 goals and 36 assists in 55 games. Having played alongside and against numerous NHL players and coaches, Marks brings a deep understanding of the game to his coaching. He emphasizes defensive structure, teamwork, and discipline, using his extensive experience and leadership to develop players’ skills and hockey IQ.


Tyler Merritt | 12U

Coach Merritt is entering his fourth season as a Skill Development Coordinator and his second season coaching with Tier One. He has been heavily involved in advancing player growth through Learn to Play programs, coaching youth travel teams, and coordinating skill development across entire organizations. A former AAA player and captain of his OBJ AAA U18 team, Merritt brings leadership, experience, and a strong hockey background to every practice. His commitment to teaching and player development makes him an invaluable resource for athletes looking to take their game to the next level. 


Joe Pace 14U

Coach Joe Pace, a Northbrook, IL native, brings an extensive hockey background with 21 years of playing experience and 15 years of coaching experience. After competing at the AAA level for eight years, he began his professional career in the UHL with the Rockford IceHogs during the 2003-04 season. Over the years, he played in the CHL, IHL, FHL, and SPHL, earning numerous accolades along the way. A highlight of his career was winning the RBC National Championship in 2005 with the Weyburn Red Wings of the SJHL. He also made four appearances in the FHL Finals (2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018), showcasing his consistency and leadership on the ice. As a coach, Pace continues to develop young talent, most recently leading Team Florida Selects 2013’s to victory at the CCM 200x85 tournament in Boston. 


Brett Wall | 12U | 16U

Brett Wall is the Director of Player Advancement and Head Coach of the Midget U18 team for Chicago Fury, Head Scout for the Watertown Shamrocks NAHL. The Huber Heights, Ohio native brings 9 years of coaching experience at the Professional, NCAA, and Jr. A level. Wall spends his summers helping with the 15s at USA Hockey’s Development Camp. Prior to the Fury, he served as Head Coach of the Janesville Jets in the NAH,L where he worked with NCAA D-I committed players, players who advanced to the CHL, an NHL draft pick, and players who participated in the 2024-25 World Junior Championships. While at Lawrence University of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCAA DIII), he served as Head Coach for two seasons (2022-2024). At LU he helped advance multiple players to professional hockey. In his last season at Lawrence, the team doubled their wins from the season prior, beat a top 10 nationally ranked opponent, and secured the highest playoff seed Lawrence had in five years