Coaching Staff

Varsity Head Coach

Coach Wayne is the Head Coach of the Warcats Varsity hockey team and The Ohio State University ACHA D3 team. He is a USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach who began his hockey journey in Western New York, playing through high school in Jamestown, NY. Following a decade-long career as a helicopter crew chief in the U.S. Army, Wayne transitioned into coaching, initially leading the High School Prep team to two successful seasons and notable tournament appearances.

Over the past few years with the Warcats Hockey Association, Wayne has served as both assistant and Head Coach for the JV program, guiding the JV team to victory at the Thanksgiving Tournament last season. Many of Wayne’s former players have advanced to competitive AA and AAA levels, reflecting his strong commitment to player development.

Coach Wayne believes in fostering an environment focused on accountability, growth, and fierce competition. He emphasizes continuous learning, teamwork, and character-building, creating a supportive atmosphere where each player can excel and thrive both on and off the ice. Wayne invites players interested in competitive hockey and personal growth to join the Warcats family and be part of a tradition dedicated to excellence.

Assistant Coach

Conner Brink is a Level 2 USA Hockey coach. He has been involved with the Warcats Hockey Association since 2024. His past experience includes coaching Warcats JV, Northeast Storm JV, and Blue Jackets Learn to Play.

Conner learned to skate at the age of six and played hockey in Columbus until he was 18, finishing his senior year with Northeast Storm in 2014. After that season finished, he had lower spinal surgery and didn’t touch the ice for eight years until running into old teammates and rediscovering his passion for hockey and discovering a new passion for coaching.

Conner is an electrician with Eagle Electrical. When not at the rink coaching or playing, Conner can be found playing games on his PC or watching hockey.

Assistant Coach

Coach Emma Brink Brownlee is a Level 3 USA Hockey-certified coach who has been actively involved with the Warcats Hockey Association since 2022. Emma brings valuable coaching experience from her previous roles with Warcats JV, NE Storm JV, Warcats Prep, Blue Jackets Learn to Play, and the Central Ohio Girls Hockey (COGH) Developmental Program.

Emma discovered her passion for hockey in college, impressively learning to skate at 19 and quickly progressing to play for the Ohio State University Women’s Club Hockey Team. Her unique journey highlights her dedication, work ethic, and belief that it’s never too late to start—and excel—in hockey. She continues to play competitively in the Chiller Adult Hockey League, showcasing her ongoing commitment to the sport.

As a defense coach, Emma focuses on developing players’ defensive skills, improving hockey IQ, and instilling accountability and confidence both on and off the ice. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes creating a fun yet competitive atmosphere, helping each player achieve their personal best.

Away from hockey, Emma works as an MRI technologist at OSU Wexner Medical Center. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Conner, and their beloved pets.

Coach Emma invites new and experienced players alike to join the Warcats family, where they will grow, compete, and thrive in a supportive, empowering environment.

Junior Varsity Head Coach

Assistant Coach

Coach Steven has years of experience across different levels and styles of hockey. Steven is passionate about player development, team strategy, and fostering a competitive yet positive atmosphere for athletes to grow. He also brings a wealth of playing experience to coaching, having developed through multiple levels of competitive hockey.

His hockey journey began with the EYHA Select Team, where he built a strong foundation in the game. He then progressed to 18U Columbus Capitals AA, competing at a high level of travel hockey and further refining his skills. In high school, he played for the Westerville Warcats organization, gaining valuable experience in leadership and team dynamics.



Following his ice hockey career, he continued playing at the collegiate level in inline hockey, expanding his knowledge of the game in a fast-paced, high-skill environment.

Assistant Coach

Coach Ciliberto is a dedicated and passionate leader both behind the bench and at home. He brings over 5 years of hockey experience to the Warcats organization, including 2 years spent coaching at the 14u Mavericks High School Prep travel team.

His coaching philosophy emphasizes a strong foundation in fundamental skills, a commitment to team-oriented play, and the development of each player's individual potential. He believes in fostering a positive and disciplined environment where hard work, respect, and sportsmanship are paramount.

Beyond the rink, Coach Ciliberto is a devoted family man. He and his wife Nicole are proud parents to 3 children, Austin, Alaina, and Alex. Both Alaina, 16, and Alex, 14 play hockey. He understands the importance of balance between athletic pursuits and family life and strives to instill those values in his players.

Professionally, Coach Ciliberto, is the commercial executive for a medal software company that focuses on the physics of MRI to assist radiologists and neurosurgeons to help visualize structures in the brain for diseases like dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson’s. This diverse background provides him with a unique perspective and valuable life skills that he brings to his coaching role, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, communication, and achieving common goals in all aspects of life.

Goalie Coach

Anthony has worked along side of former Toronto Maple Leafs & current Nashville Predators goalie coaches to help solidify his teaching methods. Now with 15+ years of coaching experience, Anthony runs SaveMaker Goalie Camps, does private lessons weekly, & works with various amateur and high school programs in the Columbus area.

Anthony grew up playing amateur hockey in the Detroit area, and played 2 years of Junior A hockey while still in high school. Once graduated, he moved to Canada to play juniors for the Strathroy Rockets. From there he was offered an opportunity to play NCAA hockey for Utica College in upstate New York. Anthony played at UC for 4 seasons while earning a degree in Public Relations. After college, he spent time playing in Slovakia and Norway before finishing his career while playing professionally in the States.