2025 Board Nominees

Name: Branden Waters

Have you read the SIIH By-Laws? Yes

Do you currently have a child registered with the Ice Hawks? Yes

How long have you been with the organization? 6 years

Please list any positions you have held in the organization: On ice helper, assistant coach, head coach, LTP coach

Please give a brief outline of who you are and why you would like to become a Board member. What are your goals? What would you like to accomplish in your term on the board? 

As a dedicated member of the IceHawks over the past 6 seasons I've held every role from parent, on ice helper, assistant coach, and head coach. I've seen the club from many different perspectives and hope that my knowledge and experience can help the club continue to grow and excel both in numbers and within the community. With the youth sports world more chaotic than ever our club as well as every other club currently faces many different hurdles and decisions that need to be navigated with the players development and transparency between parents, coaches, and board members at the front of the priority list. Hockey has brought myself and my family so much joy and gratification through hard work and commitment that I want to do everything in my power to give back by continuing to grow the game and develop players to their full potential both on and off the ice.

Name:  Doug Engle

Have you read the SIIH By-Laws?  Yes 

Do you currently have a child registered with the Ice Hawks? Yes 

How long have you been with the organization? 1 year

Please list any positions you have held in the organization: Coach - 6U

Please give a brief outline of who you are and why you would like to become a Board member. What are your goals? What would you like to accomplish in your term on the board? 

I believe I can bring some additional hockey, player development, business and legal skills to the Board of Directors. I have experience playing, coaching, running hockey camps, running training facilities, running a business and providing legal/commercial advice. Of highest interest to me is to help the Board build a stronger player development program. My view is that the program has a lot of room to grow the experience level of its coaches. A targeted approach to player development will: 1. Attract more players; 2. Keep more players in the program long-term; 3. Ultimately result in higher revenue and a stronger financial position of the organization; and 4. Allow the organization to invest further in itself and the tools for player development.

Name: Katie Spengler

Have you read the SIIH By-Laws? Yes 

Do you currently have a child registered with the Ice Hawks? Yes 

How long have you been with the organization?  6 years 

Please list any positions you have held in the organization: Team Manager and Monster Mash Manager

Please give a brief outline of who you are and why you would like to become a Board member. What are your goals? What would you like to accomplish in your term on the board? 

I have been an Ice Hawks parent for six years, with my two sons, Gage (12U Minor) and Cole (6U Minor). Over the past six years, I have managed eight hockey teams and played a key role in organizing events such as the 2023 Monster Mash Jamboree. Additionally, I have attended multiple 6U and 8U scheduling meetings and have volunteered at tryouts, Glo Bingo, uniform fittings, and nearly every Ice Hawks event there is. Professionally, I serve as the Assistant Principal at Central Jr. High in Belleville, overseeing a school of approximately 300 students and 65 staff members. My role requires me to handle everything from student behavior and medical emergencies to special education meetings—all in a fast-paced environment. Organization and communication are at the core of my leadership style, qualities that I believe are essential for serving on the Ice Hawks board. Beyond my work in education, my husband and I own and operate Benchmark Plumbing, LLC, where I manage payroll, bookkeeping, tax reporting, and other clerical responsibilities. These experiences have strengthened my ability to multitask, stay detail-oriented, and contribute effectively to an organization. One of my primary goals as a board member would be to support and educate new families. I remember how overwhelming it felt when my family first joined, and I want to ensure that every new parent and player feels informed and welcomed. I am committed to identifying areas for improvement and working toward solutions that will make the Ice Hawks experience even better for all families. I am passionate about youth hockey and dedicated to ensuring the Ice Hawks program continues to thrive. I would be honored to bring my experience, leadership, and commitment to the board.

Name: Nathan Korte

Have you read the SIIH By-Laws? Yes 

Do you currently have a child registered with the Ice Hawks? Yes 

How long have you been with the organization?  4 years 

Please list any positions you have held in the organization: Coach, helper, what ever the club needed

Please give a brief outline of who you are and why you would like to become a Board member. What are your goals? What would you like to accomplish in your term on the board? 

My hockey history started when I was young. Fell in love with the game immediately. To me this game is not about win losses or any of that it's about the love of the game. My hockey history started shooting at nets My parents built out of pcv pipe that was immediately short lived. Graduated to roller hockey to starting high school hockey in mascoutah which was not supported by the school. I played for the hawks way back when have the jerseys to prove it Had full ride to Edwardsville to play college hockey but life dealt me different set of cards. Continued to play off and on till I introduced hockey to my son. Game over. Started to help with learn to play to his first year of 6u. Was taught by a wonderful group of men. Been with the organization coaching, ect since. My goal if elected is to bring the passion, love and knowledge of the game to every single player involved in the organization The greatest part of doing this is the smiles, passion that I see in these young men and women. I want to see this club grow beyond it ever could imagine. I dont like talking about my accomplishment ect, but I will do anything for this club. That will be my goal, to show every kid that laces up there skates about the love of the game. Thank you all in advance for the consideration

Name: Samantha Pryor

Have you read the SIIH By-Laws? Yes 

Do you currently have a child registered with the Ice Hawks? Yes 

How long have you been with the organization?  7 years 

Please list any positions you have held in the organization: Team Manager for 6 consecutive seasons, Fundraising Committee, Fundraising Event Volunteer (Glo Bingo, Monster Mash)

Please give a brief outline of who you are and why you would like to become a Board member. What are your goals? What would you like to accomplish in your term on the board? 

As of the 2024-25 season, we have been an Ice Hawks family for 7 years. My sons Gabe (Bantam Major) and Logan (Pee Wee Minor) have grown so much as hockey players and humans since becoming Ice Hawks. In our time with the organization, I have volunteered in several capacities, from Team Manager of six teams, to helping out at evaluations, fundraising events such as Glo Bingo (including Wheelbarrow of Booze Chair) and Monster Mash, and working with current Board Members on new fundraising opportunities. When not at an ice rink, I am an Accounts Payable Specialist and Procurement Specialist at a long-time Belleville business. I have learned a lot in the youth hockey realm over the years as both a parent and team staff, and if trusted with the opportunity to serve on the Board, I would bring my wealth of knowledge to continue to serve our membership and foster positive development in our group of young athletes. I feel I bring a unique perspective as a mom and I would be honored to be a voice for not only our many boys but also girls and women in the sport and organization. I plan to continue the mission of the Ice Hawks organization and help make the Ice Hawks name synonymous with Excellence, Inclusion, and Family.

Name: Michael Scannell

Have you read the SIIH By-Laws? Yes 

Do you currently have a child registered with the Ice Hawks? Yes 

How long have you been with the organization?  3 years 

Please list any positions you have held in the organization: Coach and assistant coach for a couple teams

Please give a brief outline of who you are and why you would like to become a Board member. What are your goals? What would you like to accomplish in your term on the board? 

I would like to be a board member to help keep the ice hawks growing as a Hockey Club. I want to focus on player safety and player growth during my term as a board member. I love hockey, the ice hawks organization and volunteering my time to make a difference.

Name: Sarah McGraw

Have you read the SIIH By-Laws? Yes 

Do you currently have a child registered with the Ice Hawks? Yes 

How long have you been with the organization?  4 years 

Please list any positions you have held in the organization: Board member

Please give a brief outline of who you are and why you would like to become a Board member. What are your goals? What would you like to accomplish in your term on the board? 

My work on the board isn't done! I am excited to submit my application to continue in my position on the board at the Ice Hawks. With a lifelong passion for hockey, extensive leadership experience, and a strong commitment to player development, I am eager to continue contributing my expertise to support and grow the club and the game at all levels including Tier 1, 2, and 3 opportunities. As a former college athlete, I understand firsthand the dedication and structure required to develop players from youth hockey to higher levels of competition. My experience as the Lady Hawk Director allowed me to actively increase female participation, develop skill programs, and create pathways for long-term success. Under my leadership, the program achieved a tournament championship, increased enrollment and demonstrated the effectiveness of fostering both individual skill development and a strong team culture. Beyond my role in program development, I have built strong relationships with college hockey programs (McKendree) and NHL organizations. These relationships helped to foster growth opportunities for players and will continue to strengthen as I continue serving the players and families as a board member. Additionally, my deep connections with all-female hockey organizations in MO Hockey, notably at the AA and AAA level, gave me valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities within the female and the youth hockey community and what to focus on to harness opportunities to turn challenges into success stories. Not to mention As a hockey parent with children, male and female, who have played at every level from 6U through AAA, both in coed and all-girls teams, I bring a well-rounded perspective for the needs of players and families. My focus on growing the game, enhancing development programs, and strengthening partnerships aligns with the mission of Ice Hawks. My experience, people-oriented personality and relationship-building ability will continue to strengthen the leadership and progress-oriented momentum of the board. I would welcome the opportunity to continue to build the organization and shape the future of our hockey community.

Name: Tricia Engfehr

Have you read the SIIH By-Laws? Yes 

Do you currently have a child registered with the Ice Hawks? Yes 

How long have you been with the organization?  8 years or more 

Please list any positions you have held in the organization: Manager

Please give a brief outline of who you are and why you would like to become a Board member. What are your goals? What would you like to accomplish in your term on the board? 

Hi – I’m Tricia Engfehr, a proud graduate of Belleville East and a lifelong resident of this area. My passion for hockey (LGB!) has been passed down to my children, Noah (15) and Ruth (11), who have had the incredible opportunity to play hockey, something I never had growing up. If elected to the board, I am committed to listening to and learning from parents and players to continue developing our players and ensuring hockey remains fun. I am particularly dedicated to promoting girls' hockey and growing the sport in southern IL. As a SIIH hockey family for seven years, I understand the importance of good team managers. My experience as a team manager will be invaluable in supporting this crucial role. Professionally, I am a leader in a large corporation, where I excel in leadership, strategic planning, communication, and building highly effective teams. I am eager to bring these skills to the board to make a positive impact. Thank you for considering my candidacy. Together, we can make a difference in our hockey community. Best regards, Tricia