GERRY O’NEILL – HEAD COACH
Gerry O’Neill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He has worked with individuals with disabilities since 1982 and has been at his current position as Director of two local nonprofits since 2011:
-Resources for Independent Living Inc (www.ril-va.org), which assists individuals with physical and sensory disabilities to live independently and encourages community change to support options and opportunities. The agency promotes Retriever news to its staff and consumers and also on its Facebook page.
-Central Virginia Resource Center, one of the largest non-governmental Public Housing Authorities in the state and has an administrative contract with Virginia Housing to administer Housing Choice Vouchers within the Central Virginia area.
While living in Rhode Island, Gerry was exposed to hockey at a young age and played throughout his youth and high school years. He was an All-Star at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, Massachusetts and made it to the final cut at St. Louis University, a top 10 Division 1 program at the time.
Gerry coached youth hockey for 8 years, was a USA Hockey Certified Referee for 10 years, and still enjoys playing whenever he can. The Retrievers believe that his professional and hockey experience make him a great fit for our mission!
MATT RUSINAK – HEAD COACH
Matt Rusinak is a Richmond local, born in South Carolina and raised in Henrico. After moving to Fairfax, VA for college he returned to the area and continues to live and work locally.
Matt got interested in hockey later than most and started playing in college while at George Mason. While at Mason, he also volunteered with Special Olympics and The Ability Experience through his fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi.
After moving back to Richmond, he continues to play when he can through the local leagues. He’s excited to continue working with at needs kids and teaching them the fun that can come out of hockey.
ROY ASH – ASSISTANT COACH/EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Roy Ash grew up in Detroit Michigan as a big Detroit Red Wing fan. He started playing hockey at 11 years old and played high school, intramural hockey in college, and adult hockey ever since. All told he has over 40 years of hockey experience.
Roy has always enjoyed coaching, tutoring, and being around kids.
Roy has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and currently works at Honeywell as a Global Business Manager. When not working or playing hockey Roy enjoys skiing, mountain bike & motorcycle riding, hiking, kayaking, and golf.