Club Staff

We provide a dedicated and experienced staff to ensure our players achieve their maximum potential. From on-ice staff to the front office, our goal is to provide the highest quality of service to our families so that they have an enjoyable experience in our club.

Steve Kauffman is the Owner and Director of the New England Sharks and brings more than 20 years of coaching, leadership, and hockey operations experience to the organization. His passion for player development and program management has made him a respected leader in the New England hockey community, with extensive experience working with athletes at every level from 8U through 18U.

Following his playing career at Western New England College and Johnson & Wales University, Steve transitioned directly into coaching, where he quickly established himself as a dedicated instructor and program builder. Over the past two decades, he has coached across multiple age levels and competitive environments, focusing on developing players’ skills, confidence, and overall understanding of the game.

In addition to his role with the New England Sharks, Steve serves as the Director of Hockey Operations for the Premier Hockey League of New England, where he oversees league operations and supports organizational growth and development. He also serves as the lead administrator for the Eastern Junior Elite Prospects League (EJEPL), working closely with organizations and league leadership to provide high-level competitive opportunities for players throughout the region.

Steve is also the owner of several successful hockey development organizations, including Little Rhody Hockey Club, Junior Blues Hockey Club, and Peak Performance Prep. Through these programs, he has helped create meaningful development pathways for players while emphasizing skill progression, character, and long-term success in the sport.

Steve currently resides in Cranston, Rhode Island with his very supportive wife and their two dogs. When he is not at the rink, he enjoys spending time at home and traveling. His passion for hockey and commitment to player development continue to drive the growth and success of the New England Sharks and the athletes within the program.

DJ Pinkham brings over two decades of coaching, instructional, and playing experience to the New England Sharks organization. Known for his strong leadership and specialized goaltending expertise, DJ has built a reputation throughout New England for developing well-rounded players and helping athletes reach higher levels of competition.

In addition to his role with the New England Sharks, DJ has served as a Head Coach with the Boston Imperials Hockey Club since 2019, leading multiple teams and contributing to the advancement of numerous players. He has also been a longtime Head Coach in the New England Future Stars Development League (2011–2025), where he played an instrumental role in developing youth players and preparing them for elite hockey environments.

DJ’s experience at the high school level includes serving as Boys Varsity Head Coach at The Cambridge Matignon School from 2021 to 2023, as well as Goaltender Coach for the Lynn Jets High School Hockey Program from 2012 to 2021. His work has helped goaltenders and players refine their technical skills, improve their hockey IQ, and compete at higher levels.

At the youth level, DJ served as Head Coach for the Winthrop Vikings Middle School Hockey Program, leading the 8th Grade team from 2017 to 2022 and the 6th Grade team from 2015 to 2017. He also coached with the Boston Stars / MaxPro Jets Hockey Club from 2016 to 2018, where he served as both a Head Coach and 10 Steps Skills Program Instructor.

His coaching experience extends to the collegiate level, where he served as Assistant Coach and Goaltender Coach for the Salem State University Women’s Club Ice Hockey Program from 2010 to 2013. DJ began his coaching career with Puckstoppers Goaltending School, working as a Camp Instructor from 2003 to 2010, developing goaltenders across all age levels.

Playing Career

DJ played collegiate hockey at Assumption University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Management with a minor in Economics. As a goaltender on the Men’s Varsity Ice Hockey Team from 2005 to 2009, he earned Northeast-10 Goaltender of the Week honors in 2007.

Prior to Assumption, DJ attended Arlington Catholic High School, where he was a standout varsity goaltender. He helped lead his team to the MIAA Division 1A Super 8 Finals in 2005 and earned Boston Herald All-Scholastic and Hockey Night in Boston All-Star honors. He was also part of back-to-back Catholic Central League Championship teams in 2003–2004 and 2004–2005. In addition to hockey, DJ competed as a varsity athlete in both lacrosse and tennis.

DJ’s extensive coaching experience, goaltending expertise, and passion for player development make him a valuable leader within the New England Sharks organization. He is committed to helping players develop their skills, confidence, and character while preparing them for success at the next level.

Rich Heap brings over 20 years of coaching experience and a lifelong background in competitive hockey to his role with the New England Sharks. Known for his commitment to player development, leadership, and building strong team cultures, Rich has worked with athletes at the youth, prep school, and elite club levels throughout New England.

In addition to his role with the New England Sharks, Rich has served as a Head Coach with the Boston Imperials Hockey Club since 2022, leading multiple teams and helping players advance within highly competitive environments. He has also been a Head Coach with East Coast Militia since 2019, working with various teams and contributing to the development of players pursuing higher levels of hockey.

At the prep school level, Rich has served as the Head Varsity Coach at Shady Hill School in Cambridge, Massachusetts since 2022, where he has focused on developing student-athletes both on and off the ice. Earlier in his coaching career, he was the Head Coach of the Rivers School JV program from 2007 to 2011, helping prepare players for varsity and junior-level competition.

Rich has extensive experience in elite youth hockey, including serving as Head Coach for the Assabet Patriots U14 team from 2011 to 2013 and as Assistant Coach for the Boston Junior Terriers U14 team from 2014 to 2015. He also played a key role in player development with the Boston Stars organization from 2012 to 2020, serving as a Head Coach and Assistant Skills Instructor in the 10 Steps Skills Program and Red Battalion program.

One of Rich’s most impactful and longest-tenured roles was with Dorchester Youth Hockey, where he served as Head Coach from 2003 to 2024. During that time, he coached Squirt A and Pee Wee A teams and helped develop countless players during their foundational years, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and hockey IQ.

Playing Career

Rich’s coaching philosophy is rooted in his own accomplished playing career. He attended New Hampton School, where he was a varsity hockey and varsity baseball player. During his prep school career, he competed in the New England Prep School Tournament and earned Hockey Night in Boston All-Scholastic honors.

Rich continued his playing career at Norwich University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. As a member of the varsity hockey team, he helped his team reach the ECAC Division II Finals. He also competed as a varsity baseball player during his time at Norwich.

Rich’s extensive coaching background, playing experience, and passion for developing athletes make him a valuable leader within the New England Sharks organization. He is dedicated to helping players reach their full potential while fostering a positive, competitive environment that prepares them for success at the next level.