Fire ‘N’ Ice Sports Arena in Phoenix, opening this August, has announced the appointment of Troy Mick as the organization’s first hockey director, head coach and executive director.

Mick will oversee all hockey operations at the arena, including player development, coaching leadership, program growth, and the overall direction of the hockey department.

A native of Vernon, B.C., Mick brings decades of experience as both a player and coach to the Phoenix hockey community. As a player, Mick was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the seventh round (130th overall) of the 1988 NHL Draft and signed a four-year professional contract with the organization.

Prior to turning professional, Mick developed his game in the WHL where he played junior hockey with the Portland Winterhawks and Regina Pats, two of the league’s most historic franchises. During his WHL career, Mick appeared in 267 games, recording 466 points. Mick was recently recognized as one of the Winterhawks’ top 50 players in franchise history.

Following his junior career and NHL draft selection, Mick went on to play professional hockey in North America for three seasons. After undergoing eight knee surgeries, he transitioned from playing into coaching and hockey operations.

Mick began his coaching career with his hometown Vernon Lakers/Vernon Vipers organization in the BCHL and quickly established himself as a strong leader and developer of talent. He has been part of four national championships during his career.

Over the course of his coaching and management career, Mick has worked in multiple high-level leagues including:

• Western Hockey League (WHL)

• British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL)

• National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC)

• Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL)

• Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League (RMJHL)

• Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL)

• AAA Tier I youth hockey programs in the United States and Canada

Most recently, Mick served as hockey director of the Wenatchee Wild Hockey Academy, overseeing the organization’s AAA development program and serving as head coach of its 18U team. Under his leadership, the program expanded successfully integrated into the CSSHL, providing high-level competition and exposure for players throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Throughout his career, Mick has held roles as head coach, general manager and hockey director, building competitive teams while emphasizing long-term player development and advancement opportunities. Numerous players who have developed under his programs have advanced to junior, collegiate, and professional levels.

“With hockey continuing to grow in Arizona, Fire ‘N’ Ice Arena is committed to building a premier development environment,” said Mick. “I’m excited to help create programs that give young athletes a clear path to improve, compete, and pursue opportunities at the next level.”

Fire ‘N’ Ice Sports Arena will be Phoenix’s premier multi-sport facility featuring NHL ice rinks, basketball courts, volleyball courts, SSS Academy, dining, wellness, entertainment, concerts and a hotel on the property.

In his new role, Mick will lead the development of comprehensive hockey programming including learn to play youth development initiatives, competitive youth teams, High school/Academy teams, Junior teams, camps, clinics, and community outreach. His leadership will also guide coaching education and the implementation of a structured development model designed to maximize player potential.

Arena leadership believes Mick’s experience in building development programs makes him the ideal person to elevate hockey in the Valley.

“Troy brings tremendous management, coaching, knowledge, leadership, recruitment and passion for the game,” said Fire ‘N’ Ice Sports Arena CEO Shubham Pandey. “His background in developing elite players and building strong hockey cultures will be a major asset as we continue to grow the sport in the Phoenix area.”

Programs under Mick’s leadership will begin immediately, with announcements regarding upcoming teams, coaches, camps, and development initiatives expected in the coming months.

For more information, contact Troy Mick at (250) 938-8962 or by email at tmick@firenicearena.com.

Photo/Fire ‘N’ Ice Sports Arena/Facebook

— Fire & Ice Arena Staff

(April 7, 2026)