Coaches
Hockey Director - John Wallin
Hockey Director John Wallin brings decades of coaching experience, player development expertise, and a passion for helping young athletes reach their full potential to Saints Hockey Club.
Throughout his coaching career, Coach Wallin has made an impact at every level of the game. His accomplishments include four state championships with Team Illinois, extensive high school championship experience, NCAA championship success with Kent State University, and leadership roles as a USA Hockey Evaluator and AHAI Player Development Evaluator.
In addition to his team coaching experience, Coach Wallin has dedicated much of his career to player development. He serves as National Director of NEST Elite Sniper Academy and has worked extensively with athletes through camps, clinics, and specialized training programs designed to help players maximize their skills and confidence on and off the ice.
Known as a respected teacher, mentor, and leader, Coach Wallin believes that long-term success is built through hard work, accountability, character, and strong relationships. His approach focuses not only on developing skilled hockey players but also on helping young athletes become confident leaders and quality individuals.
As Hockey Director and Head Coach of Saints Hockey Club, Coach Wallin is committed to building a culture centered on player development, competitive excellence, and creating a positive experience for every athlete who wears the Saints crest. He looks forward to helping guide the continued growth of the program while preparing players for success both on the ice and in life.
Associate Head Coach - Jeremy Lochow
Associate Head Coach Jeremy Lochow brings a unique combination of recent playing experience, player development knowledge, and deep local roots to Saints Hockey Club.
A native of Homer Glen, Coach Lochow grew up playing hockey in the southwest suburbs and spent his high school career with the Spartans, serving as team captain during his senior season. Following high school, he continued his playing career at Illinois State University before returning to junior hockey to further develop his game with the Midwest Blackbirds of the USPHL Premier.
Jeremy ultimately committed to Purdue University Northwest, where he competed for the Pride's ACHA Division II and Division I programs. During his collegiate career, he developed a strong understanding of the dedication, preparation, and leadership required to succeed at higher levels of the game. He graduated from Purdue Northwest in 2024.
Following his playing career, Coach Lochow transitioned behind the bench, where he has spent the past several seasons developing his coaching philosophy and working with young athletes. His recent playing experience allows him to connect with players and provide valuable insight into skill development, game preparation, and the habits necessary for long-term success.
As Associate Head Coach, Coach Lochow is passionate about helping players build confidence, develop strong practice and game habits, and reach their full potential both on and off the ice. He takes pride in giving back to the local hockey community that helped shape him and looks forward to helping Saints Hockey Club continue to grow and compete at a high level.
Coach Lochow is excited to bring his energy, leadership, and commitment to player development to the Saints bench and help create a positive and competitive environment for every student-athlete in the program.
Assistant Coach - Tom Baffi
Assistant Coach Tom Baffi brings more than three decades of coaching experience, a passion for player development, and a lifelong love of hockey to Saints Hockey Club.
A Chicago-area hockey coach since the early 1990s, Coach Baffi has dedicated countless hours to helping young athletes develop their skills, build confidence, and grow their passion for the game. His coaching journey began during the 1993-94 season at Oak Lawn Ice Arena, and over the years he has worked with players at every level of youth hockey, from Mites through high school, as well as Junior Varsity and Varsity programs.
Throughout his coaching career, Coach Baffi has served as Head Coach for numerous Jr. Fury teams across multiple age levels, including Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, and Bantam. He has also held coaching roles with the Cobras Varsity and Junior Varsity programs and most recently served behind the bench for Saints Hockey Club's Junior Varsity team. Known for his dedication to skill development and his popular power skating sessions, Coach Baffi has earned the respect of players, families, and fellow coaches throughout the local hockey community.
As both a coach and hockey parent, Tom has experienced the game from every perspective. His two sons grew up playing hockey, with his oldest continuing his career through the collegiate level. Those experiences have helped shape a coaching philosophy centered on hard work, accountability, encouragement, and creating a positive environment where athletes can thrive.
Coach Baffi believes hockey should challenge players, teach valuable life lessons, and inspire lifelong friendships, while always maintaining a genuine love for the game. He is committed to helping every player reach their potential both on and off the ice and looks forward to continuing that mission with Saints Hockey Club.