Our Mission
At Bearcat Elite, our mission is to provide the highest quality hockey instruction in a fun and competitive environment. Our experienced coaches work with each player to develop their skills on the ice and build their confidence off the ice. We offer a wide range of services, including tournaments, camps, clinics, and player advisement. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your game to the next level, Bearcat Elite has something for everyone.
Our Coaches
Coach BEARCAT
Head Coach / Mr. Bearcat
James Ryerse is the proud owner of the Bearcat brand. James grew up on wheels in Atlanta, ultimately taking home the silver medal in the Olympics for roller hockey. Following his roller hockey career, he took to the ice, where he made quick work of juniors advancing from Tier 3 Jrs in the states, to Tier 2 Jr A in Canada with the Campbelton Tigers (MHL). Following the path of success, James signed pro and enjoyed 5 seasons moving around the minors, getting the chance to help the Danbury Whalers win a Commissioners Cup in 2013!
Since he retired in 2014, he has built the Bearcat brand around everything hockey, from tournament teams to player training, player advising, to a uniform and apparel company.
James is a level 4 Coach and Official, while officiating in the NCAA DI world, James spent the last 10 years coaching all levels from 10u AAA through Tier 2 (NCDC) juniors, including 3 years as a CJR Brick coach.
Coach NATHAN
Coach
Nathan Oystrick is a native of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Oystrick’s previous coaching experience includes the Elmira Jackals (ECHL), Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL), Colorado Academy and the Humboldt Broncos (Tier 2). He played NCAA DI hockey at Northern Michigan, where he captained the team his junior and senior seasons. His professional hockey playing career includes 11 years in the NHL, AHL, ECHL and KHL. His NHL experience came with the Atlanta Thrashers, Anaheim Ducks and St. Louis Blues.
Coach JASON
Coach
Jason McCrimmon is a staple in the Detroit hockey community, where he grew up and first started playing the sport. Jason’s playing journey began at the NCAA DIII level with Northland College. He then had stops across various American professional leagues before heading to Finland for two seasons. After his playing career, Jason got into coaching with Holland River Bandits. This eventually carved the path to becoming an owner of the now Motor City Gamblers. Jason is a proud winner of the Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award, given out by the NHL for his exemplary work in the Detroit community via his foundation, Detroit Ice Dreams.
Coach BRIAN
Coach
Brian Thompson comes to us with over 15 years of coaching experience, the last 5 of which comes at the Junior level with the Columbus Mavericks and most recently, as Head Coach and General Manager of the Buffalo Stampede in the USPHL. In addition to working with the Stampede, he is the owner and founder of Thompson Hockey Training, a skill development business that works with players of all ages and levels from beginners to professionals across Western New York. As a coach, Brian emphasizes skill and IQ development along with a passion for the game and enjoying the hard work it takes to play at a high level.
Coach MATTHEW
Coach
Matthew Needleman is a Native Vermonter who grew up playing for the Montreal Ice Storm and Vermont Glades. Matthew captained Bellows Free Academy and lead them to win a championship. Matthew was also voted on awarded Player of the year in the state of Vermont in 2016. Matthew later captained the New England Wolves Jr A, of the EHL then spent his college years playing NCAA DIII for SUNY Canton until Covid 19 hit and all the sports shut down, which is when Matthew decided to move to Tampa Florida and pursue his business career. Matthew now coaches the 18u Clearwater Ice Storm
Coach Zack
Coach
Zack Cantrell grew up playing AAA in Indiana, for the Indianapolis Checkers. He advanced into the Junior ranks with the Tampa Bolts program. Zack has been coaching for 8 years now, including coaching varsity high school for 5 years. He most recently led his 12u team to a state championship, and his 14u to the state finals. Zack currently coaches with the 14u Clearwater Ice Storm, and the 2013 AAA Florida Alliance tournament teams.
Coach Jason
Coach
Jason enters his eigth season of coaching, he has led his teams to one CT State Championship victory and was also a Regional Finalist that same season.
Head Coach 2011 Hartford Jr Wolfpack in the THF.
Level 4 USA Hockey Coach
Jason grew up playing goalie for the Merrimac Valley Cardinals in the Metro League (Currently thr Fed)
Varisty goalie for Everett High School (MA) leading the team the MIAA D1 States every year.
He then went on to Canterbury School (CT) in the Founders League.
Played juniors for Mass Mariners.
and finished his hockey career playing NCAA DIII for Suffolk University
Coach joey
Coach
Joey Rectenwald originally hails from Northeast Ohio, Joey has spent most of his life in and around ice rinks. He grew up playing youth hockey in Athens, OH followed by seasons with the Cleveland Americans and Gilmour, before playing four seasons of varsity high school hockey with the Kenston Bombers. Following graduation, Joey moved east to play junior hockey with the Elmira Jr. Jackals. He returned to Ohio where he spent his final junior season with the Columbus Jr. Blue Jackets of the Central States Hockey League. After semi-pro stints with Findlay Freedom of the NEHL and the Wooster Warriors of the MAHL, Joey accepted the Varsity Head Coach position with the Northeast Storm of the OSHL. Following his stint with the Storm, Joey spent 7 years as an assistant coach of the Hilliard Wildcats of the OSHL, and now is the proud owner of 2 junior hockey programs!