CANTON, MI - May 20, 2021 – The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) announced today that Matt Kakabeeke has been appointed the new Michigan Coach-in-Chief by USA Hockey. Kakabeeke brings over 30 years of experience as a coach and hockey administrator, including service as the Associate Coach-in-Chief and USA Hockey ADM Coordinator in the Michigan District.

Kakabeeke will schedule, organize, promote and administer all coaching clinics in Michigan conducted as part of the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program. This includes the preparation and distribution of all USA Hockey approved materials, processing registration fees, and updating records for all clinic attendees.

“I am excited and honored to be selected as Michigan Coach-in-Chief by the staff at USA Hockey, with the support of the Executive Committee of MAHA,” Kakabeeke stated.  “Undoubtedly, I have huge shoes to fill with the retirement of Jack Witt; however, he has formulated and developed a talented group of coach developers to provide education and development to the youth hockey coaches of Michigan.  I look forward to connecting with clubs, coaches, and parents in all corners of Michigan for the continued development of youth hockey players.”

Previously, Kakabeeke served on the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA) Board of Directors as a Vice President, until transitioning to Hockey Director in 2017.  In addition to many seasons spent coaching in KOHA, he also served as a coach of Team Michigan at the USA Hockey Select Festivals and General Manager/Assistant Coach for Team West Michigan for the Meijer State Games of Michigan. Also, in 2010, Kakabeeke was honored as Southwest Michigan High School Hockey League’s ‘Coach of the Year’ as Head Coach of the Kalamazoo United High School Hockey Club.

Kakabeeke is a USA Hockey Level 5 certified coach. He will conclude a 21-year career in federal law enforcement and assume the position of Executive Director for KOHA in August 2021.