Yuriy Melnyk Coaching Bio
Personal Background
Born in Kiev, Ukraine, in 1972, Yuri Melnyk began playing hockey at the age of seven. During his studies at the Kiev Olympic Reserve Sport School, he participated in numerous championships and summer training camps. After high school, he pursued a degree in Physical Education and Sport at the University of Ukraine, where he continued to play hockey and compete in college tournaments. In 1998, he started his coaching career at the Kiev Olympic Reserve Sport Center.
Coaching Philosophy
Coach Melnyk believes hockey is more than just a game; it's a life journey that builds confidence, discipline, courage, persistence, and respect. He aims to foster individual qualities in players to build a stronger team, establishing trust and respect within the team. His systematic training approach is designed to help players reach their full potential by combining talent, diligence, and dedication.
USA Hockey Level 4 Certification
CEP #: 357449
Coaching Experience
Recent Coaching Experience
2024-Present
- Hockey Director McKinney Ice Hockey Club
- Varsity Gold Coach
- 2024-2025 State Championship
- 2025 National Championship Appearance
2019-20
- Head Coach of State Champion 12U AA McKinney North Stars team
- Head Coach of McKinney North Stars 12U A DSTHL Playoff team
Additional Experience
2018-19
- Head Coach of 12U A McKinney North Stars (DSTHL Playoff Runner-Up)
- Head Coach of 10U AA McKinney North Stars (DSTHL Semi-Finalist)
2017-18
- Head Coach of 12U AA McKinney North Stars
- Head Coach of 10U AA McKinney North Stars (DSTHL Semi-Finalist)
Experience Continued...
2016-17
- Head Coach of 12U A McKinney North Stars
- Head Coach of 10U AA McKinney North Stars
- 2015-16: Peewee AA Head Coach, Texas Warriors
- 2014-15: Squirt A Head Coach, Midget Minor A Head Coach, AAYHA
- 2013-14: Peewee A Head Coach, Midget Minor A Head Coach, AAYHA
- 2012-13: Squirt A Assistant Coach, AAYHA
- 2000-12: Part-time coaching in the USA
Playing Experience
Playing Experience
- 1997-98: "Sokol" team, Kiev
- 1996-97: Ukraine Army team during military service
- 1994-96: Attended the School of High Sport Merit, Kiev
- 1989-94: Kiev State University
Awards
- 1991: 2nd Place, Annual Student Championship in hockey, Russia
- 1989: 3rd Place, National Hockey Championship of USSR among juniors
- 1986: 1st Place, International Hockey Championship in Finland
- 1984-89: Champion, National Hockey Championship of Ukraine
Education
- 1989-93: Degree in Hockey Coaching from Kiev State University of Physical and Sport, Ukraine
- 1991: Certification in medical and segment-reflexive massage
- 1990:Graduate of Kiev Special School of Junior Olympics candidates in hockey
- 1989:Graduate of Kiev High School, Ukraine