MEET THE TEAM

Serving as the President and Hockey Director of STAR Hockey Academy, Tanner brings with him a wealth of professional experience, leadership insight, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the game. Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, Tanner enjoyed an 11-year NHL playing career, where he twice helped his teams capture the President’s Trophy and played a vital role in the Vancouver Canucks’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011.

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Tanner’s path to the NHL was built on perseverance, leadership, and education. Before turning professional, he captained both the Penticton Panthers and Nanaimo Clippers of the BCHL, later serving as captain at Dartmouth College (NCAA)—where he balanced academic achievement with elite athletic performance. His progression from small-town Saskatchewan to the Ivy League and then to the NHL is a reflection of his core values: discipline, accountability, and resilience.

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In addition to his leadership at STAR, Tanner holds the position of 'Director of Player Development' for the New York Rangers, overseeing the growth and development of the organization’s top prospects. In this role, he evaluates, mentors, and supports young players on their journey toward professional hockey—bridging the gap between potential and performance.

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Tanner’s experience uniquely equips him to guide and mentor STAR student-athletes, helping them navigate the challenges of high-performance hockey while maintaining a strong focus on education, character, and long-term growth. He brings a professional-level mindset to the academy, ensuring that every player is coached not only in skill development, but also in habits, preparation, and the mental approach required to excel at the next level—on and off the ice.

Rob Sumner brings decades of elite hockey experience to STAR Hockey Academy, combining a deep understanding of player development, coaching strategy, and talent evaluation at the highest levels of the game. A North Vancouver, BC native, Rob played five seasons of junior hockey—one in the BCHL and four in the WHL—before moving on to a three-year professional career in the ECHL. His journey as both a player and coach has provided him with a rare, 360-degree perspective on the developmental process, from the early stages of junior hockey to the professional ranks.

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Rob’s coaching career began with the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, where he spent eight seasons as an Assistant Coach and another seven as Head Coach. Following his successful coaching tenure, Rob transitioned into a scouting role with the Calgary Flames where he has spent the past 14 seasons and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Scouting. In this role, he evaluates top talent across North America and Europe, contributing directly to player identification, draft strategy, and long-term organizational development. His insight into what separates good players from great ones—and how character, work ethic, and coachability impact advancement—contribute to STAR’s developmental framework.

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Rob’s experience makes him an invaluable mentor to both coaches and players. His background in professional scouting allows him to educate coaches on modern evaluation standards, game trends, and player profiling, while his coaching pedigree equips him to guide coaches and young athletes through their technical and mental growth. Rob’s culture centered approach ensures that STAR’s staff and student-athletes benefit from the development principles that fuel success at the highest levels of hockey.

Originally from Canwood, Saskatchewan, Tavis Hansen has built a career defined by leadership, and professionalism. He played junior hockey with the WHL’s Tacoma Rockets and was selected 58th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 1994 NHL Draft. Tavis made his NHL debut the following year at just 19 years old and went on to play parts of four seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes after the Jets franchise relocated to Arizona. His early success at the professional level reflected his work ethic, competitive drive, and ability to adapt quickly to the demands of elite hockey.

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Throughout his professional career, Tavis played over 500 games in the AHL, representing three NHL organizations and serving in captaincy roles for all three. His influence extended beyond the ice—setting standards for preparation, composure, and professionalism that helped shape the culture of every locker room he entered.

 

Tavis concluded his 12-year professional career with two successful seasons in Europe, where he once again served in a captaincy role and continued to lead by example.

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At STAR, Tavis brings an ability to connect with players through real-world experience, professionalism, and empathy makes him an invaluable part of STAR’s development model. He challenges student-athletes to take ownership of their growth, understand the habits and mindset of success, and represent themselves and their teams with integrity. Tavis’s presence at STAR extends beyond coaching—he helps shape a culture of respect, accountability, and competitive excellence that defines the academy’s mission.

A native of Hope, British Columbia, Jeff Hoggan’s hockey journey is defined by leadership, perseverance, and a deep commitment to team culture. He played junior hockey in the BCHL for Chilliwack and Powell River before earning a Division I scholarship to the University of Nebraska Omaha, where he became a cornerstone of the program.

 

Jeff was named an All-American in his senior season and was among the first Mavericks in school history to sign an NHL contract. He went on to play over 100 NHL games with the St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, and Phoenix Coyotes, establishing a reputation as a trusted, team-first professional.

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Over a remarkable 15-year professional career, Jeff served in AHL captaincy roles for five NHL organizations, leading through integrity, consistency, and a relentless work ethic. A two-time Calder Cup Champion, he was selected as captain for the 2016 AHL All-Star Game and earned the AHL Fred T. Hunt Memorial Trophy in 2015 for exemplifying sportsmanship, determination, and dedication to hockey. His impact as a player and leader has been recognized across the hockey community—his jersey was retired by the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2022, and he was inducted into the Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.

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At STAR Hockey Academy, Jeff brings an elite level of leadership experience, professionalism, and mentorship that directly shapes the academy’s culture. His career is a model of how accountability, humility, and preparation lead to sustained success.

 

Jeff’s leadership style emphasizes teaching through example—demanding excellence while supporting the personal growth of each player. His experience captaining teams at every professional level allows him to guide STAR athletes not only in skill development, but in how to carry themselves as teammates, students, and young men pursuing ambitious goals.​

A native of Nebraska, Tom Ogee brings more than 25 years of playing and coaching experience to STAR Hockey Academy, offering a rare blend of athletic versatility, developmental insight, and leadership. played USHL hockey with the Waterloo Black Hawks and Rochester Mustangs before going on to compete in NCAA baseball at the University of Nebraska Omaha, demonstrating the multi-sport athleticism and competitive drive that continue to influence his coaching philosophy today.

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Prior to joining STAR, Tom served as the Director of Coaching for the Vancouver Rangers Hockey Association, where he played a pivotal role in building one of the region’s most competitive youth development programs. He oversaw player development across multiple age groups, mentored coaches, and helped establish a culture centered on discipline, preparation, and long-term growth.

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At STAR Hockey Academy, Tom’s influence extends far beyond the bench. He plays an essential role in cultivating a consistent, high-performance environment that aligns with the academy’s core values. Tom’s coaching style emphasizes attention to detail, game awareness, and habits that translate to success both on and off the ice.

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Tom’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping STAR’s culture—one that values work ethic, education, and personal accountability as much as skill development. Through his mentorship, STAR athletes gain confidence, maturity, and a deeper appreciation for the process of becoming elite student-athletes.

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A native of Tacoma, Washington, Daniel Sosa is known for his ability to connect and develop players that compete with intensity and purpose. A former WHL Bantam Draft pick of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Daniel’s playing experience laid the foundation for his successful coaching career and deep understanding of what it takes to excel in high-performance hockey environments.

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Daniel has coached some of Washington’s best players and led several of the region’s top youth teams, including PNAHA league championships and National appearances at both the 16U and 18U AA levels. These accomplishments reflect his ability to build development-focused, cohesive teams that combine structure, creativity, and compete level.

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Daniel's enthusiasm for the game is infectious—he brings genuine energy and passion to every session, inspiring his teams to play with confidence and pride. This positivity not only drives effort and engagement but also fosters a team-first culture that mirrors the professional environment STAR Hockey Academy is built upon.

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In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Daniel serves as a U.S. Scout for the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, where he plays a key role in identifying, evaluating, and mentoring emerging hockey talent.