Coaches

COACH BEN OSTLER

Varsity Head Coach / Goalie Coach

Coach Ben Ostler is a proud product of the Oak Park hockey community. He began his playing career with the Huskies youth program and went on to be a four-year Varsity goaltender for OPRF from 2014 to 2017. During his senior year, he earned spots on the 2017 Illinois All-State Team, the Illinois West All-Star Team, and the Illinois Showcase Team. He was also honored with the 2017 Bolin-Cooper Scholarship.

Coach Ostler began coaching while still in high school, working with young players through the Park District of Oak Park. He continued his education at the University of Kansas, where he majored in Sports Management, and now works professionally with the Chicago Blackhawks.

After working alongside Select Goaltending during the 2022–2023 season, Coach Ostler officially took over goaltender training for OPRF. He leads specialized goalie clinics and provides in-game support from the bench. His deep connection to the program and passion for developing goaltenders make him an integral part of the OPRF coaching staff.

COACH NENAD RAKOVIC

Varsity Assistant Coach / Skating and Skills Coach

Coach Nenad Rakovic joined the OPRF Hockey coaching staff in 2024, bringing a deep and global hockey background to the program. A native of Serbia, Nenad represented the Serbian National Team in 14 IIHF World Championships and competed in three Olympic qualification tournaments. He captained both the U18 and U20 national teams and served as assistant captain for the Men’s National Team.

During his playing career, he competed for clubs including Red Star Belgrade, Maribor Lisjaki (Slovenia), Partizan Belgrade, and the Melbourne Mustangs, capturing two International Hockey League (IHL) titles. Following his playing career, Nenad held General Manager roles with Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade and coached at the Junior A level with the Kingsville Kings and Windsor Aces.

Coach Rakovic brings elite skating and skills instruction, international experience, and a strong commitment to player development. His passion for the game and leadership on and off the ice contribute to OPRF Hockey’s mission to build a competitive, character-driven program.