Coaches

COACH MIKE MURPHY

Hockey Director / Varsity Head Coach

Coach Mike Murphy joined OPRF Hockey in 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience coaching at every level of the game. He also spent eight years officiating and played two years of NCAA Division III hockey in the NCHA. Prior to joining OPRF, he served as the Head Coach for the Junior Varsity team at BG/H/W (Buffalo Grove/Hersey/Wheeling).

Coach Murphy holds a degree in Communications from Benedictine University and completed post-graduate coursework at the Adler School of Psychology. He was inspired early in his coaching journey by his college coach and Illinois Hockey Hall of Famer, Michael “Rhodie” Rohdenburg, whose influence shaped his team-focused and character-driven approach.

As a “culture coach,” Coach Murphy emphasizes relationship-based coaching, team unity, and individual growth—both on and off the ice. His mission is to develop confident, energized players and foster a shared sense of enthusiasm throughout the entire program. His coaching philosophy is simple: have fun and compete hard—like sports should be.

COACH STEVE CHELIOS

JV Head Coach / Shooting and Skills Coach

Coach Steve Chelios brings over 30 years of combined playing and coaching experience to OPRF Hockey. A former minor pro with an 11-year playing career, Steve competed in the ECHL, CHL, SHL, and internationally in Germany and Holland, earning two championships along the way.

Since transitioning into coaching, Steve has spent the past 18 years developing players at the amateur, high school, junior, college, and pro levels. He has helped place more than 150 players in Junior A and professional leagues, and over 50 into NCAA Division III college hockey programs. He is known for his technical instruction, use of video analysis, and personalized development strategies.

Steve’s coaching résumé includes leadership roles with teams such as the Southern Oregon Spartans (NORPAC), Iron Range Ironheads (SIJHL), and Orangeville Crushers (OPJHL), where he led a league Rookie Tournament title run and engineered a 28-win season turnaround. He is also the founder of the Chelios Children Foundation Hockey School, which focuses on skill development for players of all ages and levels.

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.

COACH BEN OSTLER

Assistant 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.