Coaches
COACH MATT BENTON
Hockey Director / Varsity Head Coach
Coach Matt Benton oversees all aspects of the OPRF hockey program, including player development, coaching standards, and long-term program growth. His vision is to build a competitive, disciplined, and inclusive culture that prepares student-athletes for success in hockey and life.
Coach Benton is a longtime Illinois hockey coach, skills instructor, and player development leader with more than a decade of experience building competitive programs and developing athletes at the youth and high school levels.
Coach Benton is the Founder and Owner of Puck Star Hockey, where he has worked with hundreds of players ranging from beginner through professional levels, specializing in shooting mechanics, hockey IQ, skill development, and advancement planning. His player-first coaching philosophy emphasizes accountability, compete level, work ethic, and creating a positive environment where athletes can grow both on and off the ice.
At the high school level, Coach Benton has previously served as Hockey Director and Head Varsity Coach for the Renegades Hockey program, overseeing player development, coaching standards, team culture, and program operations. During his tenure, the program achieved seven consecutive league championships, a 2017 State Championship, multiple Final Four appearances, and earned Coach Benton recognition as a three-time Coach of the Year and four-time All-Star Coach.
Known for his energy, communication, and commitment to development, Coach Benton brings a modern, detail-oriented approach focused on skill progression, hockey intelligence, leadership, and building strong team culture throughout a program.
COACH BEN OSTLER
JV 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 JOE SIMONCELLI
Varsity Assistant Coach
Coach Joe Simoncelli brings a strong competitive background, player-focused coaching style, and deep passion for developing student-athletes to the OPRF hockey program. A former Illinois high school standout, Coach Simoncelli grew up playing youth hockey for the Chicago Bruins before continuing his career with the AWF Renegades, where he served as assistant captain on the 2017 state championship team under Coach Matt Benton. He went on to continue his playing career at Central Michigan University.
Coach Simoncelli began his coaching career in 2022 with the Northwest Chargers before rejoining Coach Benton with the Renegades organization. Over the past four seasons, he has worked closely with players on skill development, game awareness, confidence, and leadership both on and off the ice. His ability to connect with athletes, communicate effectively, and create a positive learning environment has made him a respected mentor for players at multiple levels of the game.
As a coach, Joe emphasizes work ethic, accountability, and team-first mentality while helping players build confidence and develop a deeper understanding of the game. His experience as both a championship-level player and coach, combined with his energy and commitment to player development, make him a valuable asset to the OPRF hockey program.
COACH MIKE RIGITANO
Varsity Assistant Coach
Michael Rigitano brings 16 years of coaching experience ranging from the grassroots level through the high school varsity level. Mike is passionate about the game of hockey, detail oriented, and puts a strong emphasis on competitiveness, player development, and discipline. For the last 8 years, Mike coached for Saint Ignatius College Prep.
Mike is a Chicagoland native who graduated from and played for Montini Catholic. Mike holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Teacher Licensure for Physical Education. Away from the rink, Mike teaches PE and Health at a middle school in the western suburbs. Prior to his teaching career, Mike was a Fan Development and Youth Hockey intern for the Chicago Blackhawks. He is a Level 4 certified USA Hockey Coach. Mike also serves as a board member with Chicago Hockey Initiative (CHI).
In his free time, Mike continues to play hockey at Blackhawks Ice Center, watches hockey, plays golf, plays bocce, fishes and spends time with friends and family. Mike recently got married in November of 2025 and lives with his wife in Westchester.
