Steve McSwain | Head Coach

Steve McSwain enters his second season as Head Coach of the Markham Royals, bringing a strong background in coaching and player development at the AAA, junior and international levels.

Prior to joining the Royals, McSwain spent five years as a head coach with the Vaughan Kings organization and two seasons as an assistant coach with the Toronto Patriots. He has also gained valuable international coaching experience with Kunlun Red Star and Team China’s U18 program.

Throughout his career, McSwain has developed a reputation for building competitive teams, establishing strong team cultures and helping players maximize their potential both on and off the ice.

His coaching philosophy is centred around accountability, work ethic, attention to detail and continuous development. Entering his second season in Markham, McSwain remains focused on creating an environment that challenges players to grow, compete and prepare for success at the next level.

Vincent Bonaiuto | Associate Coach

Vincent Bonaiuto returns to the Royals coaching staff for the 2026-27 season, continuing a connection with the organization that began during his playing career.

Bonaiuto joined the Royals coaching staff in 2022-23, but his first experience in Markham came as a player. He played four seasons in the OJHL, beginning with the Orangeville Flyers and Brampton Admirals before spending his 20-year-old season with the Royals in 2019-20.

A two-time OJHL All-Star during his playing career, Bonito later returned to the league’s All-Star festivities as an assistant coach in 2023-24.

Outside of the Royals, Bonaiuto coaches in the GTHL and is the owner and head trainer of High Pace Hockey Development. Working with players across the GTA, he uses his playing and coaching experience to help young athletes develop their skills and prepare for higher levels of hockey.

His experience as both a former Royal and current coach gives Bonaiuto a unique understanding of the organization and the junior hockey experience. He will continue working closely with McSwain and the rest of the staff to develop the Royals on and off the ice.

Eden Verhoog | Assistant Coach

Eden Verhoog returns for his third season with the Markham Royals after first joining the organization for the 2024-25 season.

Verhoog brings extensive coaching experience across both minor and junior hockey. Prior to joining Markham, he spent three seasons coaching with the Mississauga Chargers and eight seasons in the GTHL U18 division, splitting his time between the Don Mills Flyers and Mississauga Senators.

In addition to his work with the Royals, Verhoog serves as a head instructor for North Toronto’s skills programs, where he works directly with young players developing their game — including potential future Royals.

With more than a decade of coaching experience, Verhoog brings a development-focused approach to the staff and will continue playing an important role in helping Royals players improve throughout the season.

Michael-Antonio Vergara (MAV) | Goaltending Coach

Michael-Antonio Vergara, known as MAV, brings specialized goaltending knowledge and player development experience to the Royals.

MAV grew up playing AAA hockey in the GTHL with the North York Rangers, Toronto Red Wings and Toronto Marlboros. He later advanced to junior hockey, playing with the Brampton Capitals of the OJHL and the Brampton Bombers of the GOJHL.

Following his playing career, MAV turned his attention toward developing the next generation of goaltenders. He is the owner of MAV Goaltending, where he works with goalies on the technical skills, habits and confidence required to continue progressing in the game.

MAV is also an On-Ice Hockey Development Coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs Youth Hockey program, further adding to his experience working with developing players.

He will work closely with the Royals’ goaltenders throughout the season, providing specialized coaching and helping prepare them to perform at the junior level and beyond.