The Markham Royals have announced a series of staff moves ahead of the 2024/25 regular season, including several new hires, promotions, and returning members. Here is how the Markham Royals staff shakes out ahead of the new year:
Returning Royals Staff
Head Coach and General Manager Mike Galati returns to his perch for his tenth season in the organization. Galati has been the team’s Head Coach and General Manager for the entirety of the Royals’ time in Markham, originally joining the team in Hamilton.
Assistant Coach Vincent Bonaiuto also returns to the bench for his third season. Bonaiuto’s time with the Royals dates back to 2019/20, when he joined the team as a player in his final OJHL season.
Equipment Manager Sean Gillespie, Assistant Equipment Manager Brody Hughes, and Head Therapist & Team Trainer Breanna Kenning round out the bench, all returning to the Royals.
Promoted Royals Staff
Spencer Hyman has been promoted to President of Hockey Operations. Hyman previously served as an Assistant Coach and Assistant GM. This is Hyman’s tenth season on the Royals’ staff, dating back to their last season in Hamilton.
Jeff Veillette has been promoted to Assistant General Manager. Veillette previously served as Director of Player Personnel. This is Veillette’s second season on the Royals’ staff, and sixth season working in the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
New Royals Staff
Eden Verhoog joins the Royals as an Assistant Coach, joining Galati and Bonaiuto on the bench. Verhoog previously served as an Assistant Coach with the Mississauga Chargers of the OJHL between 2021/22 and 2023/24. He’s also coached at the Under-18 AAA level with the Mississauga Senators and Don Mills Flyers.
Michael-Antonio Vergara joins the Royals as our Goaltending Coach. Michael-Antonio is the owner of MAV Goaltending, a goaltending school in Toronto. He has also worked in youth player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Hockey Canada.
Jerred Bapty joins the Royals as our Director of Communications. Bapty previously served as the Director of Communications for the North York Rangers of the OJHL. Bapty also serves as a communications director at the OWHL’s Burlington Jr. Barracudas and as an in-game host for the OHL’s Oshawa Generals.
Justin Bovell joins the Royals as a Team Operations Specialist. Bovell previously served in Game Day Operations with the Toronto Patriots of the OJHL. Bovell also serves as a Program Coordinator for Judo Ontario.
Equipment Staff Wanted
The Markham Royals are looking to add one more member to our Equipment Staff! The chosen applicant would collaborate with our current Equipment and bench staff to provide our players with all the tools they need to succeed on the ice. Must be proficient in skate sharpening, and being available to drive is a significant plus. If interested, please get in touch with us through our contact form or by reaching out directly to our staff via email.
