Get to know your Markham Royals staff! For our full list of staff members and information on joining the Royals family, visit our main staff page.
SPENCER HYMAN / PRESIDENT, HOCKEY OPERATIONS
Spencer enters his tenth season in Hockey Operations within the OJHL.
As a player, Spencer was one of our Hamilton Red Wings alumni, playing four seasons with the team, including a year as captain in 2012/13. He then played Division I hockey at the University of Michigan.
Following his playing career, Spencer became the youngest coach in the OHA, becoming an assistant coach for the Red Wings and Royals for nine seasons, including five where he was also Assistant GM.
As President of Hockey Operations, Spencer oversees the totality of the Royals hockey umbrella.
MIKE GALATI / GENERAL MANAGER & HEAD COACH
Mike Galati joined the Markham Royals in 2014 and has since held the dual role of General Manager and Head Coach. Mike was most recently named the coach of the Eastern Conference All-Stars in the 2023/24 OJHL season.
Before coaching at the Junior A level, Mike was the Head Coach of the Toronto Red Wings AAA for two seasons and served as a player assistant coach at the pro level in his last two seasons as a player. Mike is a graduate of the OHL, where he played for the Guelph Storm and Owen Sound Platers. After Junior hockey, Mike played ten seasons of professional hockey in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK.
Mike owns and operates Next Level Hockey, a hockey training facility in Vaughan, Ontario, and is the Director of Hockey Operations at Blyth Academy (Downsview).
JEFF VEILLETTE / ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Jeff has worked in the OJHL for the past seven seasons. Prior to the Royals, Jeff worked with the St. Michael’s Buzzers, North York Rangers, and Toronto Patriots in Analytics & Scouting roles.
As Assistant General Manager, Jeff is responsible for providing analysis to the players, coaching staff, and management, from pre-game game preparation to in-game situations and long-term player evaluation.
Jeff is also heavily involved in scouting future Royals prospects, along with other facets of hockey and team operations. Outside the Royals, Jeff works in sports media with over 15 years of experience.
SHANE HYMAN / DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL
Shane steps into the role of Director of Player Personnel for the Markham Royals Jr A hockey club.
A proud alumnus of the Royals, Shane played from the 2019-2020 season until the 2023-2024 season, amassing the highest number of games played in the franchise’s history while serving as team captain for his final three seasons. His passion for the game and strong leadership skills naturally steered him toward a career in hockey management, furthering his commitment to the Royals’ success.
In his new role, Shane’s deep understanding of player dynamics, coupled with his experience as a former captain, enables him to effectively identify and nurture talent, fostering a competitive spirit and aligning with the club’s vision for future success.
VINCENT BONAIUTO / ASSISTANT COACH
Vincent joined the Royals coaching staff in 2022/23, but it wasn’t his first stop in Markham. Prior to becoming a coach, Vincent played four years in the OJHL, beginning with the Orangeville Flyers and Brampton Admirals, before playing his 20-year-old season with the Royals in 2019-20. He was a two-time All-Star as a player and returned to the festivities as an assistant coach in 2023/24.
Outside the Royals, Vincent also coaches in the GTHL and is the owner and head trainer at High Pace Hockey Development. He works across the GTA and uses his knowledge of the game to enhance minor hockey player development.
BREANNA KENNING / HEAD THERAPIST & TEAM TRAINER
Breanna joined the Royals organization as their trainer and therapist during the 2021-22 campaign and works hard to keep the players in top shape during the season. Away from the team, Breanna works as a Chiropractor in the Markham area.
SEAN GILLESPIE / EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Sean has been involved in Junior ‘A’ hockey for nearly 20 years, spending 10 years with the Pickering Panthers before joining the Markham Royals in 2015.
Sean, or “Seany” as he’s known, always brings a positive and supporting attitude to the rink and ensures our players are properly equipped for every game throughout the season.
BRODY HUGHES / ASSISTANT EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Brody started with the Royals as a volunteer and worked his way to becoming an assistant equipment manager. He conducts himself professionally and proudly represents the Organization and his hometown of Markham. When not with the Royals, Brody spends his time with the Markham Islanders Sledge Hockey Team and dreams of becoming an assistant equipment manager in the NHL one day.
JODI LANZAROTTA / VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION
Jodi has been involved in hockey marketing, fundraising, and coordinating special events for 30 years. She enjoys meeting Markham residents, fans, schools and businesses in the area as she strives to positively impact the community with the Markham Royals.
Jodi brings with her over 35 years of experience in the Marketing and Special Events industry, both professional and recreational, as well as volunteer work with several different communities.
Over the past 30 years, the Lanzarotta family has been billeting hockey players and has coordinated with families and out-of-town hockey clubs, ensuring a safe and positive placement for the players. Jodi has billeted and placed players from across Canada, the United States, and Europe.
OLIVER HYMAN / SKILLS DEVELOPMENT COACH
Oliver is responsible for the development of athletes. He is a big part of the team’s technical committee and is responsible for continuously monitoring, improving, and developing the players’ skills through training.
STUART HYMAN / GOVERNOR
Stuart has been the Governor and Owner of the Royals since the team first came to Markham. Previously, Stuart owned the Georgetown Raiders from 1999/00 to 2002/03. He then took over the Hamilton Red Wings ahead of the 2003/04 season, moving the team to Markham ahead of 2015/16.
Stuart has also been the Chairman of the OJHL Board of Governors since 2021/22, previously holding the title of Vice-Chairman from 2018/19 to 2020/21.