Queen City Royals A Coaches

Ryan Lovelace

Coach Lovelace returns as Head Coach of the 10U Black, bringing strong playing experience and deep roots in the local hockey community, having grown up playing at Extreme Ice Center. He advanced to Junior Hockey at age 16, playing two seasons in Wyoming before finishing his career in Charleston.

After transitioning into coaching, Ryan served as an assistant coach for this team last season and now steps into the head coach role. He focuses on developing strong fundamentals, hockey IQ and confidence while creating a positive , competitive environment for players to grow and enjoy the game.

David Wool

David has served as a coach in our program for the past several seasons, bringing dedication, consistency and a passion for player development to our organization.

Growing up playing hockey in Connecticut, he has carried a lifelong love for the game and the incredible community around it, and he's excited to continue sharing that with the next generation of Royals players.

His coaching philosophy is rooted in development- focusing on skating , skill building, hockey sense, and creating strong, supportive teammates. Most importantly, David is committed to making sure every player finishes the season with an even greater love for the game.

Joe Goudreau

Joe began his hockey journey playing travel hockey as a Mite with the Jr. Checkers organization. He developed through the program, competing at each level up through Midget hockey. During his Bantam years, Joe was part of a championship team that captured the MAHL State Championship, marking a standout achievement in his playing career.

Building on his playing experience, Joe transitioned into coaching with a passion for player development and team success. He began his coaching career in the Metro program at Extreme Ice Center, working with 16U and 18U players for three seasons. Joe then advanced to coach the Queen City Royals (QCR) 14U A2 team. He is a USA Hockey Level 1 certified coach, committed to developing players both on and off the ice.

Nick Colombo

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Nick began skating at the age of 4 and started playing hockey by age 5. He played travel hockey growing up and went on to compete in four years of varsity high school hockey. After many years in the game, Nick developed a strong desire to give back to the sport that had given him so much.

He began coaching in Ohio and has been involved ever since. Nick has coached with the Chiller Ice Rinks and the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation since the age of 15, which helped establish a strong foundation and passion for coaching. He later went on to coach a 10U team for the Wooster Youth Hockey Association in Ohio. Most recently, Nick has coached with the Pineville Falcons over the past few years at both the 10U and 14U levels.

Steve Burgess

Steve Burgess is a former minor league defenseman and current head coach of the Queen City Royals 16U A program in Charlotte, North Carolina. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Burgess played his junior hockey in the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, where he developed a reputation as a steady, reliable presence on the blue line. His junior success helped pave the way to a multi-year professional career.

Burgess went on to play professionally in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers, Roanoke Express, Charlotte Checkers, Greenville Grrrowl, and Columbia Inferno, earning a role as a tough, dependable defenseman who contributed in all situations. Competing in some of the top minor pro markets in the Southeast, he was known for his hockey IQ, poise under pressure, toughness, and commitment to team defense. Those experiences now shape his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes skating, puck support, and intelligent play away from the puck.

As a coach, Burgess focuses on building complete players and strong people. His teams are taught to compete with structure, play responsibly in all three zones, out work, and out compete their opponents.

Cam Mecca

Cam brings over 20 years of hockey experience, beginning his journey in Rome, NY at the AA level before advancing to AAA with the Syracuse Stars. He continued his development playing prep hockey at Canterbury and junior hockey back in Syracuse, before heading south to play club hockey at the University of South Carolina—where he also helped grow the program both on and off the ice.

Beyond his playing career, Cam has made a strong impact in the hockey community—volunteering with the sled hockey team at the Jr. Canes in Raleigh, and coaching locally here in Charlotte with the CPH organization.

With a passion for teaching, making strong connections in the game, and is committed to developing players, Cam is ready to lead our 16U group to the next level.