Queen City Royals AA Coaches

Sasha Makarov

Head Coach 10U AA & Assistant Coach 12U AA

Coach Sasha grew up in Indian Trail and started his hockey journey at Extreme Ice Center when it opened in 2006. His path through the game includes junior hockey experience in both the USPHL and EHL, followed by a collegiate career at the University of Southern Maine and Anna Maria College. He also notched several games playing with the Carolina Thunderbirds of the FPHL before coming on full time with the Queen City Royals.

Since 2020, Coach Sasha has been dedicated to developing youth players in the Carolinas, bringing passion, experience, and a deep understanding of the game to every practice.

Mike Lorusso

Head Coach 12U AA

Coach Mike is a Level 5 USA Hockey–certified coach with over 15 years of experience developing youth athletes across multiple age groups and competitive levels. Previously a Head Coach with CPH, Mike is known for his high-energy approach, focusing on building habits of preparation, resilience, and teamwork that extend well beyond the rink.

His coaching philosophy is shaped by both elite hockey environments and more than 20 seasons of leadership experience in professional motorsports.

Nick Popp

Head Coach 14UAA & 16UAA

Coach Popp brings strong playing and coaching experience to the rink. He played two seasons of junior hockey in the USPHL Premier with the Charleston Colonials, competing against top junior talent and continuing to develop his game at a high level.

Following his playing career, Nick transitioned into coaching and has spent the past several years developing players and building competitive teams. He coached one season with the Charleston Jr. Stingrays, where the team captured a National Championship.

Nick has spent the last six seasons coaching with the Queen City Royals organization, helping to develop players and contributing to the growth of youth hockey in the Charlotte area.

Most recently, Nick served as the head coach of the QCR 14U AAA team, that captured a NC State Championship last season. He is known for emphasizing work ethic, skill development, and strong team culture, while helping players grow both on and off the ice.

Ben Braynin

Assistant Coach 14UAA & 16UAA

Coach Ben is a goaltender who grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, playing AA before advancing to AAA and Juniors in the New England area. He continued his career at UNC Charlotte, where he played for three seasons and worked as the team’s Assistant General Manager and on the team’s leadership group as Treasurer. 

In addition to his playing experience, Ben has been actively involved in player development, most recently coaching at the Carolina Hurricanes Summer Camp and working with youth players throughout his career.

Ben brings passion, experience, and a strong commitment to helping players develop and reach their goals.

Conrad Thibault

Head Coach 18UAA

Coach C.J.’s hockey background began as a player, growing up in Texas and Pennsylvania while developing through competitive youth and high school programs. In 2010, he won a PA State Championship with the Mars Planets, before continuing his career at the collegiate level.

C.J. went on to play five seasons of ACHA hockey for the Gannon Golden Knights, gaining valuable experience competing at the college level. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and spent his first four seasons at Hudson High School in Ohio.

Since 2020, C.J. has coached more than 200 games for the Queen City Royals organization. During the 2025/26 season, he served as an assistant coach for the Royals' 14U AAA team that captured the NC State Championship.

Throughout his coaching career, C.J. has helped more than 25 players advance their hockey careers to the next level, including placements in junior hockey, as well as collegiate opportunities at the NCAA Division III and ACHA levels. His playing and coaching experience emphasize skill development, hockey IQ, and creating a competitive environment where players can continue to grow and succeed.