Coaching Staff

Yuri Ushakov brings nearly two decades of competitive hockey experience and a passion for player development to Utah Avangard Hockey Club.

Originally from Upstate New York, Yuri spent his youth hockey career competing at the highest levels of amateur hockey with the Clifton Park Dynamo AAA program. Throughout his playing career, Yuri earned opportunities to participate in some of North America's most prestigious hockey events, including the Brick Invitational Tournament, Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament, and USA Hockey National Championships.

At the age of 15, Yuri was drafted by the Syracuse Stars of the NCDC, one of the top junior development leagues in North America. One year later, he was selected by the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), one of the world's premier junior hockey organizations.

Yuri's hockey journey provided him with valuable experience competing alongside elite athletes and learning firsthand what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the game. His path through junior hockey, combined with years of player development experience, has shaped the coaching philosophy he brings to every athlete he works with today.

For more than four years, Yuri has dedicated himself to coaching and skills development. Prior to joining Utah Avangard, Yuri served as a Head Coach within the Park City Ice Miners organization, helping develop players, advance athletes to higher levels of competition, and contribute to a highly successful youth hockey program.

In addition to coaching, Yuri currently works as an NAHL and NCDC Scout, evaluating talent and helping identify opportunities for players pursuing junior hockey advancement.

Yuri also founded Ushakov Hockey, a player development program built around providing athletes with the opportunities, resources, guidance, and mentorship necessary to maximize their potential. His mission is to help young players avoid the mistakes he experienced throughout his own career while accelerating their development both on and off the ice.

Today, Yuri joins Utah Avangard Hockey Club as Head Coach, where he will lead player development and help build a culture centered around excellence, accountability, leadership, character, and competitive success.