Est. 1993

About the Program

More than three decades of developing players, building champions, and representing Toledo with pride.

Est. 1993

Our Story

The Toledo Cherokee were founded in 1993 with a single mission: give serious young hockey players an opportunity to develop, compete, and advance. What started as a newly formed Junior B organization in Northwest Ohio has grown into one of the most respected programs in junior hockey.

From a USA Hockey National Championship in 1998 to three consecutive USPHL National Championship appearances, the Cherokee have built a tradition of competing at the highest level while advancing players to NCAA and professional hockey.

Now entering the NCDC — the USPHL's Tier II level — the Cherokee begin their most ambitious chapter yet. Toledo is a hockey town, and the Cherokee are its team.

1993

Founded

1998

National Champions

85+

College Advancements

33+

Years of Excellence

Toledo Cherokee players and coaches on the bench during a game

A Tradition Since 1993

History & Legacy

For more than three decades, the Toledo Cherokee have been part of the junior hockey tradition of Northwest Ohio — from league championships and a USA Hockey National Championship to today's move into the NCDC.

1993

Founded

Where It All Began

The Toledo Cherokee Junior Hockey Club was established in 1993 and began competition in the Central States Hockey League. From the beginning, the mission was clear: provide serious young hockey players an opportunity to develop, compete, and advance.

1993–94

Player Advancement

Development From Day One

From the program's first season, the Cherokee were already helping players advance. Early Cherokee players built the foundation for a program focused on opportunity and growth.

1994–95

Champions

First Championship Season

In only the organization's second season, Toledo established itself as one of the top teams in the Central States Hockey League, capturing the regular-season title and the 1995 CSHL Playoff Championship.

1995–96

Champions

Regular-Season Champions

The Cherokee remained at the top of the CSHL, capturing another regular-season championship and continuing one of the strongest stretches in organization history.

1997–98

National Champions

USA Hockey National Championship

The Cherokee reached the pinnacle of Junior B hockey by winning the 1998 USA Hockey National Championship, cementing Toledo's place in the national junior hockey landscape.

2013

New Leadership

Kenny Miller Takes the Helm

Kenny Miller became Head Coach and General Manager, beginning a new era of player development, competitive success, and organizational growth.

2023–25

National Stage

USPHL National Championship Appearances

Toledo made three consecutive USPHL National Championship appearances, continuing the program's tradition of competing for championships.

2025–26

Coach of the Year

Great Lakes Recognition

Kenny Miller was named USPHL Great Lakes Coach of the Year, recognizing the program's sustained success and commitment to player advancement.

2026–27

NCDC

The Next Chapter

The Toledo Cherokee enter the NCDC, the USPHL's Tier II level, opening the program's most ambitious chapter yet.

The Mission Continues — NCDC 2026–27

What We Stand For

Our Mission

To develop confident, accountable hockey players and people through meaningful competition, daily growth, and a team-first culture.

Development

Build better players through purposeful coaching, preparation, and competition.

Accountability

Own the work, respect the team, and show up ready every day.

Character

Represent Toledo with humility, resilience, and pride.

Advancement

Create a clear path for players to reach their next opportunity.

The People Behind the Program

Coaching Staff

Head Coach & General Manager

Kenny Miller

Head Coach & GM since 2013

Kenny Miller brings decades of junior hockey leadership and player-development experience to the Toledo Cherokee. Before taking over the Cherokee program, he coached in the North American Hockey League with the Toledo IceDiggers and Alpena IceDiggers, where he developed a reputation for building competitive teams and helping young players reach the next level. In 2006–07, Kenny was named NAHL General Manager of the Year after guiding Alpena to a franchise-record 37 wins, a milestone that reflected both his leadership and his ability to create a strong team culture. Throughout his career, Kenny has focused on preparing junior hockey players for success on and off the ice. He has helped numerous athletes advance to NCAA programs and professional hockey, while emphasizing discipline, teamwork, accountability, and continued development. His experience in coaching, administration, and player advancement provides the Toledo Cherokee with a knowledgeable and steady leader committed to the growth of the program and its players.

USPHL Great Lakes Coach of the Year 2025–263 Consecutive USPHL Nationals AppearancesMultiple Division Titles

Premier Head Coach

Todd Omey

Toledo Cherokee Premier

Todd Omey brings decades of junior hockey experience, a strong understanding of player development and a deep connection to the Toledo Cherokee organization. His history with the Cherokee dates back to 1993, when he began a ten-year coaching tenure that included five seasons as an assistant coach and five seasons as head coach. During that time, he gained experience guiding players through the demands of junior hockey while helping establish a disciplined, competitive team environment. Now serving as Associate Head Coach, Todd contributes to the program in several key areas. He focuses on defensive structure, team systems, preparation and accountability, helping players understand their individual responsibilities within the team’s overall approach. His experience also allows him to provide perspective and mentorship to players working toward advancement, whether they are preparing for higher levels of junior hockey, college opportunities or the next stage of their development. Todd’s familiarity with the Cherokee organization, combined with his long-standing commitment to junior hockey, makes him a valuable resource for both the coaching staff and the players.

NCDC Tier IIPlayer DevelopmentUSA Hockey Certified

NCDC Head Coach

Toledo Cherokee NCDC

Nic Saenz serves as the Toledo Cherokee’s Director of Player Personnel and Assistant Coach, contributing to both the organization’s day-to-day hockey operations and its long-term player development efforts. As a longtime member of the Cherokee organization, Nic brings a deep understanding of the team’s standards, competitive culture and commitment to helping athletes reach their potential. In his player personnel role, Nic oversees scouting and recruiting, evaluating prospective players and helping identify individuals who are a strong fit for the Cherokee program. He considers not only a player’s skill and hockey experience, but also their work ethic, character, coachability and ability to contribute positively to the team environment. His efforts help the organization build a competitive roster while maintaining a culture centered on accountability, preparation and continued improvement. As an assistant coach, Nic works closely with players on the ice and throughout the season. His coaching experience at both the youth and junior levels gives him a well-rounded understanding of the development process and the different challenges athletes face as they advance through the sport. He helps players refine their skills, understand their roles and develop the habits necessary to compete at a higher level.

USPHL PremierPlayer DevelopmentUSA Hockey Certified

Assistant Coach

Isaiah Crawford

Toledo Cherokee

Isaiah Crawford returns to the Toledo Cherokee as an assistant coach after previously wearing the Cherokee jersey during the 2015–16 season, when he recorded 41 points in 41 games. He continued his career at Mercyhurst and Trine University before playing professionally in the FPHL and SPHL. Isaiah brings valuable playing experience and a firsthand understanding of the Cherokee program, allowing him to connect with and help develop today’s players.

Both TeamsGoaltender DevelopmentUSA Hockey Certified

The people behind the program

Program Staff

The people behind the scenes who support the Toledo Cherokee player experience on and off the ice.

President

Don Manders

Provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Toledo Cherokee organization.

VP / Treasurer

Carey Manders

Oversees financial operations and organizational governance for the Toledo Cherokee.

General Manager

Kenny Miller

Manages all hockey operations including roster decisions, scheduling, and league relations.

Assistant General Manager

Joshua Way

Assists in day-to-day hockey operations and player personnel decisions.

Director of Player Development

Nic Saenz

Leads all player development initiatives, coordinating on-ice and off-ice programming.

Equipment Manager

TBD

Manages all team equipment, ensuring players are properly outfitted for every game and practice.

Assistant Equipment Manager

Kyle Frust

Assists with equipment management and game-day preparation for both Cherokee teams.

Strength & Conditioning Coach

Taylor Raszka

Designs and implements strength and conditioning programs through the Pillar Fitness & Hockey Academy partnership.

Social Media / PR / Photographer

Kadyn Miller

Manages the Cherokee's social media presence, public relations, and team photography.

Game Day Manager

Brandee Gravelle

Coordinates all game-day operations, ensuring a first-class experience for players, families, and fans.

Housing Coordinator

Lindsay Short

Coordinates player housing and billets, ensuring every Cherokee player has a safe and supportive home environment.

Team Doctor

Dr. Dan Hoffman

Provides medical oversight and care for all Toledo Cherokee players throughout the season.

Rinkside Announcer

Lucas Osenbaugh

Brings energy and excitement to every Cherokee home game as the voice of the Ice House.

Director of Broadcasting

Zeke Fravor

Leads all broadcasting operations, bringing Cherokee hockey to fans everywhere.

Where We Play

Home Ice

Team Toledo Ice Arena

Toledo, OHCapacity: 1,200

Home of the Toledo Cherokee.