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

60+

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 General Manager & Head Coach, 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.

Staff & Coaching

Hockey Operations

General Manager & Head Coach

Kenny Miller

Toledo Cherokee

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

Assistant General Manager

Joshua Way

Toledo Cherokee

Josh Way serves as Assistant General Manager of the Toledo Cherokee, bringing a background in hockey administration, business ownership and team operations to the organization’s NCDC and USPHL Premier programs. A Toledo-area business owner with deep ties to the local hockey community, Way’s experience includes youth hockey coaching, sports management and operating Twigz Hockey Shop and Twigz Hockey League. He previously served as President of the American Premier Hockey League and was involved in the ownership and operation of the Toledo Mobsters, gaining experience in league leadership and franchise management. With the Cherokee, Way helps coordinate the work that supports players and the organization beyond the ice, including player housing, apparel, sponsorship development, communications and game-day initiatives. His business background with FMS Lawn & Landscape, Toledo Lawns and Toledo Landscape Supply brings practical experience in managing operations and building community relationships. Way’s approach centers on supporting players and families, strengthening the Cherokees’ connection to Toledo, and helping the organization provide an environment where young athletes can develop and pursue their next opportunities in hockey.

Hockey OperationsPlayer Personnel

Staff & Coaching

NCDC Coaching Staff

Associate Head Coach — NCDC

Nic Saenz

Toledo Cherokee NCDC

Nic Saenz serves as Associate Head Coach of the Toledo Cherokee NCDC team. 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. He oversees scouting and recruiting, evaluating prospective players and helping identify individuals who are a strong fit for the Cherokee program — considering not only skill and hockey experience, but work ethic, character, coachability, and the ability to contribute positively to the team environment.

NCDC Tier IIPlayer Personnel & RecruitingUSA Hockey Certified

Staff & Coaching

Premier Coaching Staff

Associate Head Coach — Premier

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. He focuses on defensive structure, team systems, preparation, and accountability — helping players understand their individual responsibilities within the team's overall approach.

USPHL PremierPlayer DevelopmentUSA Hockey Certified

Assistant Coach

Austin Smith

Toledo Cherokee

Austin Smith serves as an Assistant Coach for the Toledo Cherokee Premier team, bringing a playing background that spans junior and Senior A hockey. A right-shot defenseman originally from Carleton, Michigan, Smith’s hockey career has taken him from Michigan to Arizona and into the Toledo hockey community. Smith played for the Tri-City IceHawks during the 2015–16 season, recording three goals and eight assists in 41 games. He was part of an IceHawks team that finished 40–5–3 and led the USPHL Midwest standings. His junior career also included time with the Arizona Hawks in the Western States Hockey League during the 2016–17 season. He later competed for the Toledo Mobsters in the American Premier Hockey League. Elite Prospects records 38 regular-season appearances across three seasons, with five goals and 13 assists for 18 points. That experience added Senior A competition to his junior hockey background and strengthened his connection to hockey in Toledo.

Former Cherokee PlayerFPHL / SPHL ProfessionalUSA Hockey Certified

Staff & Coaching

Program & Administrative Staff

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.

Equipment Manager

Kyle Fust

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

Assistant Equipment Manager

Josh Way

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 House

Toledo, OHCapacity: 1,200

Home of the Toledo Cherokee.