Missoula Maulers Junior Hockey Team in Missoula, Montana

Coach Stewart comes to the Maulers after playing Division 1 hockey for the University of Connecticut Huskies in the Atlantic Hockey Association. A four-year letter winner at UConn, Stewart was a captain his senior year and was awarded the Atlantic Hockey Best Defensive Forward for the 2006-07 season. Coach Stewart was also a two-time recipient of the Coach John Chapman Award, given to the player who shows the most dedication to the team. He also received the UConn Club award, given to outstanding senior athletes.

Prior to the University of Connecticut, Coach Stewart played junior hockey for the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL. In 2002-03, Stewart captained Waterloo as they captured the Eastern Division Championship. He was awarded Waterloo's Hardest Worker Award for that season.

A native of Elk River, Minnesota, Coach Stewart played high school hockey for Elk River. During his senior season, he helped captain his team to a state title. Coach Stewart looks forward to bringing his winning attitude and dedication to hard work to the Maulers organization.

Tim Swearingen
Assistant Coach

Tim comes to Missoula from Trenton, Michigan. He is currently finishing up his undergraduate course work at the University of Montana and for that reason is also a student/athlete.

Tim grew up under the expert tutelage of his father Tom. He had ample opportunity to practice and hone his skills with his twin brother Deak. Tim already had Montana experience after spending two years as a Junior A hockey player playing respectfully for the Bozeman Icedogs and the Butte Irish in what was then the AWHL. He then continued on playing hockey at Wayne State University a CHA powerhouse at the time. Tim has been a successful Hockey school instructor for some years before making a jump to the coaching ranks.

Tim will help Trevor run practices, and “day to day” and game time operations. He will help “mold” the team and install discipline for seasons to come.

Russ is going into his 6th year as defensive coach of the Saint Claire Shores Unified Lakers, Coach Russ has been with the Laker program from its start. Additionally, besides coaching with the Lakers, he has coached Travel hockey and Junior A and B along side his father and coach Frank DiCristofaro. A Life long SCS resident, he played travel hockey in SCSHA then Lake Shore High school and Junior Hockey in the Great Lakes Junior Hockey League. As a player he has played on 4 state championship teams and 1 national championship team. Coach Russ has recently become a recruiter for the Missoula Maulers Junior A hockey team where his son Vinny currently plays.