Coaches

Coaches

David Clarkson
Head Coach

Derek Kinsella
Assistant Coach

Derek grew up playing youth travel hockey in Toledo, OH. He was taught a tough, hard working version of the game by his father, who played in the OHL and later was drafted by, and played for, the Washington Capitals. Derek was a four year starter on the varsity team in high school, where he was named the team captain for my final two seasons. Derek began coaching in 2007 as the assistant varsity coach at St. Francis de Sales High School in Toledo. This past season was his ninth year with that program, and during that time we won 5 division titles, 4 district championships, and the school’s first 2 state titles in Hockey (2011 & 2015). In April, he graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Master’s in orthotics and prosthetics. Derek and his family moved to Columbus where he is completing a two year residency. He currently lives in Lancaster with his wife, Laura, and two young daughters, Sophia and Clara.

Brett Howden
Assistant Coach

This season represents Brett’s first with the Upper Arlington hockey program. Brett is originally from a small town in Ontario, Canada and grew up playing the game at a high level. Brett’s playing career included a season of major junior hockey (OHL) with the Owen Sound Attack in 2003 and a provincial junior B championship with the Thorold Blackhawks in 2005. Prior to moving to Columbus in 2015, Brett coached three (3) years of AAA hockey in Hamilton, Ontario – focusing his teaching and development on the finer points of the defensive side of the game.

Brett is a finance professional who is currently enrolled in the MBA program at Capital University. He resides in Upper Arlington with his wife, Alyssa.