Stellabotte Skating + Development staff

  • CJ Stellabotte

    FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

    CJ Stellabotte was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He grew up playing locally for multiple organizations. At the age of 15 CJ joined the Junior Hockey ranks. As a smaller sized defenseman CJ played 4 years of Junior hockey. He made the decision to forgo playing NCAA hockey. CJ then began coaching back in Pittsburgh with the Team Pittsburgh AAA girls program. In his first year behind the bench Team Pittsburgh competed at USA Hockey National Championships. Coach CJ is currently a coach with the Esmark Stars of the NAPHL and a regional scout for the Boston Advantage and Lovell Hockey.

  • Miles Liberati

    DEFENSIVE & SHOOTING SPECIALIST

    Miles Liberati is a native of Cheswick, Pennsylvania and graduate of Springdale High School. Miles played junior hockey for the London Knights, North Bay Battalion, and Kitchener Rangers. A 2013 Vancouver Canuck draft pick who played professionally for the Reading Royals, Allen Americans, Indy Fuel, South Carolina Stingrays, and Tulsa Oilers brings a wealth of knowledge to our clientele. Coach Miles is eager to help train and develop the areas up and coming defensemen.

  • Dustin Gergich

    SKILLS COACH

    Dustin Gergich (our clients favorite coach) from Montour, Pennsylvania. An alumni of the Esmark Stars program. Coach “Dusty” went on to play for the Johnstown Tomahawks of the NAHL. In a short time, Coach “Dusty” earned a scholarship to play NCAA Division 1 for Mercyhurst University. Dustin was named Defenseman of the Year in 2023 and is still currently playing for the Lakers.

  • Keith Smilowitz

    SKILLS COACH

    Keith Smilowitz is a native of Freeport, Pennsylvania. Coach Keith is also a graduate of the Esmark Stars organization and is currently playing Junior A for the Walpole Express. Coach Keith will continue his playing career at Post University NCAA Division II.

Why do we Coach? 

Funny thing is, we all grew up playing hockey and love the game. Coaching kids requires a lot of time and energy, so we have thought long and hard about why we want to coach…

The reason? As coaches, we want to guide our players in developing their skills, we want to help grow their love of the game and want to make sure they have fun doing it!

To us as coaches, we are constantly challenging ourselves to be better with every passing season. This tends to fall into two categories. Getting better and more effective at connecting with our players, and constantly improving how I coach the game. The point is to never be satisfied and to always be trying to improve!