SISU Thunderbirds Coaching Staff 2026-27

Jeff Waselko is a USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach with a decade of coaching experience spanning every age group from Mites to 18U. Whether serving as a head coach or assistant, Jeff is committed to fostering growth, building skill, and helping players reach the next level in their development.

Though Jeff’s introduction to hockey came later in life, his passion for the game quickly took root. With over 15 years of experience playing adult league hockey at the B and C levels, he has developed a strong understanding of the game from a player's perspective. That insight—combined with a relentless commitment to learning—fuels his coaching approach. Jeff is a dedicated student of the game, always seeking innovative ways to elevate team and individual performance.

Off the ice, Jeff lives in Powell with his wife, Andrea. Their sons, Jon and Sam, were raised in the game and are a reflection of the family’s deep-rooted love for hockey.

Chris Watts is a dedicated and experienced hockey coach with over seven years of coaching across all age groups and skill levels. A USA Hockey Level 5 certified coach, Chris brings the highest level of certification and a deep commitment to player development, team culture, and coaching excellence.

Chris has been involved in hockey for most of his life, becoming actively engaged in the sport over a decade ago. His coaching experience extends beyond the rink as well—he has also coached soccer, baseball, and junior high lacrosse, giving him a broad and versatile approach to coaching youth athletes.

He holds a bachelor's degree in Sport and Lifestyle Studies from Ohio University with a minor in Coaching. His coaching philosophy is guided by the principle: "Humans. Athletes. Hockey."—a mindset that emphasizes personal growth, athletic development, and love for the game.

Chris resides in Pickerington, Ohio, with his two sons, Ian and Connor.

Anthony is a goaltending coach in Columbus with years of playing experience. Anthony grew up in Metro Detroit playing for a variety of teams at the travel and AAA levels. Once graduated, he moved to Canada and played for the Strathroy Rockets for two seasons setting records in Shutouts and Save Percentages. From there he was offered an opportunity to play NCAA hockey for Utica College in New York. In his sophomore year, he placed in the Top Five in the nation for Save Percentage and GAA, along with numerous nominations for Player of the Week in his conference during his four-year tenure. After college, he spent time playing in Slovakia and Norway before finishing his career while playing minor pro in the United States. 

Anthony has 15 years of goalie coaching experience in the US and Canada. Many of his goaltending beliefs were shaped by his goalie coach, who was the former goalie coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ed Belfour. In Columbus, Anthony is a coach for the 16U SISU Thunderbirds, Westerville Warcats High School, a number of CAHA travel programs, and is also a private goaltending instructor through the Chiller arenas. 

When Anthony is not coaching, he is a real estate agent for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty.