Who We Are?

At Giant Development Hockey, our mission is to cultivate well-rounded hockey players by focusing on technical skills, athleticism, and mental resilience. We offer a unique training experience designed for individual growth in a supportive, non-team atmosphere.

Jeff Smith

Director & Head Coach

Coach Smith spent about five years as a coach in Canada, first for three years as an assistant with the Estevan Bruins Junior A team, and then parts of two seasons as the head coach with the Estevan Bears 18U AAA hockey team. He is now the Coach in Chief and 16U AA Houston Junior Aeros head coach.

Smith, who played 16 pro seasons in the AHL, ECHL and in Europe, has an impressive resume of player and coaching experience. He brings with him a pedigree of success, having been a part of teams that have won the Memorial Cup (WHL) and the Kelly Cup (ECHL).

Brennan Poderzay

Goaltending Coach

Brennan Poderzay is an accomplished hockey coach and goaltending development specialist with extensive experience at the collegiate and professional levels.

Currently serving as Director of Goaltending Development for the University of Minnesota Men's Hockey, Brennan has helped develop elite goaltenders and championship-caliber teams through his leadership, mentorship, and passion for athlete development.

Katie Bobyk

Director of Academics

Katie Bobyk is an experienced educator and school leader who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from University of St. Thomas and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Concordia University Texas, graduating Summa Cum Laude from both.

With experience as a classroom teacher, principal, and homeschool educator, Katie is passionate about supporting students through individualized learning and helping them build the lifelong skills needed for academic and personal success.

Katie holds multiple certifications, including:

Classroom Teacher Generalist EC–6
Gifted and Talented Supplemental EC–6
English as a Second Language (ESL) Supplemental EC–6
Special Education Supplemental EC–6
Principal EC–12

Roman Zaretsky

Power Skating Coach