Coaching Staff 2025/26
The Rocky Mountain RoughRiders are proud to announce their Head Coaches for the 2025-26 Season. The RoughRiders Coaching Staff brings a vast amount of hockey knowledge from both their playing and coaching experience. The RoughRiders have an experienced elite staff that is built to develop each player and provide them a developmental path to become an elite level player.
As a Tier 1 Program with an affiliation with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League (USHL) and the Connecticut RoughRiders of the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), we hope to continue to provide a top notch Tier 1 program that continues to develop young hockey players to play at the highest levels of hockey. The RoughRiders hope to continue to not only develop players on the ice but off the ice as well in the community and academically.
The RoughRiders play out of one of the finest facilities in Colorado that includes amenities considered to be top notch for hosting showcases or tournaments. The RoughRIders Tryouts will be hosted at the Blue Sport Stable in Superior, CO. A multi-sheet facility equipped with 2 full sheets of ice and a smaller skills pad. The Blue Sport Stable also includes an Indoor Turf field and full workout facilities. The RoughRiders also have the ability to host games or showcases at The Stable in Cedar Rapids, IA a first class USHL facility with two sheets of ice.
If you are interested in playing hockey for the RoughRiders, please contact Paul DePuydt, Director of Hockey Operations, by phone at 303-882-0228 or via email at pdepuydt@ridertownusa.com, one of the Head Coaches or complete the "Interested in Becoming a RoughRider" questionnaire on the Tier I page under the Programs tab.
Doug Smail had a 16-year professional hockey career, including 13 seasons in the NHL and 3 years in European leagues. He started his journey in junior hockey with the Moose Jaw Canucks in the SJHL, then played for the University of North Dakota for three seasons, winning a National Championship in 1980. After college, Smail entered the NHL, signing with the Winnipeg Jets, where he spent ten years. He also played for the Minnesota North Stars (now the Dallas Stars), the Quebec Nordiques (now the Colorado Avalanche), and the Ottawa Senators, each for one year. Following his NHL career, he played three seasons in Europe across two countries. Smail has been deeply involved in hockey education, focusing on on-ice instruction, skill development, and coaching. He has taught at hockey schools worldwide for 25 years and has been coaching youth hockey for the past 18 years, with 13 of those at the AAA level. His coaching style has been influenced by NHL coaches and international hockey experts from Canada, the US, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. Doug Smail lives in Genesee CO. with his wife Wanda.
Ballard joins the RoughRiders from the Jackson Youth Moose program in Wyoming, where he served as Executive Hockey Director. Under his leadership, the program captured 19 Wyoming Amateur Hockey League State Championships over the past six seasons. His mentorship has helped players advance to AAA programs, prep schools, junior hockey, and collegiate hockey.
With over two decades of coaching experience, Ballard has coached more than 200 games in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), including 183 as a General Manager and Head Coach with the Fresno Monsters and Springfield Jr. Blues. His career also includes ownership, general management, and coaching roles at the Midget AAA, Junior B, and Tier III Junior A levels. He has developed players who have gone on to compete in the National Hockey League (NHL), minor professional leagues, and NCAA programs.
Ballard’s coaching background also includes five seasons with the University of Colorado Buffaloes ACHA DI team. In 2019, he was selected as an assistant coach for Team USA at the World University Games in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
In addition to his coaching success, Ballard has been heavily involved in player evaluation and development. He has worked with USA Hockey at the state, regional, district, and national levels and has scouted in the Western Hockey League (WHL), United States Hockey League (USHL), and NAHL. Most recently, he served as one of the Northern Plains District Directors and the Boys Player Development Director for the State of Wyoming.
Coach DePuydt started with the organization in 2012 and is currently the 15O Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the RoughRiders. He has coached at the High School, AAA, Junior A and NCAA level throughout his coaching career in Michigan, Minnesota and Colorado. He grew up playing hockey in Michigan and played NCAA hockey at Northern Michigan University.
Paul brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the game to his role as Director of Hockey Operations for the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders. With a lifelong dedication to the sport, Paul has established himself as a respected figure within the hockey community, known for his commitment to player development. Paul's journey in hockey began at an early age, where he honed his skills as a player before transitioning into coaching and administrative roles. Paul played Junior Hockey in the AFHL and played Division I for Northern Michigan from 1996-2000. Throughout his career, Paul has held various positions and coached all levels of Tier 1 Hockey and currently scouts for the USHL Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Prior to moving to Colorado in 2011, Paul coached NCAA Hockey which followed a 10-year career as a professional referee for the AHL, ECHL, CHL and the IIHF. His experiences helped him gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of team management, player recruitment and program development.
As Director of Hockey Operations, Paul oversees all facets of the hockey program, from player recruitment and development to team logistics and strategic planning. With a keen eye for talent and a deep understanding of the game, Paul plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of the organization.
In addition to his administrative duties, Paul is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where players can thrive both on and off the ice. He believes in the power of mentorship and strives to instill important values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance in all aspects of the program.
Paul's leadership extends beyond the rink as he actively engages with players, coaches, and parents to build strong relationships and foster a sense of communitywithin the organization. His approachable demeanor, coupled with his dedication to excellence, serves as an inspiration to all those around him.
Greg Vanover has been a full-time hockey coach since 2000, starting with the Alliance Youth Hockey Association in Dallas, Texas. He's now in his 23rd year of coaching. For the last seven years, he's been with the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, working as a Player Development and Program Director, Head Coach, and overseeing the Billeting program along with spring and summer programs. From 2004 to 2012, USA Hockey chose Greg as a Coach/Evaluator at their Rocky Mountain District Player Development Camps. He also served as a Coach/Evaluator for the USA Hockey 14U and 15U National Select Festivals between 2008 and 2012. Greg holds a Master's in Education with a specialization in Exercise Physiology. He's worked with the NHL's Dallas Stars Rookie Camp, assisting Strength and Conditioning Coach JJ McQueen. Greg has a Masters Level 5 Coaching Certification and has presented at the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program, focusing on Year-Round Off-Ice Conditioning for Level 4 coaches. In 2008, Greg moved to Colorado with his wife Allison to coach the 18U team for the Pikes Peak Miners Program, achieving significant success. Over eight years, he helped over 60 players progress to higher levels of junior hockey. Greg is known for his focus on player development and preparation for junior-level success. Greg, his wife Allison, their son Noah, and their Australian Shepherds, Bronco and Barrel, reside in Erie, Colorado. He is committed to his players' development, character, and accountability, continuing to support and mentor them beyond the hockey season.
Steve Quailer, from Colorado, started his hockey career with the Colorado Outlaws AAA team. He then played for the Sioux City Musketeers in the USHL for a season, leading in points, earning Rookie Of The Year, making the USHL All-Star Game, and being named to the USHL All-Rookie Team. Steve was drafted 86th overall in the third round by the Montreal Canadiens after his USHL season.He spent three years at Northeastern University in Boston, playing for the Huskies where he was voted Rookie Of The Year, made the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, served as a captain for three years, and was named MVP in his final season. Post-NCAA, Steve signed with the Montreal Canadiens and played in the American Hockey League for their affiliate in Hamilton, Ontario, and for the Los Angeles Kings affiliate in Manchester, New Hampshire. His playing career ended in the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads due to injuries.After retiring, Steve began coaching with the Metro State Roadrunners in the ACHA, leading them to two National Tournament appearances, four District Tournament appearances, two BMHC Regular Season Championships, two BMHC Playoff Championships, and was named Coach Of The Year in the 2018-2019 BMHC season. He then joined the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, starting as an assistant coach for the 16U team, then becoming Head Coach for the 15O team in 2021-2022, and the 16U team in 2022-2023, where they won the CAHA State playoffs. Steve is currently the 16U Head Coach for the RoughRiders and works in Athletic Development for Summit Academy Sports.
Timm Lorenz has 20+ years coaching experience. He is currently in his 7th season as the director of goaltending for the Boulder Hockey Club and his 15th year as the goaltending director for the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders. Prior to this, he gained experience as the goaltending director for Arvada Hockey Association for 9 years, 7 years with the Goaltender Development Institute (GDI), and many other coaching experiences including USA Hockey National Festivals, University of Denver (WCHA) and many other Junior A and Midget AAA teams around the country.