Coaches

Born and raised in St. Louis, Mark spent his youth embedded in St. Louis hockey. He grew up a Meramec Shark where at the age of 9 made the switch from forward to goalie. From there, he would enjoy various levels of success playing with the AAA Blues, St. Louis Jr. Blues and at various USNTD camps. Most of this while also playing for Fox High School in the mid-states league. After junior hockey, Mark played a couple seasons with the Missouri River Otters of the UHL before signing at Lindenwood University for their inaugural ice hockey program. During his 2 years at Lindenwood he was a 1st Team All American and ACHA Player of the Year in 2005. That same year, Mark was honored to represent the USA at the World University Games, a collegiate Olympic tournament in Innsbruck, Austria where his team would finish 4th and he would be recognized as one of the top goaltenders at the tournament. After graduation, Mark was retained at Lindenwood in a coaching role where he would help take the program to 2 national championships during his 6 years. Mark enjoys coaching and sharing his knowledge of the game with today’s young players. Growing up he spent many years instructing at numerous goaltending camps around the area and eventually became a goaltending consultant for USA hockey while also at Lindenwood. Since then he has coached high school hockey in St. Louis and most recently was involved in the St. Peters organization for many years before taking some time off to coach his daughter’s soccer teams. Now, Mark looks forward to getting back on the ice and is excited to be a part of the Liberty Hockey Club.

Mike Winkler

Assistant Coach – Varsity Team

Born in St. Louis, MO, Mike played youth hockey for the Creve Coeur Comets from mini mite through bantam. He then played four years at Pattonville High School in the mid-states league followed by four years at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in the ACHA. He has coached, and continues to coach, various levels in the St. Peter’s organization from 6u through bantam along with spring Sting teams. Mike’s coaching philosophy involves skill development, accountability, and continuous growth in a team setting.

Eric Larkin

Head Coach - JV Team

Born and raised in St. Peters, Missouri, Eric Larkin's passion for the game began on the ice with the St. Peters Ice Hockey Club and Fort Zumwalt South. With a playing career spanning nearly three decades, Eric has dedicated the past 14 years to coaching, continuously refining his approach to athletic development at various levels.

Beyond the rink, Eric's commitment to giving back was profoundly shaped by his own life-altering experience with brain surgery following a period of unexplained seizures. This personal challenge gave him a unique perspective and a deep empathy, allowing him to connect with and motivate young athletes on a profound level. He is a dedicated member of the Hockey Heals Organization, where he focuses on helping fellow St. Louis-area hockey players recover from traumatic injuries.

Eric's coaching philosophy extends beyond skills, emphasizing the critical importance of sportsmanship, overall character, and determination. His past experiences allow him to easily connect with his athletes, pushing them to achieve their fullest potential both on and off the ice. Eric is thrilled to bring his experience and passion to the Liberty family as a JV Coach and is ready to contribute to the continued growth of the local hockey community.

Zach Chandler

Assistant Coach – JV Team

Zach began playing organized hockey, as a defenseman, for the St. Peter’s Hockey Club from 6U up through bantam. After his time with St. Peter’s, he joined the Timberland Hockey Club team for two seasons before Liberty would eventually form their own club. He would go on to play each inaugural season for Liberty as the program grew, B team through Varsity. In his senior season, and the club’s first Varsity season, Zach played an integral part as Liberty went on to win the Founder’s Cup Championship. Currently, Zach is a student at Lindenwood University seeking a degree in sports management and began coaching in the 2025 B season for Liberty. He is looking forward to continuing his coaching career and developing players with Liberty.

Charlie Jones

Assistant Coach – B Team

Charlie began coaching as a junior at Francis Howell North High School. Sidelined with a medical issue, he focused his attention on coaching the other goalies on his team. After graduation, he continued working with the Francis Howell North Knights varsity goaltenders until the club folded in 2022. Charlie is on staff with the Winterland Instructional Program, where he coaches goalies and skaters at all ages and skill levels from 6u-Adults. He is also an assistant coach with the St. Louis Rockets. Charlie has been a goalie for 13 years. A long-time student of Racine Goalie Academy, Charlie was both an attendee and counselor for Mitch Korn’s Goalie Camp. He is an USA Hockey Level 3 Coach.