Our leadership at Northstar Christian Academy are committed to our foundation in Christ.

Athletic Staff

Our hockey staff has extensive experience coaching at the professional, collegiate, junior and youth hockey levels. Each member has been hand selected because of their knowledge, expertise and commitment to fulfilling the mission and purpose of Northstar Christian Academy. Each staff member brings unique gifts and experiences as well as a commitment to invest in each and every player at the deepest level possible.

Dallas Steward

Executive Director, Head Coach 16U AAA

Dallas Steward enters his fifth season with the Knights Program as the Executive Director and the 16U AAA Head Coach. He joined the Knights after spending four seasons as an Assistant Coach at Michigan Tech University (NCAA Division I).

Prior to his time at Michigan Tech, Steward served as Associate Head Coach of the Chicago Steel (USHL) for two seasons, helping lead the team to a Clark Cup Championship in 2016–17. He also spent four seasons with the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) as Assistant Coach and Director of Scouting, winning the Clark Cup Championship in 2014–15. In addition, Steward was selected to serve as an Assistant Coach for Team USA at the 2015 World Jr. A Challenge, where the team earned a bronze medal.

Before transitioning behind the bench, Steward played four years at the University of Alaska Anchorage (NCAA Division I) from 2000–2004, followed by six seasons of professional hockey in the ECHL and CHL.

Mark Bassen

Skating Coach, Ministry & Discipleship

Mark Bassen is entering his 2nd season with the Northstar Knights. Born into a hockey family in Calgary, Canada, Mark followed in the footsteps of his father Hank, and brother Bob who both played in the NHL. Beginning his hockey journey, he played 2 years junior in the WHL signing his first Pro contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. He then embarked on a 12-year professional career within the AHL, IHL, Canadian National Team, and Germany’s DEL. After retiring he went to Bible school at Lincoln Christian College in Illinois. He then founded and served as pastor of Crosswalk Chapel in Pekin, Illinois for 20 fulfilling years. Within the last 5 years Mark’s family moved to Germany and worked professionally inside hockey around Scheveningen of the DEL. While there, he received international experience coaching levels of junior and U17 hockey teams. Over the last 30 years Mark has coached hockey at every level from Mite to Junior specializing in skating and edge work. Mark’s amazing family include his wife, Laura and their 5 children Boaz, Alex, Bailey, Charlie, and Emma with their Golden retriever Hank.



Zach Steffens

Head Strength and Conditioning Coach

Zach Steffens enters his first season at Northstar Christian Academy as the Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He oversees all aspects of off-ice training, ensuring players are prepared physically for the demands of the season while building habits that support long-term development.

Steffens comes to Northstar after three years at Queens University (Charlotte, NC), where he served as an Assistant Sports Performance Coach. Prior to his time at Queens, he worked as a Sports Performance Coach Specialist with Novant Health for two years, training athletes across multiple sports.

A native of Apex, North Carolina, Steffens earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2021 before completing his Master’s at Queens University in 2024. He is also a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Jim Depaolo

16U Assistant Coach and Assistant Hockey Ops

Jim DePaolo enters his first season with Northstar Christian Academy as the 16U Assistant Coach and Assistant Hockey Operations.

DePaolo spent 13  seasons as the Head Coach at Dallas Baptist University (2013–2025), where he helped build and lead the Patriots’ ACHA hockey program. In addition to his coaching career, he brings a strong professional background in Human Resources, having served as a Senior HR Representative and as an HR Strategic Project Manager.

A lifelong learner, DePaolo earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Management from Park University in Parkville, MO, before completing both a Master of Management in Human Resources and a Master of Business Administration in Conflict Resolution from Dallas Baptist University.

With his unique blend of coaching experience, leadership skills, and academic training, DePaolo invests in the Knights’ players by helping them develop as athletes and as individuals of character.

Rylan Galiardi

Hockey Director, Head Coach 18U Prep

Galiardi is entering his 6th season here at Northstar following a four year stint with Sioux Falls in the USHL, winning the Clark Cup Championship in 2018-19. A 2010 graduate of Minnesota State – Mankato, he was captain his senior year and named MSU Athlete of the Year. He spent time playing in the AHL, ECHL, and the EIHL in Great Britain, winning an ECHL Kelly Cup in his rookie year. He got his coaching career started as the head coach with the Southern Tier Xpress in the NA3HL in 2014, and then as head coach one year with the Sioux Falls Jr. Stampede 18U AAA team. Rylan plans to invest in every individual by loving, caring and serving them with enthusiasm, in helping prepare them to become better men of character and integrity in the next stage of their lives.

Joe Cullen

18U Associate Coach

Cullen is entering his 3rd season with the Northstar, bringing a wealth of experience to the Knights. Prior to Northstar, he was the Head Coach at Gentry Academy in Minnesota for 5 consecutive seasons, winning a Minnesota State High School Championship in 2021. Before transitioning into coaching, Cullen had an extensive playing career, accumulating over 400 points scored in 500+ pro games played. He began his hockey career at Moorhead High School where he was recruited to play for the National Team Development Program. Cullen then played collegiately for 4 seasons at Colorado College where his team made 3 NCAA tournament appearances, winning 1 WCHA Championship where he was named “defensive player of the year” in the WCHA 2002-03 season. His abilities led him to being drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2000 NHL Draft. Professionally, Cullen carved out an 11 year playing career making stops in the United States, Canada, Germany, Italy and Scotland before he retired in 2014. 

Pete Samargia

Goaltending Coach

Pete Samargia enters his sixth season with Northstar Christian Academy as the Knights’ Goaltending Coach. A native of Eveleth, Minnesota, Samargia is no stranger to the state’s hockey community, having both played and coached extensively in the area. He competed collegiately at Augsburg College and later coached at Augsburg, Wayzata High School, Mound-Westonka High School, Totino-Grace High School, and Orono High School.

Samargia’s coaching résumé also includes extensive experience at the junior level, serving as the Goaltending Coach for the St. Cloud Norsemen in the NAHL and the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL. Most recently, he has worked as the Goaltending Coach for the Minnesota Frost of the NWHL, helping guide the team to a championship in the 2024–25 season.

Samargia is also the founder of Attitude Goaltending, a Minnesota-based program focused on building strong fundamentals, mental toughness, and confidence in goaltenders of all ages. He continues to invest in the next generation of goaltenders, preparing them to succeed both on the ice and in life.

Duane Malo

Certified Athletic Trainer
Heartland Orthopedics

Bio to come

Johnny Van Atta

Hockey Operations Advisor

Johnny Van Atta enters his fourth season associated with the Knights. From 2021–2024, he served as the Knights’ Director of Hockey Operations and Media Relations before joining the Norfolk Admirals (ECHL) as their Video Coach for the 2024–25 season, where he helped the team advance to the Division Finals.

This year, Van Atta returns to Northstar in an advisory capacity, supporting hockey operations and media initiatives while residing in Nashville, Tennessee. His experience in both amateur and professional hockey provides valuable perspective to the Knights’ staff and players.

Academic Staff

Our Academic staff has been selected because of their passion and dedication to our pillar of “Academic Advancement”. Each Advisor and Administrator is focused on helping each player reach their highest potential in the classroom while holding them accountable to the highest standard possible.

Ashley Mickelson

Head of School

Ashley Mickelson enters her first year at Northstar and brings over 15 years of experience in education, including roles as an Instructional Coach, classroom teacher, and Adjunct Professor of Education. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Valley City State University and completed graduate studies in Curriculum and Instruction at Grand Canyon University. Ashley is passionate about building strong relationships and fostering both academic excellence and spiritual growth at Northstar. She and her husband, Luke, have been married for 18 years and live on a small hobby farm with their two sons, Truett (17) and Sawyer (15).

Jen Halvorson

Academic Advisor

Bio to come.

Bailey Bassen

Academic Advisor

Bailey enters her 2nd year at Northstar as an Academic Advisor. In her position, she upholds Northstar’s academic standards in the classroom and provides individualized support to student-athletes as they balance rigorous coursework with the demands of hockey. Bailey works closely with students to build strong study habits, monitor progress, and foster a commitment to excellence both academically and personally. With a passion for guiding young student-athletes, she plays an integral role in helping students grow in character and prepare for future success in the classroom, on the ice, and in life.

Rink and Support Staff

Our Rink and Support Staff consistently bring commitment and excellence in their service to the Northstar Knights and the Northstar Sports Complex. Each member plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, professional, and welcoming environment, ensuring that our facilities operate at the highest standard. Through their dedication, they not only support the daily needs of our players and coaches but also elevate the overall experience for everyone who steps through our doors.

Eric Mages

Facilities Director

Eric Mages is in his third year as Facilities Director for the Northstar Sports Complex. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he oversees daily operations, staff, programming, ice quality, and the upkeep of the grounds and equipment, ensuring the facility remains well-maintained and profitable.

Mages holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and is a certified Product Management Professional. He also carries IMEO (Ice Maintenance and Equipment Operation) certification, equipping him with both the business and technical expertise to manage the complex at a high standard.

Alicia VanderMartin

Admin Assistant & Billet Admin

Alicia VanderMartin enters her third season with the Knights, serving as the program’s Administrative Assistant. In this role, she provides staff support, helps organize events, and oversees the billet program. Often described as the glue that holds the staff together, Alicia’s organizational skills and servant-hearted approach make her an integral part of the Northstar team.

A longtime resident of Alexandria, Alicia has called the community home for more than 30 years. Her deep roots in the area and her commitment to serving others make her a valued presence within the Knights organization and the Alexandria community.

Aly Bisset

Social Media Specialist & Merchandise Manager

Aly Bisset enters her first official season with Northstar Christian Academy, though she is no stranger to the program. Born and raised in Aliso Viejo, California, Aly and her family moved to Alexandria in 2022 when her older brother, William, enrolled at Northstar. From the beginning, she demonstrated a servant’s heart, often assisting with home game operations and supporting the program in a variety of ways.

This year, Aly steps into an expanded role as Volunteer Coordinator, Merchandise Manager, and Social Media Specialist. In these positions, she brings energy, creativity, and a willingness to serve, using her gifts to support the Knights both behind the scenes and in the public eye.