FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Suburban Sports Group has named Phil Osaer as Director of Athlete Development, bringing extensive experience and leadership to the role. Osaer will provide leadership and strategic direction for the Athlete Lab, the HoneyBaked Hockey Club and all athlete development initiatives, including the Athlete Academy and Suburban Hockey Schools.
A respected figure in elite hockey development, Osaer brings nearly two decades of high-level experience as a player, scout, and program leader. Most recently, he served as Head of Goaltending Scouting and Development for the Detroit Red Wings (2019-2025), where he was the driving force behind drafting HoneyBaked Hockey alum, Trey Augustine. He also worked with the Tampa Bay Lightning as a goaltending scout and spent three years as Manager of Goaltending for USA Hockey, where he created and directed national initiatives reaching over 20,000 youth goalies and managed a team of 40+ staff nationwide.
“We are thrilled to welcome Phil back to the Suburban Sports Group family as he previously served as the Director of Goaltending while playing pro hockey,” said Tom Anastos, CEO of Suburban Sports Group. “His commitment to athlete development, deep understanding of the game, vast contact network and leadership experience will elevate the programs we offer and inspire our athletes and coaches across all levels.”
Osaer grew up in Livonia, Michigan, and played his youth hockey in the Detroit area before moving on to his college career at Ferris State University under long-time coach Bob Daniels. He was drafted in the seventh round (203 overall) by the St. Louis Blues in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Osaer played five professional seasons in North America. He also played seven seasons in Europe.
Professionally, Osaer’s previous roles also include Director of Hockey Operations at Michigan State University and Assistant Coach with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL). As a former professional goaltender with a 12-year career, his unique perspective and player-first approach will be instrumental in guiding the evolution of Suburban’s development model.
“I’m honored to join Suburban Sports Group and help lead the next generation of athletes,” said Osaer. “This organization has a strong tradition of excellence, and I’m excited to build on that foundation through intentional, athlete-centered programming.”
Phil will be based out of Suburban Sports Group campus in Farmington Hills and will work closely with staff across all Suburban facilities to align player development, programming, coach education, and long-term development pathways.
About Suburban Sports Group:
Based in suburban Detroit, Suburban Sports Group (SSG) owns and operates a network of private and municipal ice arenas, training facilities, and the clubs and programs that call them home. SSG’s portfolio includes Suburban Ice-branded arenas, Suburban Arena Management, the Athlete Lab performance training center, the Athlete Academy for high school athletes, and Suburban Hockey Schools. It also supports a range of elite skating and hockey clubs, including the nationally recognized HoneyBaked Hockey Club. Founded in 1974, SSG is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
