Staff

Pier Martin joins Ostrava as Head Coach and GM, bringing a wealth of experience from university, international, and youth program levels. Known for his balanced approach that blends structure, creativity, and connection, Pier has built a reputation as a coach who develops both players and people.

Pier’s coaching journey includes time with both the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton University Ravens within Canada’s U Sports system - two programs recognized for their commitment to developing elite student-athletes. In these roles, he helped guide players through the transition from junior to university hockey, focusing on tactical awareness, leadership growth, and academic balance. Internationally, Pier has also worked with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on player and program development initiatives, gaining valuable experience collaborating across cultures and coaching philosophies. Most recently, he contributed to SCC Adler Berlin’s high-performance youth program emphasizing skill development, hockey IQ, and long-term player progression.

Off the ice, Pier brings over two decades of experience leading high-performing teams in business and technology. His professional background in leadership, analytics, and strategic decision-making directly informs his coaching, combining data-driven insight with a deep understanding of human performance and motivation.

With a leadership style defined by clarity, creativity, and character, Pier aims to build a culture in Ostrava that challenges players to grow, compete with purpose, and take pride in representing something bigger than themselves.

Zac Pearson was born in White Lake, Mi and now resides in Decatur where he lives with his wife Rachel Pearson of 9 years and three kids ( All girls, Lyla-13, Emery-6, and Meelah-4).  Zac has 30 years of hockey experience in a variety of leagues. Zac grew up playing AAA in Detroit for Little Caesars, where he then left for the USHL Cedar Rapids Roughriders. After one year in the USHL Zac went to get a Division 1 scholarship to Ferris State University in the CCHA where he played four years on the varsity program and received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Zac went on to play 6 years of pro hockey in various leagues. After 6 years of playing professionally Zac received an opportunity to coach, which he gladly accepted. Zac Coached Junior A and also in the professional ranks of the CHL and the SPHL, where to this day he is the only player, Head Coach, and Asst. Coach in the SPHL all in the same season. 

Zac is now the owner of the Decatur Blaze of the USPHL 18U AAA team, where he also coaches. Zac’s vast network and knowledge has allowed him to help many kids improve their hockey skills and get to the next level in their playing careers. Coach Pearson has been coaching the Blaze for the past 13 seasons.  Zac also is the Owner of European Hockey Tours and Pearson Sports Agency and Founding Member of EUCHL and Founder of Ostrava Steelhawks.