Columbus Mavericks Hire Former NHL Defenseman and Olympian Fedor Tyutin as NCDC Assistant Coach

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio — May 15, 2026 — The Columbus Mavericks are making it clear that their entry into Tier 2 junior hockey is no quiet step forward. The organization announced today the hiring of Fedor Tyutin as assistant coach of the Mavericks' inaugural National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) team. Tyutin, a former second-round NHL Draft pick who skated in 872 NHL games across a professional career that spanned nearly two decades, will join Head Coach Kyle Althen on the Mavericks' NCDC bench when the team takes the ice for the first time in September 2026.

It is, by any measure, a significant addition — not just for the Columbus Mavericks, but for every player who will lace up in a Mavericks sweater this fall.

"I'm really excited for the opportunity to join the Columbus Mavericks organization," said Tyutin.

"Columbus has always been a great hockey city, and I'm looking forward to helping develop players and contributing to the Mavs' winning culture. Coaching is something I'm passionate about, and I'm grateful for the chance to work with Kyle, Joey, and the rest of the group. I can't wait to help the team continue to grow both on and off the ice."

A Career Defined by Excellence at Every Level

Born in Izhevsk, Russia, Tyutin was selected by the New York Rangers in the second round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Before crossing the Atlantic, he honed his game in the Russian Superleague with SKA Saint Petersburg and Ak Bars Kazan, then turned heads with one standout season of major junior hockey with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League — where he led all Storm defensemen in scoring and earned spots on both the OHL and CHL All-Rookie Teams.

His NHL career began in New York before he found his professional home in Columbus. Across stints with the Rangers, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Colorado Avalanche, Tyutin appeared in 872 regular season NHL games — a testament to the durability, compete level, and professionalism that defined his time as a player. During his years with the Blue Jackets — the longest tenure of his professional career — he became a cornerstone of the Columbus blue line and a respected veteran presence in the locker room at Nationwide Arena.

On the international stage, Tyutin represented Russia in three consecutive Olympic Games — Turin in 2006, Vancouver in 2010, and Sochi in 2014 — and captured a gold medal at the 2008 IIHF World Championship.

A Natural Fit Built on an Established Partnership

Tyutin's path to the Mavericks' bench is a natural one. Following his playing career, he transitioned into hockey operations with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization before moving into coaching with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets, where he served as an assistant coach under the same Kyle Althen who will now lead the Mavericks' NCDC program. The two have an established working relationship, and that continuity matters when building a brand-new staff from the ground up.

Mavericks President and General Manager Joey Recktenwald did not mince words about what Tyutin's hiring means for the organization — and for its players.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to bring Fedor in to our organization," said Recktenwald, "but even more excited for our players who will reap the rewards of learning from a terrific coach and person."

That player-first perspective is central to everything the Mavericks have built over eight seasons in the USPHL. When a player walks into the locker room at OhioHealth Chiller North this fall, they will have the opportunity to learn the game from someone who played it at the highest level — an 872-game NHL veteran who has competed on Olympic ice three times and knows what it takes to develop into a professional.

A New Chapter for the Mavericks

The Columbus Mavericks have spent seven seasons building a reputation as one of the more player-focused programs in the USPHL's Premier (Tier 3) division. The addition of an NCDC (Tier 2) team for 2026-27 is the most ambitious step in program history, and the Tyutin hiring signals that the organization intends to compete — and develop players — at the highest level the USPHL has to offer.

The Mavericks NCDC team is scheduled to begin play in September 2026. Full roster and schedule information will be announced in the coming months.

Players interested in earning a spot on the 2026-27 Mavericks NCDC roster should apply for the Columbus Mavericks Main Camp, taking place July 9–12 at OhioHealth Chiller North in Lewis Center, Ohio. Applications are available at www.columbusmavericks.com/event-details/columbus-mavericks-main-camp-2026.

For more information on the Columbus Mavericks and the NCDC program, visit www.columbusmavericks.com or contact the organization at info@columbusmavericks.com or (614) 304-1601.

About Fedor Tyutin

Fedor Tyutin is a former NHL defenseman who appeared in 872 regular season NHL games with the New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Colorado Avalanche following his selection in the second round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. A three-time Olympian representing Russia (2006, 2010, 2014) and 2008 IIHF World Championship gold medalist, Tyutin also played major junior hockey with the Guelph Storm of the OHL, where he earned OHL and CHL All-Rookie Team honors. He has previous coaching experience with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets. Fedor resides in Columbus with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.

About the Columbus Mavericks

The Columbus Mavericks are a proud member of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), entering their eighth season of competition in 2026-27. Based at OhioHealth Chiller North in Lewis Center, Ohio, the organization will field two teams this season — a USPHL Premier (Tier 3) squad and a new NCDC (Tier 2) team — continuing the program's mission of developing players on and off the ice and growing the game of hockey across Central Ohio.