Zach Lietz has been named the new head coach of the Lake Orion‑Oxford co‑op hockey team, taking the reins of a program that has recently enjoyed back‑to‑back D2 regional championships.
A Homecoming for a Young Coach
A native of Lake Orion, Lietz returned to Michigan in 2021 after stints playing and coaching elsewhere, and his appointment marks a full‑circle moment for a community that has watched his career evolve from high school standout to assistant at Rochester United.
During his three seasons with Rochester United, Lietz helped the club compile a 42‑14‑2 record and contributed to two regional championships, while also serving under head coach Tucker Penning, who praised his analytical approach and player development skills.
Lietz’s coaching résumé includes a stint at Detroit Compuware, where he worked directly with goaltenders to refine their technique, as well as a period assisting his brother Anthony at Farmington United, gaining hands‑on experience across multiple levels of youth hockey.
His playing background is equally diverse: he starred in both hockey and lacrosse at Farmington High before co‑founding Central Michigan’s Division III ACHA men’s program, an experience that gave him a deeper understanding of team dynamics and program building.
The new co‑op structure unites Oxford’s roster with Lake Orion’s tradition, a partnership that replaces the former North Oakland Eagles arrangement and promises a broader talent pool for the Dragons.
Lietz succeeds Nick Badder, whose 2016‑season guidance led Romeo to a Division 2 state championship, and he has already outlined a vision that emphasizes disciplined play, community engagement, and a sustainable pathway for young athletes.
“I’m thrilled to bring my experience back home and to help shape a program that can compete at the highest level,” Lietz said in a statement, adding that he hopes to leverage his network — including contacts at Central Michigan and Detroit Compuware — to benefit the Dragons.
Local officials and former teammates, such as Gordie Lietz, have expressed confidence that his leadership will continue the upward trajectory of Michigan’s high‑school hockey scene.