Eddie Matsushima

Eddie has been coaching since he was 16 years old, working with players at every stage of the game — from learn‑to‑skate athletes taking their first strides to professional players preparing for the demands of a full season. His coaching experience spans both on‑ice development and off‑ice performance, giving him a complete understanding of what it takes to build a stronger, faster, more durable hockey player.

For the past four summers, Eddie has been a core part of Best Shift Hockey & Training, coaching on the ice, leading gym sessions, and running skill‑development work inside the facility. His energy, passion, and love for the game show up every single day — no matter the age, level, or experience of the athlete in front of him. He believes that great coaching is about connection, effort, and raising the standard for every player he works with.

As a player, Eddie brings a deep résumé of high‑level experience. He competed in the NAHL, played four years of NCAA Division III hockey at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, and went on to win an SPHL Championship with the Pensacola Ice Flyers. He has played in the ECHL with the Tulsa Oilers, the Orlando Sole Bears, the Maine Mariners, the Worcester Railers and the Bloomington Bison — where he just completed his most recent season and 7th year pro — and has also appeared in AHL games with the San Diego Gulls.

Eddie’s coaching philosophy is simple: bring energy, bring detail, and bring genuine care for the athlete. Whether he’s working with a young player learning edges or a pro sharpening their game, his goal is always the same — help them take the next step and love the process of getting better.