Ladislav Kohn will step down as Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s head hockey coach at the end of the 2021-22 season, effective April 6, 2022.

Kohn served as the head coach of the Eagles for the past two seasons and recently led the team to a first-place finish in the American Ducks High School Hockey League.

“We appreciate the time given to the teams, especially the athletes, as he helped the program navigate the past two seasons during these unprecedented times,” said SMCHS assistant principal of campus life Sammer Darwazeh.

Additionally, SMCHS has announced that Kristopher Badame, who has been involved with the SMCHS hockey program for the past five seasons, has been named the general manager and director of hockey operations.

Badame (pictured) will lead the search for the next head coach of the Eagles, a storied program looking to continue its success at the national level.

“We are excited that Kris is joining SMCHS in this role,” Darwazeh said. “He has been an asset to the program during previous national title runs, and he knows what it takes for our Eagle athletes to be successful in the classroom and at the national level on the ice.”

Badame has coached in Southern California for over 15 years at both the AAA and AA levels for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, Los Angeles Jr. Kings, and LA Hockey Club as both a head coach and assistant coach. He also has an extensive playing career in youth, high school, and college. His playing knowledge at many levels will help attract new athletes, support current players, and prepare athletes to play at the next level.

Away from the rink, Badame is a father, husband, and founder of Badame Law Group APC.

(March 8, 2022)