Suburban Sports Group in Farmington Hills has named Phil Osaer as director of athlete development, bringing experience and leadership to the role.
Osaer is expected to provide leadership and strategic direction for the Athlete Lab, the HoneyBaked Hockey Club, and all athlete development initiatives, including the Athlete Academy and Suburban Hockey Schools.
A respected figure in elite hockey development, Osaer brings nearly two decades of high-level experience as a player, scout, and program leader. Most recently, he served as head of goaltending scouting and development for the Detroit Red Wings (2019-2025), where he was the force behind drafting HoneyBaked Hockey alum Trey Augustine. He also worked with the Tampa Bay Lightning as a goaltending scout and spent three years as manager of goaltending for USA Hockey, where he created and directed national initiatives reaching more than 20,000 youth goalies and managed a team of 40-plus staff nationwide.
“We are thrilled to welcome Phil back to the Suburban Sports Group family as he previously served as the director of goaltending while playing pro hockey,” says Tom Anastos, CEO of Suburban Sports Group. “His commitment to athlete development, deep understanding of the game, vast contact network and leadership experience will elevate the programs we offer and inspire our athletes and coaches across all levels.”
Osaer grew up in Livonia and played youth hockey in the Detroit area before moving on to Ferris State University under long-time coach Bob Daniels. He was drafted in the seventh round (203 overall) by the St. Louis Blues in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Osaer played five professional seasons in North America. He also played seven seasons in Europe.
Professionally, Osaer’s previous roles also include director of hockey operations at Michigan State University and assistant coach with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (USHL). As a former professional goaltender with a 12-year career, his perspective and player-first approach is expected to be instrumental in guiding the evolution of Suburban’s development model.
“I’m honored to join Suburban Sports Group and help lead the next generation of athletes,” says Osaer. “This organization has a strong tradition of excellence, and I’m excited to build on that foundation through intentional, athlete-centered programming.”
He will be based out of Suburban Sports Group campus in Farmington Hills and will work closely with staff across all Suburban facilities to align player development, programming, coach education, and long-term development pathways.
