Our Team

Juan Carlos Otero
For over 30 years, Juan Carlos Otero has utilized his strategic vision, organizational expertise, and strong communication skills to lead the growth of Americhem Pharmaceutical’s operations across Central America and the Caribbean. As Director of Operations and Technical Manager, he has played a key role in securing vital manufacturer partnerships and expanding the company's regional presence.
For over 30 years, Juan Carlos Otero has utilized his strategic vision, organizational expertise, and strong communication skills to lead the growth of Americhem Pharmaceutical’s operations across Central America and the Caribbean. As Director of Operations and Technical Manager, he has played a key role in securing vital manufacturer partnerships and expanding the company's regional presence.
In 2014, Juan Carlos became the first General Manager of the University of Miami Men's Ice Hockey Club. Over eight years, he established the infrastructure needed for long-term success, implemented strategic growth plans, and built lasting relationships with top equipment manufacturers, rinks, coaches, and general managers across the U.S. He also served as a board member of the Southern Collegiate Hockey Conference (SCHC) from 2017 to 2021.
Motivated by a love for hockey and a deep connection to his Latino roots, Juan Carlos founded the Amerigol International Hockey Association in 2017. The association’s flagship event, the Amerigol Latam Cup, was created to give hockey players from Latin America and the Caribbean a platform to compete internationally and represent their heritage. Since its inception in 2018 with just five teams, the tournament has grown rapidly—welcoming 64 teams in 2025—and has expanded to include the Amerigol Spring Classic, held in collaboration with the Dallas Stars and Vegas Golden Knights, with full support from the NHL and NHLPA.
What began as a tournament for Latin American and Caribbean teams has evolved into a global celebration of the sport, now welcoming participants from non-traditional hockey markets around the world. The Latam Cup has become one of the most inclusive and culturally diverse hockey events in the world.
Juan Carlos’s vision to host the tournament in South Florida has helped introduce the sport to local Latin American and Caribbean communities while providing opportunities for Latino players in the U.S. and Canada to proudly represent their national teams.
In recognition of his tireless work to grow and diversify the sport, Juan Carlos was named a 2020 NHL Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award Semi-Finalist, and in the same year served on the NHL’s Youth Hockey Inclusion Committee, contributing to league-wide diversity and inclusion efforts.
In 2023, during Hispanic Heritage Month, Juan Carlos was honored by the Florida Panthers as part of their annual ‘Celebration of Hispanic Excellence’ series and recognized during the team’s ¡Vamos Gatos! Night—a tribute to impactful Hispanic leaders in the community.

DaleAnn Murphy
DaleAnn Murphy is a strategic development executive and founder of REEL Hockey League, an entertainment collective creating original hockey content and events. With a strong background in brand partnerships, she works with the NHL, and top brands like Discover, Draft Kings, Anheuser-Busch, Enterprise, Great Clips and more. DaleAnn excels at building relationships, negotiating high-value collaborations, and leveraging social media and industry connections to drive growth and engagement. She has a passion for hockey with a commitment to fostering expansion within the sport while building a network of support and resources to ensure athletes’ mental health wellness on and off the ice through her work with Last Save and the programs it supports.

Juan David Vinueza
Juan David Vinueza (Juanda), was born in Bogotá Colombia. He was 10 years old when he got his first pair of roller skates and it was at age 11 that he fell in love with the game of hockey. Not long after he started playing, one of his teammates ripped a clapper to the goalie who in that moment decided to quit; Juanda was eager to fill in for the goalie. “Since then, goaltending has become somewhat of an obsession”.
Juan David Vinueza (Juanda), was born in Bogotá Colombia. He was 10 years old when he got his first pair of roller skates and it was at age 11 that he fell in love with the game of hockey. Not long after he started playing, one of his teammates ripped a clapper to the goalie who in that moment decided to quit; Juanda was eager to fill in for the goalie. “Since then, goaltending has become somewhat of an obsession”.
After living and studying 10 years in beautiful South Florida, in 2011 Juanda returned to Colombia, where he got involved with the local programs and began training young goalies for his team.
In 2015, TheGoalie.One was born. “We just wanted to make sure that Goalies knew someone was looking out for them, playing goalie is difficult enough, then you add the pressure, discipline, athleticism and everything else it involves”.
During the last six years, Juanda has successfully run Goalie and player specific camps and clinics in different countries like Colombia, Argentina, Spain and the USA. “Working with Amerigol has been a dream, like Juan Carlos, I am a true believer in the talent that can come out of our communities with the right coaching and opportunities.”
Outside of hockey, Juanda is part owner of PMK Digital Learning, a company dedicated to corporate training. The company has been in the family for 30 years and Juanda runs the technology and innovation area, he is in charge of the digital transformation of the company and of its clients, managing projects that involve game development, software development and implementation.

Wayne Whitmore
Wayne Whitmore was born in Rochester, NY and grew up in a typical hockey family. Both his father and younger brother also played hockey. After high school Wayne enlisted in the Army Reserves and spent the next few years training and learning valuable leadership skills. In his early twenties he began coaching travel hockey in Rochester, and it didn't take long for Wayne to find his true passion. Growing the game of hockey.
Wayne Whitmore was born in Rochester, NY and grew up in a typical hockey family. Both his father and younger brother also played hockey. After high school Wayne enlisted in the Army Reserves and spent the next few years training and learning valuable leadership skills. In his early twenties he began coaching travel hockey in Rochester, and it didn't take long for Wayne to find his true passion. Growing the game of hockey.
On September 10th, 2010, Wayne moved to South Florida and immediately began coaching with the Florida Jr Panthers. He has worked with many travel hockey organizations throughout SAHOF and has helped coach hundreds of hockey players not only in Florida, but also all around the US and Canada. In 2013 Wayne was named the Head Coach of the University of Miami Club Hockey team. He coached the Hurricanes from 2013-2019. It was there where he met Juan Carlos Otero and the two began working together. First to grow college hockey at The U and then to grow hockey in South America.
On most nights Wayne can be found managing one of the top restaurants on Fort Lauderdale Beach. He also is on the Board of Directors for the Panthers Warriors. A veterans hockey organization that focuses on providing an alternative form of therapy for disabled veterans through playing hockey. Their members consist of military veterans from all branches of service and most of them are disabled veterans.
Wayne brings a strong marketing and communications background along with an unprecedented ability to connect with everyone he meets. Through his leadership Amerigol International will continue to grow and expand in South America and the Caribbean. "Hockey is a beautiful sport, and everyone deserves a chance to play the game." Wayne Whitmore.

Dr. Drew Smith
Dr. Drew Smith is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist, certified athletic trainer, and strength and conditioning specialist with a broad background in elite sports medicine. He has worked with professional and national-level athletes across sports including ice hockey, volleyball, rugby, and action sports, with organizations such as X Games, USA Beach Volleyball, San Diego Legion Rugby (MLR), San Diego Gulls Hockey Club (AHL), Amerigol LATAM Cup, Street League Skateboarding, and Team USA Rugby.
Dr. Drew Smith is a board-certified orthopedic physical therapist, certified athletic trainer, and strength and conditioning specialist with a broad background in elite sports medicine. He has worked with professional and national-level athletes across sports including ice hockey, volleyball, rugby, and action sports, with organizations such as X Games, USA Beach Volleyball, San Diego Legion Rugby (MLR), San Diego Gulls Hockey Club (AHL), Amerigol LATAM Cup, Street League Skateboarding, and Team USA Rugby.
He earned his Bachelors in Athletic Training and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami and completed an Orthopedic Residency at the University of Southern California. Drew is also a published researcher and national presenter, with work featured in the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease and JOSPT. As a clinical instructor and mentor, he contributes to the development of the next generation of physical therapists and athletic trainers. Whether on the ramps of the Summer X Games or at the ice rink, Drew is committed to helping athletes perform, recover, and thrive at the highest level.
He has been providing and organizing medical care for the athletes at the LATAM Cup since its inception, and is proud to be a (very) small part of the growth and expansion of ice hockey around the world.

Alyssa M. Otero
Alyssa Otero is a dedicated pre-law student at the University of Central Florida, graduating summa cum laude in July 2025 with a 3.98 GPA. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration, along with minors in Terrorism Studies and Crime, Law, and Deviance. Throughout her academic career, she earned recognition for her academic excellence, strong research abilities, and commitment to public service.
Alyssa Otero is a dedicated pre-law student at the University of Central Florida, graduating summa cum laude in July 2025 with a 3.98 GPA. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration, along with minors in Terrorism Studies and Crime, Law, and Deviance. Throughout her academic career, she earned recognition for her academic excellence, strong research abilities, and commitment to public service.
At UCF, Alyssa served as President and Treasurer of Global Advocates, where she led community-based initiatives and managed organizational operations. As a Moot Court Advocate, she placed 17th in the ACMA South Atlantic Regional Tournament and was awarded the Austyn White Memorial Advocacy Award for her leadership and teamwork.
In addition to her academic and advocacy work, Alyssa gained legal experience through an internship with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.
Starting as an Administrative Assistant in 2017, Alyssa was recently promoted to Senior Executive Assistant at Amerigol International Hockey Association, reflecting her continued growth and impact within the organization. In this role, she plays a key part in advancing the organization’s mission through high-level support, drafting official communications, and coordinating logistics for international tournaments. Her long-standing commitment has allowed her to develop strong professional skills in executive support, event coordination, and public relations, while contributing meaningfully to the growth of hockey across the Americas.

Sal Lucania
Salvatore Lucania , a native of South Florida, has dedicated his life to the sport of hockey, from his early playing days to his current role in officiating. Growing up in a region not typically recognized for hockey, Sal played at local out door roller hockey rinks before venturing to New York to further his hockey career. There, he played for multiple junior hockey programs which included New York Apple Core and the Hartford Wolf Pack. Transitioning from player to coach, Sal returned to South Florida, where he began coaching AAA youth hockey with the Florida Alliance. As the Director of Adult Hockey at his local arena, Sal remains an integral figure in the South Florida hockey community. His dedication to officiating has allowed him to give back to the sport, promoting the game and ensuring its growth.

Frank Fernandez
Frank Fernandez has been a PA Announcer/ Radio Producer in the South Florida market for the past decade. Began PA Announcing for the University of Miami Hurricanes Hockey Club in 2011 and since has been heard announcing for FIU Sports and the Miami Marlins. Aside from announcing, Frank spends his time producing “From Negative to Positive” with Pitbull on PodcastOne. You can also listen to Frank as he plays his role as Executive Producer for Slam Radio on Sirius XM 145 weekdays from 7am - 11am on Good Mornin’ Amigo.

Mike Simonetti
As the official photographer and videographer of the Florida Panthers IceDen, I’ve spent the past decade capturing the passion and energy of hockey and skating, both on and off the ice.
As the official photographer and videographer of the Florida Panthers IceDen, I’ve spent the past decade capturing the passion and energy of hockey and skating, both on and off the ice.
Over the years, I’ve produced content for organizations including Exposure Hockey, Super Series AAA, Florida Jr Panthers, Swaggy P, Coral Springs Jr Cats, Florida Panthers Warriors, Panthers Figure Skating Club, USA Hockey Girls Nationals, Florida Atlantic University, Miami Alkaline Water, Vanguard Hockey International, Florida Alliance, Florida Scholastic Hockey League, Swiftpix Real Estate, and Amerigol.
Beyond the camera, I also coach with the Florida Junior Panthers—combining my love for the game with a commitment to telling its story through creative media.

Matt Dorcinvil (aka DJ Auxetic)
Bringing the energy to the ice, DJ Auxetic is the official DJ for Amerigol, curating high-impact soundtracks that elevate the experience for players and fans alike. With over 7 years of experience as a live event DJ, he specializes in blending global hits, arena anthems, and crowd-hyping mixes that match the pulse of the game.
Bringing the energy to the ice, DJ Auxetic is the official DJ for Amerigol, curating high-impact soundtracks that elevate the experience for players and fans alike. With over 7 years of experience as a live event DJ, he specializes in blending global hits, arena anthems, and crowd-hyping mixes that match the pulse of the game.
Beyond music, Auxetic offers a full suite of creative services including photography, videography, and professional video editing & graphic design—capturing the moments that matter and turning them into standout visuals for promotional and digital use.
Whether it’s igniting the rink or producing unforgettable media, DJ Auxetic brings a sharp eye, skilled ear, and relentless passion to every event.