Kris Barnes, General Manager

Kris started at Novi Ice Arena as an assistant manager from 2004 to 2006. He served as the Facilities Manager at Stonebridge Golf Club in Ann Arbor, Mich., where he previously worked as an assistant golf course superintendent. He received his Masters in Sports Management from the University of Michigan in April 2003, after receiving his Bachelor of Sports Management & Communication from Michigan in December of 2001. During his time at Michigan, Kris interned at the university’s Yost Ice Arena and Michigan Stadium, where he was responsible for such things as event management, game-day operations, facility operations and ice maintenance. Barnes returned to Novi Ice Arena as general manager in October of 2006. He currently resides in Livonia with his wife Erin, daughter, Adelynn and son Koen.

Nate Putek, Assistant Manager

Nate played junior hockey with Belle Tire Jr. A of the Continental Elite Hockey League. While with Belle Tire, he won the Commissioner's Cup in 2003. He spent two years as an instructor for Turcotte Stickhandling Schools. Nate attended Eastern Michigan University where he played with the Eagles of the American Collegiate Hockey Association for three years (2003-2005), then returned as an Assistant Coach for 2008-2009 season. In addition to his time behind the bench with Eastern Michigan, he has spent time coaching teams at all levels, including the 21st Century Sabres Midget AA, Lincoln Park High School Varsity Boys Hockey team, the Dearborn Brand '94 AAA team, and the '96 and '97 teams for the Honeybaked AAA Hockey Club. Currently an instructor with Suburban Hockey Schools, Nate has worked at the Novi Ice Arena and Suburban Sports Services since 2004. He resides in Lincoln Park.

Micki Freier, Skating Director

Micki has been skating for over 30 years and is a PSA member. She is a gold test medalist in Freestyle and figures. She competed at the national and international levels and was a three-time regional gold medalist as well as a Midwestern Gold medalist.  She was a principal soloist for Disney on Ice European Tour. Micki has taught children from beginners to the national level for over 20 years and has been the skating director at Novi Ice Arena since 2005. She currently resides in Westland with her husband Steven and three children, Erin, Alison and Logan. 

Charles McMillan, Facility Supervisor

Lauren Johnson, Program Administrator

Lauren graduated from the University of Michigan in December 2006 with a bachelor's degree in Sport Management and Communication. During her time at Michigan, Lauren completed an internship in Facility and Event Management at Yost Ice Arena and later served as a communications intern with the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. She spent three seasons in the media relations department with the WNBA's Detroit Shock. Lauren has also written for Inside Hockey and Michigan Hockey magazines. She lives in South Lyon.