Colorado Thunderbirds Announce Elite Coaching Slate and Specialized Performance Staff for 2026-2027 Season

DENVER, CO — The Colorado Thunderbirds, the region’s premier Tier 1 AAA hockey organization, are proud to announce their head coaching lineup and the addition of world-class specialized staff for the 2026-2027 season. This year’s line up of Coaches includes an incredible combination of deep playing experience at the highest levels as well as extensive youth and junior coaching experience! Registration for the upcoming tryout season is now officially open.

2026-2027 Head Coaching Staff

• 13O – Duvie Westcott: A former NHL defenseman with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Westcott enjoyed a professional career spanning over 15 years in the NHL, AHL, KHL, and Europe. A Spengler Cup champion and KHL All-Star, Westcott specializes in instilling professional-grade game habits in young athletes.
• 14U – James Angelicola: Bringing extensive experience from the Colorado hockey community, Angelicola is a former NCAA player (New England College) and professional. Renowned for his technical approach to the “Bantam transition,” he focuses on skill development and the “100% mentality” required to succeed at the Tier 1 level in preparing players for midget hockey.
• 15O – Michael Davies: A standout University of Denver (DU) Pioneer and 2017 National Champion, Davies led the NCAA in plus/minus during his championship season. Following a professional career in the ECHL, he brings elite defensive insights and a championship pedigree to the 15O program, focusing on high-tempo modern play.
• 16U – Ryan Seavy: A Denver native and former NCAA DIII and NAHL defenseman and NAHL coach, Seavy has a deep history with Colorado hockey. With extensive coaching experience at the AAA level, he has a proven track record of preparing players for the rigors of the USHL and NAHL through player development, discipline and mental toughness.
• 18U – Adam Shaner: Shaner leads the 18U program with a primary focus on the next step. A Colorado native with experience as a WHL scout, he works closely with players to refine their game for the Junior level, actively helping athletes navigate the scouting process and secure placements on Junior rosters across North America.

Elite Performance & Skills Development

To further distinguish the Thunderbird development model, the program is excited to announce two key staff appointments:

• Skills Coach Peter Mueller: As the 8th overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft and a veteran of the Phoenix Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche, Mueller brings “pro-sector” technical training to the organization. His curriculum focuses on elite shooting, puck protection, and the high-level playmaking skills seen at the NHL level.
• Cognitive Performance Coach Aaron Volpatti: A former NHL forward and Brown University graduate (B.Sc. Human Biology), Volpatti is a pioneer in visualization and performance mindset. He will work with Thunderbird players to develop “true grit” and the cognitive performance required to overcome adversity and perform under pressure.
• Goaltending Coach Sergei Liulchuk: Born in Ukraine, Liulchuk played professionally in the ECHL and Sweden and represented the Ukrainian National Team in 2017. He holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education and Sport and served as the Ukrainian National Team Goalie Coach in 2021. Liulchuk is certified in both Sweden and the USA and has worked alongside renowned goalie coaches, emphasizing a blend of technical skill, tactical awareness, and mental fortitude.
• Skating Coach Jordan Pietrus: Currently in his fourth year with the Thunderbirds, Jordan has served as a Head and Assistant Coach as well as the Director. A graduate of Brown University, Jordan also holds an MBA from Coventry University. His hockey background includes a successful nine-year professional career and earning the 2010 NCAA Derek Hines Unsung Hero Award. A teacher at heart, Pietrus also previously lectured at Coventry University and has a passion for player development. Jordan will focus on helping players become more dynamic and efficient skaters.
• Head of Sports Performance Casey Bond: As the former Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Avalanche, Stanley Cup Champion Casey Bond has built an impressive legacy of transforming athletes into champions. His innovative approach to strength and conditioning—blending cutting-edge technology, nutrition, and injury prevention techniques—has set the gold standard for performance training in professional sports. His 2015 NSCA Professional Strength Coach of the Year award further highlights his profound impact in the field.

Parent Information Sessions

Families are encouraged to attend these sessions to meet the staff and hear about the program’s vision for the upcoming season.

Date: Monday, March =16th

Location: GOOGLE MEET (Click Age Group to Join Meeting)

Level	Time
Bantams (13O & 14U)	6:00 PM
Midgets (15O, 16U, & 18U)	6:30 PM

Tryout Registration Now Open

The Colorado Thunderbirds invite all elite-level players to compete for a spot in one of the most respected programs in the United States.

Secure your spot at https://tbirdhockey.org/season-tryouts/