Updated Press Release: Colorado Thunderbirds 2026-2027 Season Prospectus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Colorado Thunderbirds Unveil 2026-2027 Season Prospectus, Highlighting Elite Development and World-Class Facilities
DENVER, CO — The Colorado Thunderbirds are proud to announce the release of their official season prospectus for the 2026-2027 season, marking the organization’s 19th year of Tier I hockey excellence. As a proud member of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL), the Thunderbirds provide a holistic development experience designed to elevate elite athletes to the junior, collegiate, and professional levels.
Under the leadership of Hockey Director Jordan Pietrus, the organization remains committed to a central mission: finding every possible way to help players improve. This commitment is anchored by four cultural pillars: Integrity, Family, Resilience, and Compete.
VIEW THE FULL SEASON PROSPECTUS HERE
World-Class Infrastructure: “The Hangar”
Athletes for the 2026-2027 season will train at Big Bear Ice Arena, known as “The Hangar”. This facility features:
- The Performance Den: A state-of-the-art indoor training facility equipped with squat racks, platforms, a 40-yard turf run, and dedicated recovery zones.
- Elite Locker Rooms: Five brand-new, custom locker rooms designed to replicate professional performance environments.
- The #TBirdFamily Lounge: A 2,500 sq. ft. private space for families and players to connect, featuring study areas and refreshments.
Elite Performance & Specialized Staff
A cornerstone of the 2026-2027 season is the “360 Degree Development Approach,” which integrates technical skills with comprehensive physical and mental care. The Thunderbirds have assembled a premier performance team to guide this mission:
- Sports Performance: Casey Bond
- Skills Coach: Peter Mueller
- Skating Coach: Jordan Pietrus
- Goalie Development: Sergey Liulchuk
- Cognitive Performance Coach: Aaron Volpatti
- Physical Therapist: Wes Riggs
- Sports Orthopedic MD: Justin Newman
- Concussion Specialist: Alison Datoc
A Legacy of Advancement
The Thunderbirds’ head coaching lineup for the upcoming season includes:
- 18U AAA: Adam Shaner
- 16U AAA: Ryan Seavy (also serving as Assistant Director)
- 15O AAA: Mike Davies
- 14U AAA: James Angelicola
- 13O AAA: Duvie Westcott
See our full staff HERE
This elite instruction has fueled a storied history of player promotion, including 30 NHL alumni and 132 NCAA Division I alumni. Notable alumni include Jaccob Slavin (Carolina Hurricanes), Seth Jones (Florida Panthers), and Troy Terry (Anaheim Ducks).
For more information on the Colorado Thunderbirds or to view the full 2026-2027 Prospectus, please visit TBIRDHOCKEY.ORG.
About the Colorado Thunderbirds: Founded by Angelo Ricci, the Colorado Thunderbirds are a Tier I (AAA) youth hockey organization based in Denver, Colorado. The program is dedicated to maximizing player development and advancement through a culture of character and sportsmanship.