Coaching Staff
Coach
Joseph Castle
Professional Skill Development Coach • SMWW Pro Scout
A lifelong hockey player who moved directly into full-time player development, Joe has spent the past decade as a professional hockey skills coach and development specialist in Western New York.
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Director of Player Development, NewEdge Hockey Development Academy
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Owner, Great Lakes Hockey Performance
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Professional Scout, Sports Management Worldwide (worked alongside NHL, OHL, USHL general managers)
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Former AAA coach with the Buffalo Regals and Southtowns Stars
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Extensive experience training players from youth through professional levels
Certifications & Education
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USA Hockey Level 4
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NHL Coaches Association Mentorship
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SMWW Hockey Scouting Certified
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AK Hockey Skating Coach Certified
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Power Edge Pro Skills Certified
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Hockey Canada Respect in Sport
Joe’s work is driven by constant research and implementation of evidence-based development methods, blending on-ice skill development, video analysis, cognitive training, and performance technology.
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Dan Costa
Professional Background
Coach Dan Costa brings a wealth of hockey knowledge and passion to our youth program, drawing from his own playing days and years of hands-on coaching experience. A lifelong hockey enthusiast, Dan played travel hockey through high school, where he developed a deep appreciation for the game's fundamentals, teamwork, and competitive spirit.
He transitioned to coaching early on, serving as an assistant coach at Lew-Port High School for four seasons. There, he helped guide high school athletes, focusing on skill development, discipline, and building strong team dynamics.For the past five years, Dan has been a dedicated youth coach in the Buffalo Bisons program, working closely with young players to instill confidence, sportsmanship, and a love for the game.
His commitment to player growth has made a lasting impact on countless kids in the Buffalo area. Dan currently holds a Level 3 coaching certification from USA Hockey, reflecting his ongoing education and adherence to the highest standards in youth hockey instruction. This certification equips him with advanced knowledge in areas like age-appropriate coaching techniques, player safety, and effective practice planning.
Coach Costa is known for his positive approach, clear communication, and genuine care for each player's development—both on and off the ice. We're thrilled to have him as part of our coaching staff, helping our young athletes reach their full potential while creating fun, memorable experiences in hockey.​
Asst. Coaches TBA
Goaltender Coach TBA
Culture & Communication
Competitive. Positive. High-Standard. Respectful.
Bench & Game Environment
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no screaming from the bench during play — game time is for players to read, react, and execute
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calm, clear communication with players and officials
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players are taught to think the game, not just “work harder”
Off-Ice & Communication
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monthly 1-on-1 player progress conversations
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regular parent communication and availability for questions
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clear expectations about roles, development focus, and team standards
Players should love coming to the rink while learning how to compete the right way.
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CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP
We want to develop better players and better people.
Examples of how we build that:
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potential “big brother” style mentorship connection with older players within the organization
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team-driven community/charity initiatives
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leadership opportunities within the group (locker room, community, and on-ice roles)
Winning matters — but we care just as much about how we win and who players are becoming.