Coaching Staff

Head Coach - Jason Grahame

A former defenseman for the University of Denver Pioneers hockey team from 1999-2003, he began his post-college career as an amateur scout for the Colorado Avalanche—evaluating hockey talent across the USHL and WCHA to support the organization’s scouting and player assessment decisions. He later transitioned to coaching, getting his start in 2011, coaching AAA in Colorado. In the 15 years since, Coach Grahame has coached players from 8U through high school. He currently holds a Level 4 USA Hockey certification and serves as a club coach with the Arapahoe Warriors and Lady Warriors program. 

Hockey is ingrained in Coach Grahame’s family story. His father, Ron, also played at DU as a goalie before going on to play professionally for eight years. His mother, Charlotte, worked in the Colorado Avalanche front office from 1995 to 2022, and his brother, John, played goalie for 8 years in the NHL, winning a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004. Coach Grahame looks forward to sharing his lifelong passion for the game with our student-athletes. 

Assistant Coach - Erik McDonald

10+ years of coaching experience at all levels from 8U through Adults, including High School Varsity, Junior A and Men's ACHA Division II. Most recently served as 12AA Head Coach for the U. of Denver Jr. Pioneers Hockey from 23-25 and transitioned to the Player Skills and Coaching Development Specialist starting in the 25-26 season. My coaching theory and expertise lies in personalized & player-specific hockey-skill development, Positive Coaching Methods, and helping athletes instill a Process Based Approach to reaching their goals.

Born in Minnesota, I gained my love for hockey on the frozen ponds and flooded ball fields just a short walk from my grandparent’s house. After moving to Missouri, I grew as a player through youth travel and high school hockey within St. Louis’ dedicated hockey community. I finished my competitive playing career as a U. of Missouri Tiger on the club roller and ice hockey teams.

Assistant Coach - Daniel Niewiarowicz

I am a Colorado native from Golden with over 15 years of competitive hockey experience. I grew up playing for the Arvada Hockey Association before advancing to three seasons of AAA hockey with nationally ranked, top-25 teams. I later played two seasons of junior hockey with the Connecticut RoughRiders in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL).

In addition to my playing experience, I have coached goaltenders from U8 to U16, most recently with the Arapahoe Hockey Association and Ignite Performance Hockey. I am passionate about helping young athletes build strong fundamentals, develop confidence, and foster a lifelong love for the game.

Outside of hockey, I am a senior at Metropolitan State University of Denver, pursuing degrees in Psychology and Human Development. My academic background has strengthened my understanding of athlete development, motivation, and confidence, allowing me to bring a thoughtful, player-centered approach to coaching.

Assistant Coach - Jack Couture

I grew up in Colorado playing competitive ice hockey for over ten years. I began with the Northern Colorado Youth Hockey Association before transitioning to AAA hockey with the Roughriders and, eventually, the Colorado Thunderbirds. I served as team captain for three consecutive years across both clubs. I later continued my hockey career at the U.S. High School Prep level in Massachusetts, attending The Governor's Academy in Byfield, MA.

Alongside my playing career, I have spent the past four years coaching at Ignite Hockey Performance, as well as with Perfect Skating - Denver. I am passionate about the development of young men through the game of hockey.

I am currently continuing my academic career at the University of Denver, studying Biological Sciences with a focus on Human Physiology in Health and Disease. My education has deepened my understanding of the human body and how athletes can leverage that knowledge to their advantage.

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