Coaching Staff

My coaching philosophy is centered around hard work and passion for the game. I want players to enjoy coming to the rink to practice every single day and competing to the best of their abilities. My goal is to develop teamwork, individual skill and hockey sense, and instill a diligent work-ethic in players. I will also push players to want to better themselves both on and off the ice. Youth hockey is an excellent medium for teaching players life skills at a young age and as a coach, it is our privilege to be a part of that process.

Through his experiences on the ice, in the classroom, and in personal professional development symposiums with USA Hockey, Coach Tuck continues to hone his coaching skills, while deepening his understanding of the game. He embraces feedback, seeks out new perspectives, and actively seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge base.

Coach Tuck’s belief in lifelong learning is not just a professional ethos; it's a core value that drives him to push the boundaries of his coaching abilities and explore innovative approaches to player development. He understands that the landscape of hockey coaching is constantly evolving, and he is committed to staying at the forefront of these changes.

PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM DAVID

“Hockey isn’t just a game to me - it’s been a lifelong passion that has shaped me into the person I am today. From my early days of skating on the pond near my childhood home, to my collegiate career and adventures playing in Europe, hockey has been a constant thread woven throughout my life. Now, as the Director of Coaching and Player Advancement for the SC Flyers, I am excited to continue giving back to the sport that has given me so much.”

PLAYING EXPERIENCE

The highest level leagues and pro hockey in Slovakia, Czech Republic and Finland - member of Junior National team of Slovak Republic.

EDUCATION

Attended Charles University in Prague majoring in Sports Science and Physical Therapy, where he earned several certificates in this area.

PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM PAVEL

For your time in youth ice hockey, I would like to give you something for life, besides the fun of learning the game of hockey and developing your hockey skills, becoming better athlete. I believe that giving a player a place in our program is giving great discipline, work ethic and challenge them daily.

I have played ice hockey all of my life and have a passion for teaching, conditioning and sports in general. I was fortunate to have worked with hockey players from both the Junior and Men‘s National Teams on the ice and off the ice

Throughout my time as a coach, I have worked with players from ages of 3-16 with all levels of skill however grew a passion of working with our youngest players. My goal is not only to develop great hockey players starting with the fundamentals but grow their love for the game. Mite hockey should build skill and knowledge of the game in a fun environment. I believe success should not be measured in wins and losses, but developing the skill sets of the players as individuals and as a team; most of all, making sure these young athletes want to be back at the rink working hard and playing the game.

COACHING EDUCATION

USA Hockey Level 4 Coach

USA Hockey Modules

• 8 & under
• 10 & under
• 12 & under
• 14 & under

REASONS FOR COACHING

I was born and raised in Southern California and at the age of 5 I threw on the skates and fell in love with the game of Hockey. When I finished playing, I knew that coaching was the next step for me in hockey. I want to be able to give back to the game that has given me so much and to be able to inspire new hockey players to love the game as much as I do. With all my experience and knowledge of the game of hockey, I feel that I can provide a positive impact on each player and help teach them the important aspects of the game.

COACHING EDUCATION LEVEL

USA Hockey Level 4

Age Specific Modules: 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U

ISI Certified Coach

REASONS FOR COACHING

I coach because I want to give back to the game that gave to me. The majority of my relationships are because of hockey and I wouldn’t have the job, friends, or experiences I have without hockey. It grew me into the person I am today and consumes the greater part of my life. I love that I have somewhere to put my competitiveness and energy. I enjoy coaching players to perform in a certain manner and watching it come to fruition. I am blessed to have been presented with the opportunity of coaching for the Santa Clarita Flyers.

COACHING EXPERIENCE

I have been coaching for 6 years now, beginning when I was 16 years old. I was a private goaltending coach at age 17 with a few clients. My early experience began as a student coach with a 12uB and 14uA teams with the Bakersfield Jr. Condors. After finishing my playing career, I was fortunate enough to get on with my previous high school organization as an assistant coach and was part of the Kern County Knights Junior Varsity team that won the 2021-2022 LAKHSHL JV Championship. Following that season, I found my way to Santa Clarita where I have served as the Assistant Coach for the 18uAA team the last 2 seasons. I am also a part of the goalie coaching staff for The Cube In House program as well as a lead coach for the Little Kings Learn to Play development program

PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM DAVID

Ultimately, I believe in the power of teamwork, dedication to your craft, accountability of actions, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. My ultimate goal is to never build only for the next season. It is to build onto the many years to come of the Santa Clarita Flyers. I am not coaching only hockey players, I am coaching the next generation of young men and women who will carry more than just a new understanding to the game of hockey once they leave my team. These players will take with them accountability of their actions and words, character strength, and going above their mental limits to push them to greater heights. I am excited to embark on this new era of blue and gold.

MESSAGE TO LADY FLYERS

Coach Todd played on the first ever Valencia Jr. Flyers team and scored the first goal for the team back then. Now he is on a mission to bring the first ever Lady Flyers 12uAA team to Valencia this 2024-2025 season. He is excited and has a passion to bring girls ice hockey awareness to the next level to play in the Pacific Girls Hockey League! For the first time ever over 100,000 girls are signed up under USA Hockey. Coach Todd looks forward to continuing to break records and change history with the first ever all girl travel team this side of the 405 freeway.

REASONS FOR COACHING

Caleb Mead grew up playing youth hockey in Southern California and fell in love with the game, spending most of his time in an ice rink or glued to the television, watching hockey. He played from in-house to travel and tier levels, then eventually college hockey at California State University, Northridge; the team won three consecutive league championships and moved on to the regional stage during his time there.