Scouting Excellence: Nurturing Talent, Shaping Futures
Scouting Excellence: Nurturing Talent, Shaping Futures
Tom Latvala: Guiding the 18U AA Thunderbirds
Tom Latvala, our Head Coach for the 18U AA Thunderbirds, brings 28 years of coaching experience to the rink. Hailing from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Tom’s journey through youth and travel hockey has been extensive. His Level 5 USA Hockey certification underscores his commitment to player development.
Coaching Legacy: Tom has coached nearly 2000 games at the AA and AAA levels. His impact extends beyond the Thunderbirds, having held coaching positions with teams like the Columbus Vikings, Dayton Stealth, Queen City Steam, and more.
Championship Pedigree: Tom has been part of championship teams, including the Columbus Cardinals Peewee AA, who clinched the North American International Silver Stick Peewee AA Minor title in 2004-2005.
Scouting: Beyond coaching, Tom scouts for the Anchorage Wolverines in the NAHL, identifying talent for their roster.
Tom’s passion for hockey and unwavering commitment to player development make him an invaluable asset to our organization. His extensive network opens doors for players, whether they aspire to play college or junior hockey.
David Dew: Visionary Leadership as GM of Thunderbirds College Prep Team
David Dew, the Program Owner and Founder of MOLE Hockey, wears multiple hats within our organization. His journey through hockey has been diverse, and his impact is felt across various levels:
Scouting Expertise: As the Director of Scouting for the Ogden Mustangs (NCDC), David identifies talent, evaluates players, and contributes to building a competitive roster.
Regional Influence: His role as a Regional Scout for the Fargo Force (USHL) extends his reach, connecting Thunderbirds players to opportunities at the junior level.
Player Placement: Beyond scouting, David oversees player placement operations for all MOLE Hockey teams, ensuring that players find their best fit within our program.
Playing Background: David’s own playing career includes stints with the Seacoast Spartans (Prep), Buffalo Regals (GOJHL), and Bryn Athyn College (NCAA D3).
David’s commitment to player development, keen eye for talent, and dedication to fostering connections make him an integral part of our Thunderbirds family. Whether it’s identifying rising stars or guiding players toward their next steps, David’s impact reverberates throughout our organization.
Justin Cohn: Bridging Players to Their Next Steps
Justin Cohn, the Head Coach of the Thunderbirds College Prep, epitomizes the bridge between players and their next hockey steps. His journey from playing in various junior leagues to coaching reflects his deep understanding of the game.
Player and Coach: Justin’s extensive network stems from his playing days in leagues like NA3HL, EHL, GOJHL, and NCDC. His coaching career includes stints with the New Mexico Ice Wolves and the Decatur Blaze.
Summer Program: Justin runs the summer program MOLE HC, fostering player growth during the off-season.
Guiding Futures: Whether it’s college or junior hockey, Justin’s connections guide players toward their next chapter.
Justin’s commitment to player development and his vast network make him an invaluable resource. Thunderbirds players benefit from his unwavering dedication.
Scouting: Justin is also a regional scout for Cowichan Capitals of the BCHL, identifying talent for their roster.
At the Thunderbirds Hockey Club, we don’t just play hockey; we build pathways. Our scouting team, led by Tom, David, and Justin, ensures that players have the support and guidance they need to reach their goals. Join us, and let’s elevate your game together.
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