2026 - 2027 Coaches

Jack was born and raised in Canton, Ohio, where he began playing hockey at the age of four with the Canton-Akron Penguins. Jack continued playing through high school, and while

college and career responsibilities eventually pulled him away from the game, hockey

never stopped being a part of who he is.

In 2021, Jack's family relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina. When his oldest son began his hockey journey at age six through a Learn to Play program, he found himself back on the ice as well—this time behind the bench. What started as volunteering with the Learn to Play program quickly grew into coaching at the house and travel levels.

Jack served as an assistant coach for the Carolina Thunder 8U team during its inaugural season and was later honored to be named head coach of the 10U program for the past two seasons. Leading athletes at this level has been incredibly rewarding.

Jack strongly believes that 10U is one of the most important stages in youth hockey. For many families, it’s their introduction to travel sports, and that first experience can shape a child’s long-term love for the game. It is also a critical developmental window—where proper skating mechanics, puck skills, and hockey IQ must be built correctly to prepare players for the higher levels ahead.

Jack's number one priority is that kids have fun. That joy for the game is what fuels long-term development. Alongside fun, Jack emphasizes two core values: effort and respect.

Effort cannot be coached—it comes from within. He expects 100% effort every time a player steps on the ice. His responsibility is to create an environment that challenges players, builds confidence, and pushes them to reach their full potential.

Respect is non-negotiable. Our team will respect teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and parents—both on and off the ice. Jack see his role as not only to help develop skilled hockey players, but to guide young athletes into becoming hardworking, respectful young men and women.

Outside of hockey, Jack enjoys spending time with his wife, Katlin, and four children—James, Addison, Jett, and Amelia—who all share a love for the game. Now that they are living closer to the beach in Eastern North Carolina, the Vorndran's looking forward to spending plenty of family time by the water.

Jeremy was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and grew up in Central New York, where he discovered his passion for hockey at age 5. He played for youth teams like the Center State Stampede and Cazenovia Lakers, developing his skills and forming friendships. Now at 34, Jeremy still plays the game of hockey leveraging his extensive experience to embody sportsmanship on the ice.

In addition to playing, Jeremy has dedicated the last four years to coaching youth hockey, at the 10U and 8U levels. His coaching style is built on three fundamental rules: respect, attitude and effort. He instills the importance of respect for players, coaches, referees, and parents at every rink, maintaining a positive attitude whenever they step foot on the ice, and giving 100% effort in every practice and game. 

Jeremy served eight years in the United States Marine Corps, a period that significantly shaped his character and leadership abilities. After being stationed at Camp Lejeune, he chose to make North Carolina his home, where he has since grown his family.

Outside of hockey, he treasures quality time with his wife and children. Jeremy's unwavering dedication to hockey, both on the ice and in coaching, reflects his commitment to the game and the community it fosters.

Mike is a native of Jackson, Michigan where he began his hockey journey at the age of 3 and continued playing travel hockey up to Midget AA level. Mike has been in the United Sates Marine Corps for the past 13 years and still plays in local leagues wherever the military takes him and his family. Mike was the assistant coach for the ’23 - 24 12U Teal Wilmington Jr. Seahawks. With Mike’s love for the game of hockey and nearly 30 years of experience playing, he is committed to bringing his wealth of knowledge to the 14U Wilmington Jr. Seahawks.

Mike lives in Surf City with his wife Anessa and their kids Aiden 12 and Nora 7. He enjoys spending his free time watching his kids play sports, running, and playing golf.

Coach Rob was born in New York on Long Island and played travel hockey starting at 6 years old and continued through high school. In the early 1970's he attended his first NHL Game with his Dad and it ignited his passion for hockey. He began playing on Long Island at age 6 and then moved to Arizona at age 7 playing Travel Hockey throughout the Western United States. In 1982 at age 13 he returned to Long Island to play Tier 1 Travel Hockey for The Long Island Gulls from 14U through Juniors. Upon returning from Arizona he also played Varsity High School Hockey at Massapequa High School for five years from 8th Grade until Senior Year.

His Coaching career began 20 years ago in 2006 beginning at the Mite Level and proceeding every year all the way through Juniors. Just as his Dad took Coach Rob to his first NHL Game in the early 1970's, Coach Rob took his son to his first NHL Game in the early 2000's. That same love of the game was there with his son and it began Coach Rob's Coaching career that still continues to this day. Coach Rob wanted to pass on his experience, knowledge of the game and life lessons to a new generation of players.

Coach Rob will emphasize Player Development, Skills and most importantly the aspect of working together as a Team. He is committed to drawing out the best in each Player and preparing them not only for the game of Hockey but their development as individuals.

Derek grew up in New York on Long Island and played travel hockey starting at 6 years old and continued to high school. Then he played high school hockey doing all four years on varsity. Derek played hockey in college for Long Island University. He started coaching seven years ago with the last two years being here in Wilmington. Along with skills, Derek stresses to the players the importance of playing as a unit and not an individual.