Welcome to Team McVander Hockey! Founded in Kirkland, Washington, we are passionate hockey enthusiasts that love coaching our favorite sport to kids in our community. Our focus is on teaching your child new skills in a friendly environment that promotes collaboration, team unity, and above all else - fun! Read more about us below!
COACH BRANDON
Co-founder
Hi, I’m Coach Brandon and I’m super excited to introduce your kiddos to this wonderful game!
I’ve been around hockey since 1975. I was four years old when my parents put me into skating lessons and I fell in love with the game.
Since then, I’ve been involved in the game as a player, official, referee association Board Member, mentor, evaluator, scheduler, founder and co-director of a referee development camp, and I even owned a small chain of ice hockey equipment stores in Washington.
My most memorable moments on the ice include:
* Being selected to attend the 1989 USA Hockey Western Regional Officiating Camp at the US Olympic Training Center in Marquette, Michigan.
* Refereeing the semi-final game at the 1991 College Club National Tournament in Tucson, Arizona.
* Working as a linesman for the inaugural season rookie game between the NHL’s San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings in 1991.
* Working as a linesman for one of the last pre-Olympic IIHF games between Team USA and Team Canada in 1991.
* And of course, meeting my wife playing hockey!
It is my goal to provide your kiddo with a super-fun experience learning about and playing hockey.
COACH NATE
co-founder
Hi, I'm coach Nate and am thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome your children to the amazing world of hockey!
I've been passionate about hockey since 1989. I was 8 years old when my neighbors in Connecticut first introduced me to hockey in our shared pond that froze over in winter. This sparked a lifelong love for the game, and I've been playing ever since.
I've played every position in hockey, even goalie! I’ve also coached ice hockey, refereed, was an equipment manager and score keeper, as well as unofficial hockey shop employee for Coach Brandon. I'm really looking forward to adding the role of after school ball hockey coach to my list of roles.
Following the same theme as Brandon, some of my favorite hockey experiences and moments include:
* Introducing my fiancé (now wife!) to hockey and helping teach her to ice skate and play defense.
* Going to my first NHL game in Vancouver in 1997 and seeing Pavel Bure score a hat trick vs the LA Kings.
* Traveling to the 2010 Olympic games in Vancouver and attending the USA vs Switzerland and Canada vs Russia games.
* Watching the first Kraken home game with my two daughters at their very first NHL game.
My goal is to provide your child with an unforgettable and enjoyable experience learning about and playing hockey!
COACH JERYN
co-founder
I’m Coach Jeryn, and I can’t wait to play hockey with your kiddo!
When my dad, Coach Brandon, suggested that we start a business together that combined hockey and working with kids, I jumped at the opportunity.
I am a senior in high school. After graduating, I am hoping to head to college in San Diego, where I plan to study Chemistry. For the last 3-1/2 years I’ve worked at our local athletic club in both the Kids Club and as a summer youth camp counselor. I’ve also spent 3- years volunteering as a Program Aide the last 3 years at the Kirkland Girl Scout Rainbow Adventure Day Camp. And, this year I’m looking forward to my third-year working as Team Manager for our high school’s varsity soccer team.
COACH BRAD
I am Coach Brad, and I'm thrilled to introduce your kids to the incredible world of hockey, the greatest team sport on earth. Growing up in Michigan, I began skating at three and had the privilege of playing hockey year-round. Thanks to exceptional coaches and mentors, hockey taught me valuable lessons applicable in both work and home life. I've dedicated nearly 40 years to coaching and playing hockey.
Among my fondest memories was witnessing last year's Stanley Cup Finals game five, where the Golden Knights clinched the hardest trophy to win in professional sports. Hockey is undeniably one of my greatest passions, and I've proudly called Kirkland home for nearly 25 years.
My goal is to provide kids with a low-pressure, safe, and fun environment to learn this fantastic game.