13U Coaching Staff

dangl77@yahoo.com

Phone:              719-306-5141

levc@ix.netcom.com

Phone:             720-232-4118

nick.hantge@gmail.com

Phone:              303-999-7963

Prior to working with the Thunderbirds, Hantge helped coach to three state championships in Colorado in just four years.  Hantge has coached at all levels in Colorado; from youth to AAA Midgets. Besides coaching his winter teams, Hantge is the ice director and coach of the Colorado Kodiaks; an elite spring training program made up of kids all throughout Colorado.  Hantge also scouts for Johnstown Tomahawks in the North American Hockey League and has worked as an evaluator at the USA Hockey state camp.

Coaching Background:
(2011-12) Assistant Coach Colorado Rampage U18AAA - State Champions
(2010-11) Assistant Coach Hyland Hills Bantam AA - State Champions
(2009-10) Assistant Coach Hyland Hills Bantam AA
(2008-09) Assistant Coach Littleton Pee Wee AA - State Champions

Prior to becoming a coach, Nick grew up playing hockey in Minnesota and played for Hutchinson High School for three years and was team captain two of those years.  While playing hockey he worked several hockey camps helping youth improve the individual skills and off-ice conditioning. Before moving to Colorado, Nick graduated from the University of Kansas in 2008 with a business communications degree.

goalie31c@yahoo.com

Phone:              303-919-0373

Bio:

Playing Background

-Foothills Hockey Association till midgets
-Colorado Rampage Midget Major AAA for one season
-Arvada Midget Major AA for three years
-Jr. A in Seattle for two years
-CHL Rocky Mountain Rage for one year
 
Coaching Background
-Colorado Thunderbirds:  Two years as the assistant coach.  Worked with the defense 

-Coach/Assistant Goalie Coach- Colorado Thunderbirds U15AAA
-GDI Goalie instructor past six years
-ITC Goalie instructor past six years

-Foothills Hockey Association goalie coach 2010-2011 season
-Foothills Hockey Association summer programs past five years

herzog@gopomr.com

Herzog was in the USAF from 1999-2007. As a Combat Controller for the Special Tactics Unit, he conducted Special Operations during the War on Terror, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He developed extensive education and hands-on experience in a variety of tactical training methods. Today, these training styles are utilized by elite units in the military, law enforcement, firefighting, and other high-risk occupations.

Graduating from Trinity International University, Herzog studied Athletic Training for two years, working with several athletic teams to prevent, treat, and rehabilitate a variety of athletic injuries. Studying with the Human Performance and Wellness Department, Herzog gained knowledge in Human Anatomy, Physiology and functional exercise. In addition to this background, Herzog received his B.A. in Organizational Leadership and Communications.

As Fitness Director for College Park Athletic Club in Deerfield, Illinois, Herzog developed and implemented unique training programs enhancing the strength and power capacity for high school hockey and various college athletes.

In Denver, Herzog is established as the most elite Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He grew up playing ice hockey in Michigan, roller hockey in Ohio, and he is now in a men’s recreation league. Combining this experience and knowledge, Herzog is developing safe, effective and focused conditioning programs for the Colorado Thunderbirds, as well as the Littleton Hockey Association.

Herzog has been the Strength Coach for the Colorado Thunderbirds since 2008. With appropriate In-season dryland training, Herzog has helped several teams in the program reach the National Tournament. In 2009-2010, all four teams (U-12, U-14, U-16, and U-18) made it to the National Tournament and provided a strong presence at each level. In that same year, the U16 Team won the National Championship. This event has changed youth hockey in the state of Colorado. Additionally, Herzog is proud to have the opportunity to work with many individuals that have gone on to play at the Junior, College and NHL levels that developed with the Thunderbird Organization. 

Herzog regularly attends and participates at continuing education symposiums and conferences through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Utilizing this knowledge, he conducts presentations on Sports Nutrition and Health & Wellness. Additionally, he presents the Strength and Conditioning segment for USA Hockey Coaching Clinics.

Herzog develops Junior A, Division I, National Team, and NHL-caliber athletes in the off-season, demanding diligence with intensity to generate growth with advancement.  

Herzog offers many off-season camps and programs designed to build athleticism, character and discipline at his facility located in Centennial, Colorado. The POMR facility is home to the many of the Thunderbird athletes in the off-season.

More information is available at www.GoPOMR.com.

Herzog enjoys playing just as hard as he works, making the most of Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle, racing mountain bikes, snowboarding, and hiking, to name a few. With the support and companionship of his wife, Jess, he is living his dream.