AJ’s Dad taught him how to skate at 2 years old and never stopped teaching and developing his skill sets. In early stages of his youth career, he took an opportunity to fill the net as a goalie. This opportunity turned passion pushed AJ into a competitor in the Denver Metro area, playing with various AAA teams throughout his youth career with the Hyland Hills Jaguars and Outlaws.

While pursuing a degree in Business Operations/Management, AJ rekindled his love for the game with the University of New Mexico’s hockey club. Competing at the D3 level, AJ was utilized as a utility player, playing as a defenseman, winger, and center throughout his career with the Lobos. AJ also climbed the back-office ladder with UNMHC, representing the club as Treasurer, Vice President, and President. After graduation, AJ continued to work with UNMHC as an assistant coach and club ambassador. AJ also spent a year with the New Mexico Ice Wolves during their inaugural season, performing many duties on and off the ice. AJ took a special interest into equipment, skills training and video breakdown. These interests are what propelled his career to the next chapter, landing him in Minnesota to work with Bauer Hockey in their equipment experience department.

Ultimately, the role of coaching and advising took its place in the driver's seat of AJ’s passions and he began to coach with Hopkins Youth Hockey Association. Now in his second year with HYHA, AJ is coaching at the Bantam level and is excited to continue growing and developing his coaching skills with the HYHA and DHD for many years to come!