Coaches

Ben is a Hollidaysburg native where he started playing for the Altoona Trackers at 8 years old and continued to play travel hockey through U18. His team had an undefeated season winning a PAHL season and playoff banner in 2017, as well as being a 4-year Defenseman for Hollidaysburg High School.

Ben went on to play 2 seasons at East Stroudsburg University before moving back to the Altoona area where he was the head coach of the U8 In-House Program, skills programs and taught various levels of Learn to Skate.

Ben is a USA Hockey Level 4 coach entering his 6th season with the Mid State Mustangs, previously assisting the U10AA, 12UAA, and 14UAA and head coaching 10UAA and 12UAA team the past 3 seasons winning 1 Silversticks Regional Championship and 2 Finalist Banners.

In addition to the Mustangs Ben assisted the Hollidaysburg High School team for 2 seasons.

Ben continues his passion for the game bringing a strong defensive minded specialty to the coaching staff with a focus on personal and skill development.

David will be a Level 4 USAH coach in the 24-25 season.

Growing up, David played for the Philadelphia Revolution (2 seasons), Grundy Senators (5 seasons), and Council Rock South High School. He often captained the teams that he played for, being voted or nominated as a one-time assistant captain and one-time captain for the Philadelphia Revolution, a two-time captain and a two-time assistant captain for the Grundy Senators, and a two-time captain for Council Rock South. In his senior year, David was named to the league wide second-team and captained CRS to an SHSHL championship title in 2020.

Looking at his past in coaching, in addition to assisting with various Learn-To-Play programs, David volunteered as a two-year assistant coach with the Council Rock South Middle School AAA program. Furthermore, David was the head coach of the Mid-State Mustangs 16UAA team in the 22-23 season, head coach of the Mid-State Mustangs 18UAA team in the 23-24 season, and assistant coach of the 2023-2024 PSUA Ice Hockey team. He is currently the assistant coach of the Hollidaysburg Varsity Ice Hockey team, and the head coach of the Penn State Altoona Ice Hockey team, who just won their fourth program championship in the 24-25 season.

David looks to further help his players develop both on and off the ice. He emphasizes work ethic, attitude, passion, details, respect, teamwork, and positivity. An ultimate goal of his is to create a family atmosphere where players enjoy coming to the rink and represent their team with pride. David is looking forward to his new role and is hoping to continue to help prepare players for hockey and life after it.

Denton is a native of Indiana, PA, where he grew up playing for the Indiana Chiefs. He spent his entire travel hockey career within the organization, winning both a season banner and a playoff banner alongside his brother in 2021 and 2023. Denton also played three years of varsity defense for Central Cambria High School.

He continued his hockey career at the collegiate level, playing for Coach David Mueller at Penn State Altoona before moving to Penn State’s main campus during his sophomore year. Denton will enter his junior year during the upcoming coaching season.

This will be Denton’s first year behind the bench. He brings a strong understanding of the game through his playing experience and his work as a USA Hockey official. Denton’s strengths include defensive development, playmaking ability, and leadership both on and off the ice.

Bio Coming Soon ...

Ty is a Hollidaysburg native who brings passion and experience to the Mid-State Mustangs 12UAA team. He began his hockey career with the Altoona Trackers before advancing to the AAA level with the Esmark Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins Elite, earning a Mid-Am Championship in 2021 and competing in the USA Hockey Tier 1 National Tournament.

He returned to the Mustangs as team captain, leading them to an EJEPL Divisional Championship, and went on to play junior hockey with the Hershey Cubs, recording 26 points in 44 games and earning three Mid-Atlantic Division Player of the Week honors. After high school, Ty continued his career at the ACHA Division I level at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Now entering his fourth season behind the bench and first as a head coach, Ty is a soon-to-be USA Hockey Level 4 coach. Back where his hockey journey began, he is committed to developing the next generation of players and inspiring young athletes with the same work ethic and love for the game that fueled his success.

Bio Coming Soon ...

Nate grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he started playing hockey at the age of 4 and continued to play through 18U for various organizations, ranging from house hockey to AAA and High School as a goalie. His high school team went undefeated in his Junior Season, winning their first of three consecutive State Championships. Throughout Nate’s four years in high school, he was a student coach for 14U and 10U. Upon graduating with two State Champions, Nate went on to become a student manager and Hockey Operations Director for Chatham University Men’s Team. 

Nate will be coaching in his second year with the Mustangs as a 12 U coach. Nate is a USA Hockey Level 1 coach and is in his first season with the Mid State Mustangs. 

Nate continues giving back to the game by fostering players on and off the ice with a focus on goalies. 

Jake Lydon played youth hockey for the Altoona Trackers & Mid State Mustangs, winning three state championships and a national championship. In 2016, he began a career in player development. His expertise in skating and skills has been instrumental in helping players compete at junior, collegiate, and professional levels. Jake also owned and operated a synthetic ice training facility in Pittsburgh, PA. Jake’s experience as a player, coach, and business owner has given him the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the hockey industry. As the rink manager, Jake oversees all operations at Galactic Ice. He also offers clinics and private/small group lessons.

Jakes Player Development List:

 - Tanner Paloscik (Toledo Walleye, ECHL)

 - Christian Humphreys (NHL draft pick, Colorado Avalanche)

 - Brenny Walkom (Bentley, NCAA D1)

 - Braedon Ford (PSU, NCAA D1)

 - Justin Weinbrenner (UMass-Dartmouth, NCAA D3)

 - Cole Douglas (St. Michael's College, NCAA D3)

 - Brandon Webber (Chippewa Steel, NAHL)

 - Eli Lilja (OHL draft pick, Soo Greyhounds)

 - Landon Watson (OHL draft pick, Erie Otters)

 - Neely Nicholson (Boston University, NCAA D1)

 - Brianna Walkom (Stonehill college, NCAA D1)

 - Hannah Fetterolf (Princeton, NCAA D1)

Noah was born in Altoona, PA where he was introduced to hockey at a young age and started playing for the Altoona Trackers at 8 years old. Noah then continued to play travel hockey and played for both the Mid-State Mustangs and Altoona Trackers. He was on the team of the 2016 Regional Silver Stick Tournament Champions in West Chester, PA and went on to compete in the International Silver Stick Tournament in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Also during his last year with the Mustangs, he was a part of the 2018 Western PA State Championship Team and they went to compete in the National Championship Tournament in Green Bay, Wisconsin Where they placed 3rd in the country. Noah also played two years of high school hockey for Bishop Guilfoyle.

During his freshman year in college, Noah played for the Penn State Altoona club hockey team.

Noah is thrilled to be back and a part of a great organization that he grew up in. He hopes to continue the growth of his teams as players and also as individuals.

Bio Coming Soon ...

Coach Bert is more than just a coach; he's a mentor committed to your development as a player and person. Bringing a dynamic blend of championship experience and cutting-edge training to the program, Bert is dedicated to building hockey players within our community. His unique approach integrates on-ice skill development, targeted strength and conditioning, and proven motivational techniques, creating a comprehensive environment for players to thrive.

Bert’s playing career includes a 16U Tier 2 USA Hockey National Championship (2011) and multiple National bronze medals. He also earned four Mid-Am Western PA Hockey State Championships with the Mid-State Mustangs, demonstrating consistent success at a high level.

Over the past five years, he has helped guide teams to 15 tournament and league championship appearances, consistently producing teams that compete at the highest levels. Beyond the ice, Bert’s expertise as a Doctor of Physical Therapy gives players a distinct advantage, with a focus on recovery, nutrition, and injury prevention throughout the season.

Cole was introduced to hockey at a young age and started playing for the Altoona Trackers at 9 years old. Cole then continued to play travel hockey, playing for both the Mid-State Mustangs and Altoona Trackers alongside fellow assistant coach Murray. He was on the team of the 2016 Regional Silver Stick Tournament Champions in West Chester, PA and went on to compete in the International Silver Stick Tournament in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. During his last year with the Mustangs, he was a part of the 2018 Western PA State Championship Team and they went to compete in the National Championship Tournament in Green Bay, Wisconsin where they placed 3rd in the country. 

In addition to travel hockey, Cole played for the Altoona Mt. Lions, winning back to back league championships his junior and senior year. Over the course of his high school career, he was awarded leading scorer of the LMHL for both points and goals, Playoff MVP, and League MVP.

He also played for the Penn State Altoona club hockey team his freshman year, making a playoff run alongside Coach Murray.

Cole is looking forward to the opportunity of guiding the younger generation of Mustangs to successful careers as players, teammates, and individuals.

Coach Garrett returns to the Mid-State Mustangs, bringing championship experience and a deep commitment to athlete development. His coaching philosophy centers on giving back to his players and helping them grow as leaders both on and off the ice.

As a player, Garrett captured three consecutive championships with the Ringwood Rangers, earned Varsity titles in New York, and won a Junior National Championship with the New Jersey Junior Devils, leading to an IHL draft invitation. He also competed in FNDY City Championship games and the 9-11 FNDY NYPD vs. NHL All-Stars Widows & Orphans Charity Game.

His coaching resume includes USA Hockey State, District, and National Championships with the Mid-State Mustangs and Altoona Trackers, along with multiple PAHL and Silver Stick titles. Most recently, he helped lead the Keystone Wild and State College Icers to additional PAHL championships.

Beyond hockey, Garrett is a respected strength and conditioning coach who works with athletes and first responders. He believes youth hockey builds life skills, mental toughness, and the physical edge needed for success in all areas of life.