The Stories of the Faces Behind Your Success | Wolfe Hockey Development

At Wolfe Hockey, you’ll find a team of exceptional coaches committed to guiding you toward your ultimate success on the ice. Whether you’re a forward, defenseman, or goalie, our expert instructors offer personalized coaching tailored to your unique position and goals. 

Meet Jason Wolfe

Maryland’s trailblazer in professional goaltending. Graduating with honors in Psychology and Business Administration from Merrimack College, Jason’s hockey path is as impressive as his academic achievements.

He kicked off his post-high school career with a year in Canada’s Jr. A hockey, followed by four intense years at Merrimack College, competing in NCAA D1 hockey. During college breaks, Jason honed his coaching skills by mentoring aspiring goalies from the D.C. area.

His ice magic caught the attention of the LA Kings’ affiliate, the Reading Royals, marking the beginning of his professional career. Over eight seasons, Jason showcased his talent in the LA Kings, Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, and Anaheim Ducks organizations, plus a stint in the English Elite League with Manchester.

Hanging up his skates in 2009, Jason, alongside his wife Heather, launched Wolfe Hockey Development. Today, it’s a powerhouse in the Mid-Atlantic, elevating over 200 players to collegiate and professional stages. With two state-of-the-art training centers, Wolfe Hockey is where dreams take flight on the ice.

Meet Shawn Grant

Shawn Grant is a seasoned veteran at Wolfe Hockey, bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the rink. With five electrifying seasons as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for Clarkson University’s men’s team and two impactful seasons with their women’s team, his coaching legacy speaks for itself.

Grant’s collegiate coaching résumé also includes a thrilling season each as the Men’s Assistant Coach at Neumann College and Women’s Assistant Coach at SUNY Potsdam, plus two dynamic seasons with SUNY Potsdam’s men’s team.

Certified as a Level 4 USA Hockey coach and Level 1 referee, Grant ensures that every game is expertly guided and passionately played. His commitment to the sport is unquestionable, making him a true asset to any hockey community.

Meet Nick Keppler

Since 2017, Coach Keppler has been an integral part of DeMatha Hockey, where he serves as the dynamic Skills and Development Coach. His prowess and passion for nurturing young talent extend to his role as the Youth Development Director at Tri-City Eagles, a position he’s held since 2020.

But Coach Keppler’s love affair with hockey started long before these roles. He honed his skills on the ice with Nova, Tri City, and DeMatha, before making waves during his four-year stint with the University of Maryland.

Driven by a deep passion for the game, Coach Keppler is committed to teaching hockey with unparalleled enthusiasm. His knack for developing budding players into formidable athletes is matched only by his love for the sport. Whether he’s on the ice or strategizing behind the scenes, Coach Keppler’s energy is contagious, igniting a spark in every player he mentors.

Meet Tommy Pappas

For over 15 years, Tommy has been a vital part of Wolfe Hockey, either as a coach or student, sharing his passion and expertise with others along the way. 

Hailing from Maryland, Tommy’s roots in the local hockey scene run deep. His formative years were spent playing Youth and Junior hockey with renowned clubs like Tri-City, Howard, and Team Maryland, honing the skills that would pave his way to success.

Throughout his impressive goaltending career, Tommy earned the opportunity to compete at the USA Nationals not just once, but three times, achieving a commendable 3rd place finish on two occasions—a testament to his exceptional talent and determination. His trophy cabinet is further adorned with multiple State and Divisional Championships, marking him as a true force on the ice.

Meet Tom Lescovich

Originating from the vibrant hockey scene of upstate New York, Tom Lescovich’s passion for the game was ignited during his formative years playing AAA hockey with the Albany Storm. His talent and dedication propelled him to thrive at Tier II Junior A hockey, where he made his mark with the Hamilton Red Wings in the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League and later on with the Bismarck Bobcats and Albert Lea Thunder in the North American Hockey League.

Tom’s collegiate career saw him donning the jersey for the University of Wisconsin-Stout, competing at the NCAA Division III level, where he further honed his skills and strategic understanding of the game.

Fast forward to today, and Tom is deeply embedded in the hockey community as the assistant coach for the University of Maryland’s ACHA II program. Additionally, he lends his expertise as the Hockey Director at the prestigious Chevy Chase Club. Here, Tom’s mission is clear and unwavering—to give back to the sport that shaped him. His goal is to mentor and elevate the next generation of skaters and goaltenders, guiding them as they strive to achieve new heights in their hockey journeys.

Meet John Roberts

Hailing from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and armed with a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Biology from Saint Norbert College (2024), John’s career is decorated with achievements both on and off the ice.

His coaching career is highlighted by his role at High Performance Goaltending-Green Bay, where he collaborates with Chris Nell, the goalie coach at Colgate University. Since 2024, John has also taken on the role of Assistant Coach for Stevenson University’s Men’s Ice Hockey Team, bringing his expertise to the collegiate level.

John’s playing credentials are nothing short of remarkable. He started with the Shreveport Mudbugs in the NAHL, leading the league in stats during 2016-2017 with a stellar 16-12-2 record and a .932 save percentage. He then showcased his leadership with the Bismarck Bobcats from 2017-2019, earning the NAHL Leadership Award in 2019.

Transitioning to college hockey, John played NCAA Div 1 at Northern Michigan University and later excelled at Saint Norbert College in NCAA D3 from 2021-2024. Here, he achieved a remarkable record of 25-10-2 and was awarded the Scott Vettraino Award as Goalie of the Year in 2023, alongside being named an Academic All-American in 2024.

Meet Sam Shaheen

Sam’s passion for coaching ignited in 2014 when he took on dual roles with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies AAA program and Grosse Pointe South High School at just 18. By 2020, he had stepped into the Junior Hockey scene, joining the USPHL’s Detroit Fighting Irish. His career trajectory continued to soar as he embraced the challenge of coaching the newly rebranded Motor City Gamblers for the 2022-2023 season.

Before his coaching career took off, Sam sharpened his skills on the ice playing for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies and Macomb Dakota High School. He then advanced to Junior Hockey with the New York Aviators, where he clinched the USPHL National Championship during the 2013-2014 season. Whether on the ice or behind the bench, Sam has consistently been a catalyst for building winning cultures.

Meet Dave Wilson

Coach  Wilson is a celebrated figure in the hockey community with deep-rooted ties to the sport. Growing up locally and continuing to call the area home, Dave knows the game and the community inside and out. He’s more than just a coach; he’s a dedicated father to three daughters and a passionate advocate for youth hockey.

Dave’s remarkable career began alongside his high school and later professional team player, Jason Wolfe, at both DeMatha Catholic High School and The Augusta Lynx, where they were part of the Anaheim Ducks’ affiliate team. His prowess on the ice and leadership qualities were evident early on, and in 2017, he was rightfully inducted into the DeMatha Hall of Fame. This honor recognized his contributions to the victorious 1996 State Championship Ice Hockey team.

Meet JT Ketzenberger

Hailing from Frederick, Maryland, JT honed his skills on the ice with local teams like the Frederick Freeze and the Washington Jr. Nationals, while also making his mark at Urbana High School. His talent and tenacity propelled him to the Hampton Road Whalers, where he flourished over three exhilarating years of junior hockey, culminating in a championship victory.

His next chapter took him to the University of Rhode Island, where he spent four dynamic years not just playing, but mastering the game. JT’s leadership and insight became evident as he mentored fellow goalies, gaining invaluable coaching experience.

Since 2010, JT has been a vibrant force at Wolfe Hockey, transitioning from a keen student to a respected coach. His passion for the sport and commitment to nurturing talent make him an inspiring figure within the hockey community, continuing to elevate players to the next level.

Join us and experience the thrilling transformation of your game—because at Wolfe Hockey, we’re not just about training; we’re about unleashing your full potential!

​​Wolfe Hockey is a family-owned hockey school operating since 2009 in the DMV area. Led by Jason Wolfe, ex-professional hockey player, and his wife Heather Wolfe, Wolfe Hockey is unique in that it cultivates a culture of respect, accountability, and a good time. To learn more, contact us here or e-mail us directly at hockey@wolfehockey.com.

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