Announcing the 2026-27 Boys Tier I (AAA) Coaches & Tryout Dates
Nashville, TN – As the program prepares for the 2026-27 season, the Nashville Jr. Predators proudly announce our Boys Tier I (AAA) coaching staff and tryout dates.
Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, we are excited to continue our program’s transition toward a full-time, Nashville-based model. This structure, which requires athletes to attend weekday practices, remains a cornerstone of our commitment to strengthening the local hockey community.
For the 2026-27 season, our 11U (2015), 12U (2014), 13O (2013), and 14U (2012) teams will be 100% Nashville-based. Our 16U and 18U teams will also continue their established Nashville-based schedule. The 15O (2011) team will remain our primary regional-based offering for this upcoming season as we move closer to our goal of a fully localized program.
Our coaching staff for this season features dedicated professionals with a wealth of experience, from NHL playing careers to elite grassroots development. By blending seasoned veterans with the rising stars of the coaching world, we remain committed to our tradition of competing for Southeastern District Championships and advancing our athletes both on and off the ice.
Additionally, tryouts for the 2026-27 season will be held in Nashville, TN. 11U, 12U & 13O will tryout over the weekend of April 11-12, 2026, 14U team will tryout during the week from April 20-22, 2026, while the 15O, 16U & 18U teams will be April 24-25, 2026. See below for registration details and use the links to register.
Tryout Registration Link: 11U (2015), 12U (2014) & 13O (2013)
Tryout Registration Link: 14U (2012), 15O (2011), 16U (2010) & 18U (2009/2008)
11U (2015) AAA: Tim McAllister
Originally from Kingston, Ontario, Tim McAllister has more than 20 years of coaching and instructional experience. Coach Tim was one of the co-founders of Thunder Hockey. He won 2 NJCAA National Championships in 1996 & 97 as well as being named an NJCAA All-American for those years.
12U (2014) AAA: Ike Zeier & Zeke Zeier
Brentwood-raised Ike Zeier brings six years of experience as a Nashville Jr. Predators alumnus. He has won a Southeastern District Championship and honed his coaching skills with the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights, where he coached players from 8U to 18U AAA. Entering his third season with the Nashville Jr. Predators, Ike continues to focus on skill development and team success.
A Nashville native, Zeke Zeier played AAA hockey for TPH Thunder and spent two seasons in the NAHL before competing at the NCAA Division III level with Bethel University. He has experience in hockey operations, coaching, and player development with the Vegas Golden Knights and the organization’s youth program. This marks Zeke’s third season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.
13O (2013) AAA: JP Dumont & James Gately
A veteran of over 870 NHL games, JP Dumont has been a key figure in Nashville hockey for over 17 years. As the Director of Hockey Operations for the Jr. Predators, JP combines his experience as a player and coach to guide and inspire the next generation of talent. JP is entering his thirteenth season with the Jr. Predators.
Gately played D-I hockey at Xaverian Brothers High School in Massachusetts, two years with the NECDL, four years of ACHA D-I & D-II hockey at Berklee College, two years in METRO Elite Prospect program. He has been a USA Hockey certified hockey coach for 9 years (Level 4) and a certified USA Hockey Official for 10 years (Level 3). Gately was Assistant Coach for South Shore Vocational Tech Junior Varsity Team in Massachusetts, Associate Coach for Berklee Club Hockey, Assistant Coach U16- A Admirals (1 year),Head/Assistant Coach Jr Predators U13-U16 AA/ AAA (4 years) and Head Coach University School Nashville (1 year).
14U (2012) AAA: Viktor Tikhonov
Viktor Tikhonov brings elite professional and international hockey experience to the Nashville Jr. Predators. A former NHL forward with the Phoenix Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks, he also enjoyed a successful career in Europe, including extensive time in the KHL.
As Head Coach of the 14U AAA team, Tikhonov focuses on skill development, hockey IQ, and preparing players for the next level within the Jr. Predators pathway.
15O (2011) AAA: Kevin Muller
Kevin Muller, Tier I Boys Director, brings over two decades of coaching experience, including seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program. Known for his innovative approach, blending hockey and technology, Kevin has developed players who have advanced to elite levels, including the USNTDP, USHL, and NCAA Division I. Kevin is entering his third season with the Jr. Predators.
16U (2010) AAA: Michael Berra
With a background that includes scouting and coaching in the USHL and over a decade of youth hockey leadership, Michael Berra has been instrumental in developing top-tier talent. Coach Berra continues to focus on player development and advancement as he enters his fifth season with the Jr. Predators.
18U (2008/2009) AAA: Vinny Bohn
Bohn has worked at various levels, from the NA3HL, NAHL, USHL, and NCAA Division III, most recently with the NAHL New Mexico Ice Wolves as the Assistant Coach/Assistant General Manager. He has transitioned over 100 players to NCAA Division I hockey while in junior hockey. Coach Bohn continues to focus on player development and advancement as he enters his second season with NJP.
We are incredibly proud of the coaching staff we’ve assembled for the upcoming season. Our mission remains clear: to Develop, Impact, and Guide the next generation of Nashville Jr. Predators! If you have questions regarding our Tier I (AAA) program or the upcoming tryout process, please visit our website or reach out to Kevin Muller at kmuller@jrpredators.com. Let’s get to work—Go Preds!