Nashville, TN – As the program prepares for the 2026-27 season, the Nashville Jr. Predators proudly announce our Boys Tier II (AA/A) leadership, coaching staff, and tryout dates.

Following an impressive performance in the 2025–26 Tennessee State Playdowns, all three of our national-bound AA teams advanced to the finals, with the 16U and 18U teams securing championships and earning berths to the USA Hockey Nationals.

Looking ahead to the 2026–27 season, we are excited to continue strengthening the alignment and structure of all Tier II teams under the Nashville Jr. Predators umbrella. This unified approach allows us to strengthen collaboration across age groups and provide a clear pathway for our players and families.

For the 2026–27 season, we are excited to offer five (5) combined birth-year AA teams at 10UAA, 12UAA, 14UAA, 16UAA, and 18UAA along with seven (7) single-A teams, 10UA1, 10UA2, 12UA1, 12UA2, 14UA1, 14UA2, and 16UA1 teams. 

Our coaching staff for the upcoming season features dedicated professionals with extensive experience across multiple areas of youth hockey. By blending seasoned veterans with emerging leaders in the game, we remain committed to advancing our athletes both on and off the ice while fostering a strong and lasting passion for hockey.

Tryouts for the 2026–27 season will be held at the Ford Ice Center(s). 10U and 12U sessions will take place April 20–22, 14U will be held April 23–25, and 16U and 18U will take place April 25–26. Players will be evaluated within their respective birth years and placed on AA, A1, or A2 teams accordingly. Please see the registration details below and use the provided links to complete your registration.

2026-27 Tryout Registration Link: Tier II (AA/A) Boys

 

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Tier II (AA) Boys

Director: Dominick Cuce

10U (2016/2017) AA: Seth Ensor
Seth joins our staff following a six-year professional playing career, most recently competing in the SPHL with the Knoxville Ice Bears and Pensacola Ice Flyers. During his playing career, he remained actively involved in the Nashville Predators youth hockey programs throughout the offseason, building strong connections within our community. Seth transitioned into a full-season coaching role after leading our 12UA1 team this past season, bringing valuable professional experience, energy, and a strong passion for player development to our staff.

 

12U (2014/2015) AA: Dominick Cuce

Dom joined the Nashville Predators Amateur Hockey Department in 2021 and served as the Director of the Preds Select Program. A native of New Jersey, he spent five seasons with the NJ Stars youth hockey program before relocating to Nashville. Dom currently oversees the Tier II AA program for the Nashville Jr. Predators and served as the Tier II (A) Director for the 2025–26 season following the integration of the Preds Select program into the Jr. Preds organization. Additionally, Dom works as a Player Development Coach with Total Package Hockey (TPH).

 

14U (2012/2013) AA: Pat Murray

Patrick began playing in his hometown of Rochester, NY, where he spent 13 seasons developing within the Webster Cyclones Youth Hockey Program. He went on to play for his high school’s inaugural varsity hockey team, earning First-Team All-State honors and finishing among the top 10 scorers in New York State. Patrick continued his playing career at the Junior A level with the Syracuse Stampede for one season before transitioning into coaching. He gained early experience as an intern with the Nashville Predators Amateur Hockey Association and has since contributed over seven years of coaching within the Nashville Jr. Predators program.

 

16U (2010/2011) AA: Carter Penzien & Jesse Kessler

Born in New Haven, CT, Carter moved to Nashville at age 5 and began his hockey career in the Southeast. He developed through the Total Package Hockey (TPH) program before advancing to Junior hockey with the Amarillo Bulls in the NAHL, where he contributed to a National Championship. Carter continued his career at the University of Georgia, helping lead the team to two SECHC Championships and three National Championship Tournament appearances. In 2019, he was selected to the ACHA Select Team for the Universiade Games in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, and earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-ACHA, First Team South Region, South Region MVP, and SECHC MVP. Carter has been a dedicated coach within the Nashville Jr. Predators program for the past five years.

Born in Nashville, TN, Jesse grew up playing hockey for the TPH Thunder. After finishing youth hockey, he played three years of Junior Hockey in the North American League before attending Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. Upon completing college, he played two years professionally for the Pensacola Ice Flyers in the Southern Professional Hockey League.

 

18U (2008/2009) AA: Tom Murphy

Murphy joins the Jr. Predators coaching staff for his sixth season, bringing a wealth of experience as both a player and coach. During his playing career at Brighton High School, he won a state championship his senior year before being selected in the first round of the NAHL Draft by the Texas Tornado. He continued his development in junior hockey and went on to Central Michigan University, setting the program record for 91 points as a defenseman.

Transitioning into coaching, Murphy served as Head Coach in the NA3HL in Wausau, Wisconsin, in 2018, then moved to the Philadelphia Hockey Club, where he led the 18U AAA team and served as Assistant Coach for their USPHL Premier team. Most recently, he guided the Jr. Predators’ 18U AA team to four consecutive appearances at the USA Hockey National Championships, including a National Championship victory in 2023–24.

 

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Tier II (A) Boys

Director: David Cole10U A1 (2016/2017): David Cole

David K.B. Cole was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and raised in Amherst, Massachusetts. He attended Williams College, where he majored in studio art, played drums, and was the team goalie for the Ephmen. After graduation, he began coaching at Joe Espinosa Sports Club in Manhattan and later led Fan Development Departments for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Atlanta Thrashers in the NHL.

In Minneapolis, David coached high school teams, youth associations, and St. Olaf College through his company, Celebration Hockey, mentoring players and goalies. Since 2025, he has worked with the Nashville Jr. Predators and TPH Academy, coaching AAA, AA, and A teams, and for 2026–27 will direct the Tier II A program, coach 10UA1, and mentor goalies across all divisions.

A Level 5 USA Hockey coach, retired USA Hockey official, and member of the USA Hockey Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, David lives in West Nashville with his wife, Janet.

 

10U A2 (2016/2017): Clayton Pierce

Originally from Salem, Virginia, Coach Clayton brings a wealth of experience to the Jr. Pred organization. Clayton played his junior hockey in the NA3HL with the Cape Cod Islanders before continuing his playing career at Liberty University.

He previously served as Goalie Coach for the Preds Select program and spent this past season assisting our 10UA1 team as well as working weekly with NJP goaltenders. Since 2023, he has served as the Adult Hockey Coordinator with the Nashville Predators, continuing to contribute to the growth of hockey in the Nashville community.

His playing background and coaching experience position him well to lead the 10UA2 group and continue developing players within the program.

 

12U A1 (2014/2015): Noah Fleckenstein

Coach Noah played and graduated from MTSU before transitioning to coaching. He has spent the past three seasons assisting teams in the Preds Select program as well as leading our 10UA1 team this past season.

 

12U A2 (2014/2015): Max Zweirlein

Coach Max played and graduated from John Carroll University before transitioning to coaching with the Jr. Preds. He began as an assistant coach and later served as the Head Coach for the 12U AA team during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons. Max led our 12UA2 team for the 25/26 season and will return for his fifth season with NJP.

 

14U A1 (2012/2013): JR Dunn

JR Dunn, based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has been deeply involved in hockey as a player, official, and coach for decades. He began playing youth hockey with the Lakeland Hawks in Waterford, MI, progressed to Junior B with the Metro Jets, and competed in Senior A and adult leagues, including the Detroit Fire Department team. JR also officiated for over 15 years, achieving Level 3 USA Hockey certification.

His coaching career includes leading the Metro Jets to a Junior B National Championship (2001–02), contributing to ACHA Division II and Division I National Championships at Oakland University, and mentoring his own children through youth hockey. Most recently, JR served as assistant coach for the Preds Select 12U A1 (2024–25) and Jr. Preds 14U A1 (2025–26) teams. He currently serves as head coach of the Rutherford County Rampage High School hockey team and holds a Level 4 USA Hockey Coaching Certification.

 

14U A2 (2012/2013): Mike Munzel

Coach Mike enters his fifth season with the Preds program, bringing a strong coaching background from his time on Long Island, NY. He and his wife, Jacki, are active members of the Nashville hockey community—Jacki currently serves as the skating coach for both the Nashville Predators and Milwaukee Admirals.

 

16U A1 (2010/2011): TJ Andreasen

Coach TJ has been a key part of the Preds youth coaching staff working across the Nashville Predators’ grassroots, house, scholastic, and travel programs. His commitment to the growth of the game and his players makes him the ideal fit for our 16U A1 team. Coach TJ is ninth season with the Nashville Predators and Nashville Jr. Preds organizations.

 

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 II (AA) program or the upcoming tryout process, please visit our website or reach out to Dom Cuce (AA) at dcuce@jrpredators.com or David Cole (A) at dcole@jrpredators.com. Let’s DIG—Go Preds!