Book Private Ice-hockey Lessons with Coach Jake
Former AAA/ Junior player, Level 5 USA Hockey coach focused on skill development
Former AAA/ Junior player, Level 5 USA Hockey coach focused on skill development
Former AAA and Junior player and current Level 5 USA Hockey coach focused on building strong fundamentals, improving skating and puck skills, and helping players develop confidence and hockey IQ that translates directly into game performance.
Trains in Greensburg, Delmont
Flexible Availability
Works with all age groups
Ice-hockey
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Get to know Coach Jake
About Me:
Hi, I’m Jake Gradwell, a former AAA and Junior hockey player with years of experience competing at high levels, including Tier 2 Junior hockey in both the SJHL and NAHL. I was drafted in both the USHL and NAHL, giving me firsthand insight into what it takes to succeed at competitive hockey.
I’m a Level 5 USA Hockey certified coach and have coached players across all ages, from developmental youth teams to high school varsity programs. I currently serve as the Head Coach for the Varsity Team and Sewickley Academy; and I am the Owner and Director of Player Development at NXT GEN Hockey LLC.
I specialize in building strong fundamentals, improving skating, puck skills, and hockey IQ, and helping players gain confidence so they can translate their skills directly into games. My coaching style emphasizes structured practices, repetition, accountability, and teaching players how to learn and apply skills, not just run drills.
I’m passionate about helping players grow both on and off the ice, and I love seeing athletes develop confidence, improve their game, and enjoy the sport as much as I do.
How I can help you improve your game:
I help players develop strong fundamentals, including skating mechanics, puck control, passing, and shooting. Using a structured, skill-focused approach, I teach players how to apply techniques in game situations and improve their hockey IQ. I also emphasize confidence, accountability, and repetition, ensuring that skills become second nature. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a solid foundation or an advanced player aiming to sharpen specific skills, I tailor instruction to your needs and help you take your game to the next level.
What a typical training session looks like with me:
Each session is designed to maximize skill development while keeping players engaged and challenged. I run small-group lessons to ensure every player receives personalized attention and feedback.
We focus on skill stations tailored to each player’s level, including skating, puck control, passing, shooting, and game-like decision-making. I emphasize repetition with purpose, giving immediate corrections to reinforce proper technique and build strong habits. While sessions are held in small groups the focus is completely individual.
My goal is for each player to leave confident, skilled, and ready to perform on the ice.
Career summary and accomplishments:
Over 30 years of experience in hockey as both a player and coach.
Former AAA and Junior hockey player, including 3 years in Tier 2 Junior hockey (2 in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, 1 in the North American Hockey League), 3 years of Varsity high school hockey, and 3 years of Amateur AAA hockey in the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League, Empire State Amateur Hockey League, and Western New York Amateur Hockey League.
Drafted in both the USHL and NAHL, showcasing elite-level recognition and potential.
Level 5 USA Hockey Certified Coach, the highest level of coaching certification through USA Hockey.
Head Coach and Assistant Coach at multiple levels, including Varsity high school programs and youth teams (12U–14U AA).
Lead Coach and Program Director for the Hempfield Developmental Program, overseeing player development, practice planning, and foundational training standards.
Owner and Director of Player Development at NXT GEN Hockey LLC, running camps, clinics, and small-group training to improve skating, puck skills, and hockey IQ.
Best coach I ever had:
Coach Frank (RIP)
What athletes and parents should know about me:
I’m a husband and father of two sons who play hockey, so I understand the importance of balancing skill development, confidence, and enjoyment of the game. I focus on creating a positive, supportive environment where players feel challenged but encouraged to grow. I run small-group lessons to give each player personalized attention, helping them improve skills, make better decisions on the ice, and gain confidence.
I believe hockey should be fun, rewarding, and a place to build character, and I take pride in helping players develop not just as athletes, but as teammates and young people. Open communication with both players and parents is important to me so we can all stay aligned on goals and progress.
How it works
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Once you find a coach that fits your needs, go to their profile, select the package you'd like to purchase, and click 'Book Lessons'. Here, you can reserve your desired number of lessons along with the number of athletes who will be training. After sessions are booked, coordinate the dates/times for each session on your calendar - using the calendar is important since this is how your coach will get paid.
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Where will the coach hold their lessons?
Each coach typically has at least one preferred training location. You can see the location(s) by going to your coach's profile and finding the 'Training Locations' section. If a coach doesn't have locations listed here, you can message the coach to see where they train. Some coaches are willing to travel to clients for lessons, or even meet halfway.
When is the coach available to train?
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How do rescheduling, cancellations, and lesson credits work?
Good Fit Guarantee — If your first lesson isn't the right fit, we'll move your lesson credit to a new coach. No hassle.
Easy rescheduling — Cancel or reschedule up to 4 hours before a lesson, no questions asked.
Coach no-shows — You'll be fully credited and we'll help you find a replacement.
Flexible credits — Unused lessons last 12 months and can be used with any coach on the platform.
Questions? Our team is here to help. View our policies.
Do coaches work with both kids & adults?
Our coaches are open to helping athletes of any age and skill level. Please message your desired coach to ensure their skillset fits your needs.
Why should I trust AU and their coaches over other platforms?
AU was created by former collegiate and professional athletes. We understand the benefits of training with a private coach. It develops discipline, boosts confidence, and provides an undeniable advantage - whether you are just learning the game or looking to earn a college scholarship. All AU coaches are required to pass a thorough onboarding process and we proudly showcase a 10% acceptance rate, so you can trust you're training with the best.
At the end of the day, our mission is to provide athletes with better opportunities to succeed through coaching. You won't find a platform, and group of dedicated specialists, more excited to help you achieve your athletic goals!