CLEAR EYES
FULL HEARTS
CAN'T LOSE
DURANT COUGARS ICE HOCKEY
The third iteration of the Durant Hockey Club, founded in 2017, emerged from a vision to elevate the high school hockey experience in the Tampa Bay area. Born from the collaboration of passionate individuals, including head coach Todd Comunale, associate head coach Jamie Gorham, assistant coach Clint Walden, goaltending coach Michael Cappiello, and skating director Jen Kious (now Danowitz), the club aimed to provide a structured, travel-like hockey experience for students from Durant, Strawberry Crest, Plant City, and Brandon high schools. Their mission was clear; promote student well-being, sportsmanship, and physical fitness through the sport of ice hockey.
With a dedicated coaching staff and a roster of only 16 skaters, the club quickly made its mark, earning a playoff berth in its inaugural season. From its humble beginnings to its status as a prominent force in high school hockey, the Durant Hockey Club continues to leave an indelible mark on the LHSHL, embodying the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence.
Meet the Coaches
The Durant hockey coaching staff brings a wealth of experience and specialized skills along with a strong commitment to excellence
Mike Cappiello
Head Coach - Varsity
Coach Michael Cappiello AKA “Coach Cappie” is a Level 4 certified hockey coach with over 15 years of coaching experience. As the head coach for Durant High School Varsity for the past two seasons, Coach Cappie has demonstrated exceptional leadership, fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence on and off the ice.
Prior to his time as head coach, Cappie has served previously as assistant coach for Durant, the associate coach at Tampa Catholic and was head coach for Durant’s JV team for a time.
Known for his commitment to player development and his ability to inspire athletes to reach their full potential, Coach Cappie is respected within the hockey community as a mentor and role model. His talent lies in guiding his players not only in hockey skills but also in character development, emphasizing the importance of integrity, sportsmanship, and perseverance.
Under Coach Cappie's guidance, players not only excel in the game but also grow as individuals, embodying the values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience that are the hallmarks of a true student athlete.
Dan Thomas
Associate Coach Defense
Dan Thomas is a Level 2 USA Hockey coach originally from from Buffalo NY with over 30 years of sports experience spanning between youth, high school and college. When he is not working with the Durant program, Coach Dan is also head coach for 12u rec team Surge and assistant coach for defense 12u rec select Bull Sharks at TGH Ice Plex in Brandon.
Coach Dan specializes in defense and positioning and also enjoys playing on several men's league teams. He also plays guitar and is an avid Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres fan.
Hootie Burgess
Associate Coach Offense
Tommy (Hootie) Burgess is a level 4 certified USA Hockey coach with experience coaching all age groups. Previously he has coached around the Tampa Bay area for several years and brings experience with competitive travel hockey. After winning the SAHOF State Championship in the 22-23 season for Bantam A, he has been a finalist every year since also winning multiple tournaments across the eastern United States. His focus is on structure and development of the individual and the team to bring out the best.
He is known for building relationships with the players that encourage trust and commitment to better themselves and their team.
Brad Christman
Head Coach - JV
Ann Arbor, MI travel hockey player. Varsity HS hockey athlete, All-State Second team honorable mention, 09’-10’ team leader in scoring.
Division III NCAA recruit. St. Olaf College ACHA athlete. FPHL recruit. 21’-22’ University of Florida CHF athlete.
22’-24’ University of FL CHF D3 Hockey Coach.
HS Biology Teacher, avid fisherman, certified sea captain, Master of Public Health, snowboarder, 10 year FL resident.
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