MINUTEMEN Coach Directory
Meet the coaches who lead our Minutemen teams
Our coaches are the heart of the Valley Forge Minutemen. They bring deep experience and they know what it takes to succeed at the Tier 1 level. From the youngest teams to our oldest groups, the focus is the same: strong habits, smart hockey, and consistent development. Coaches push athletes the right way and make sure the work they’re doing prepares them for the next level of the game.
If you need to get in touch with a team, you’ll find their contact information and their managers contact information listed below.
2026-27 COACH DIRECTORY
TEAM
18U
18U
HC: Patrick Porkka
patrickporkka@gmail.com
267-684-9903
AC: Dylan Feoli, Tim Feoli,
Read Pat's Bio
Patrick grew up in Rauma, Finland, where he began playing hockey at a very young age. During his second year of Peewee, he moved to the United States and joined the Valley Forge Minutemen. Patrick spent his entire youth career within the Minutemen organization and went on to graduate from Malvern Prep, where he served as team captain during his senior year.
After graduation, Patrick returned to Finland to play junior hockey for three seasons. He later competed in the FPHL and LNAH semi-professional leagues before finishing his playing career overseas with Hällefors IK and Grums IK.
Following his playing career, Patrick transitioned into coaching, serving as Hockey Director for the Wintersport Royals organization for three seasons. He is now thrilled to be back home and coaching once again with the Minutemen.
16U
John Geverd
jgeverd8@comcast.net
603-494-9391
Patrick Porkka
patrickporkka@gmail.com
267-684-9903
Read John's Bio
John grew up in the Philadelphia area and began his hockey journey with the Glaciers, playing two years at the Mite level and one year as a Squirt before moving on to Tier 1 hockey with the Little Flyers, New Jersey Rockets, and Valley Forge Minutemen.
He attended LaSalle College High School for one year, playing under renowned coach Wally Muehlbronner, before transferring to Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts—part of the elite Independent School League (ISL). At Lawrence, John was a standout athlete in hockey, football, and lacrosse, serving as captain of all three teams his senior year.
Following high school, John played junior hockey with the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs, helping the team capture the EJHL League Championship. He then continued his career at Babson College, where he had an exceptional four-year run. John became only the 13th player in Babson history to score 50 career goals and served as team captain in both his junior and senior seasons. During his junior year, he led the team to a remarkable ECAC East league championship run and secured the school’s first NCAA tournament bid since the early 1990s.
After college, John spent a year and a half playing professionally in the minor leagues (A and AA levels), suiting up for the Richmond Renegades, Reading Royals, Dayton Bombers, and Evansville Icemen.
Following his playing career, John returned to the game he loves through coaching. He began with the Minutemen, leading the 2000 Squirt Major and 1996 Bantam Major teams. He later coached the 2004, 2006 and 2010 birth year teams. The 2004 team won multiple league and district championships, with six players going on to play or commit to Division 1 college hockey. His 2006 team has consistently been a district and playoff contender, producing two Division 1-committed players. John also serves as a coach for the Atlantic District Player Development Program, helping to shape the next generation of elite talent.
Coaching Philosophy
Hockey should be fun; the fun part of hockey to coach John is lining up and competing against an opponent. Our practices are designed to work on each individual’s skills and create an environment where the kids are pushed to compete in practice against one another and they are excited to show up to the rink each day.
John has learned a lot about how coaching is so much more than knowing the game, it is building relationships with the players and learning to communicate with each player as they are all very different. John believes team success comes from individual improvement combined with the whole team buying in to achieving the same goals.
Read Pat's Bio
Patrick grew up in Rauma, Finland, where he began playing hockey at a very young age. During his second year of Peewee, he moved to the United States and joined the Valley Forge Minutemen. Patrick spent his entire youth career within the Minutemen organization and went on to graduate from Malvern Prep, where he served as team captain during his senior year.
After graduation, Patrick returned to Finland to play junior hockey for three seasons. He later competed in the FPHL and LNAH semi-professional leagues before finishing his playing career overseas with Hällefors IK and Grums IK.
Following his playing career, Patrick transitioned into coaching, serving as Hockey Director for the Wintersport Royals organization for three seasons. He is now thrilled to be back home and coaching once again with the Minutemen.
14U Bantam Major 2012
Toni Porkka
toniporkka@yahoo.com
484-529-0452
Read Toni's Bio
Toni grew up in Rauma, Finland, where he began skating and playing hockey at just two years old. A standout from an early age, he captained his Bantam Major team to a Finnish National Championship with Lukko Rauma. His talent was recognized nationally when he was named Best Defenseman and selected to the All-Star team at the U16 Team Finland combine.
Toni represented Team Finland at the U16, U17, U18, and U20 levels, and competed in the 1990 World Junior Championships, where Finland finished fourth. Remarkably, he became the oldest rookie ever to play for the Finnish Men’s National Team at age 32.
He began his professional career during his senior year of high school, debuting with Lukko in the Finnish Elite League. In 1990, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers. Over an 18-year professional career, Toni served as captain or assistant captain for 10 seasons. He capped off his playing career by winning the German Championship with the Cologne Sharks in 2002.
Professional Career
-9 years in Finnish Elite League
-6 years in DEL Germany
-3 years in North America AHL
Coaching Experience
06-07 Lukko, Rauma
07-08 MM Peewee Major
08-09 MM Bantam Minor, Reading Royals Squirt AA
09-10 MM Squirt Major, MM Bantam Major
10-11 MM Peewee Minor, MM U16 National
11-12 MM Peewee Major, MM U16 National
12-13 MM Bantam Minor, MM U18
13-14 MM Squirt Major, MM Bantam Major
14-15 MM PeeWee Minor, MM 16 American
15-16 MM PeeWee Major, MM 16 National
Head instructor of multiple hockey skill development camps and clinics.
Level 4 coach.
Coaching Philosophy
Combining the European and north American development systems. Maximizing skill development in high tempo competitive atmosphere. Age appropriate training and systems. Emphasis on Team work, tight active defensive systems, creative offensive systems, attitude, work ethic, commitment, respect!
14U Bantam Minor 2013
Dany Doucet
danydoucet@hotmail.com
610-533-5880
Read Dany's Bio
Dany grew up in Québec, Canada where he played youth hockey from the age 4. He attended St-Joseph boarding school in the Trois-Rivières area where he was the captain of the hockey varsity team. He went on to play Collège AAA at Collège Laflèche, Trois-Rivières. He then attended Université Laval in Québec while playing Tier II Junior hockey. Dany attended graduate school at North Carolina State University, Raleigh where he spent some time with the Wolfpack of the ACHA (ACCHL).
He moved to the Philadelphia area in 2007 and started his coaching career with the Valley Forge Colonials mite program where he has been the assistant director since 2013-2021.
Dany has been coaching the Minutemen 2013 team since 2021/22 season.
Coaching Experience
Valley Forge Minutemen Squirt Minor 2022-2023
Valley Forge Militia/Mite Major 2021-2022
Valley Forge Colonials Mite Director/Coach 2019-2021
Valley Forge Minutemen Squirt Major 2017-2018
Valley Forge Minutemen Squirt Minor 2016-2017
Valley Forge Minutemen Squirt Minor 2015-2016
Valley Forge Minutemen Mite Major 2014-2015
Coaching Philosophy
To teach fundamental hockey skills and promote teamwork in a fun, positive and respectful environment so players keep improving and are ready for the next level.
12U PeeWee Major 2014
HC: Toni Porkka
toniporkka@yahoo.com
484-529-0452
Manager: Melinda DiStefano
melidi402@gmail.com
Read Toni's Bio
Toni grew up in Rauma, Finland, where he began skating and playing hockey at just two years old. A standout from an early age, he captained his Bantam Major team to a Finnish National Championship with Lukko Rauma. His talent was recognized nationally when he was named Best Defenseman and selected to the All-Star team at the U16 Team Finland combine.
Toni represented Team Finland at the U16, U17, U18, and U20 levels, and competed in the 1990 World Junior Championships, where Finland finished fourth. Remarkably, he became the oldest rookie ever to play for the Finnish Men’s National Team at age 32.
He began his professional career during his senior year of high school, debuting with Lukko in the Finnish Elite League. In 1990, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers. Over an 18-year professional career, Toni served as captain or assistant captain for 10 seasons. He capped off his playing career by winning the German Championship with the Cologne Sharks in 2002.
Professional Career
-9 years in Finnish Elite League
-6 years in DEL Germany
-3 years in North America AHL
Coaching Experience
06-07 Lukko, Rauma
07-08 MM Peewee Major
08-09 MM Bantam Minor, Reading Royals Squirt AA
09-10 MM Squirt Major, MM Bantam Major
10-11 MM Peewee Minor, MM U16 National
11-12 MM Peewee Major, MM U16 National
12-13 MM Bantam Minor, MM U18
13-14 MM Squirt Major, MM Bantam Major
14-15 MM PeeWee Minor, MM 16 American
15-16 MM PeeWee Major, MM 16 National
Head instructor of multiple hockey skill development camps and clinics.
Level 4 coach.
Coaching Philosophy
Combining the European and north American development systems. Maximizing skill development in high tempo competitive atmosphere. Age appropriate training and systems. Emphasis on Team work, tight active defensive systems, creative offensive systems, attitude, work ethic, commitment, respect!
12U/PeeWee Minor 2015
HC: Tim Feoli
tfjr.23@gmail.com
267-250-8502
AC: Matt Balke, Bill Latch
Manager: Laura Smeltzer
laura.a.smeltzer@gmail.com
Read Tim's Bio
Tim has been a dedicated member of The Minutemen organization since 2019. He spent three years as an assistant coach with the 2007 VFMM team and is now entering his fifth season as the head coach of the 2009 team.
A true product of The Minutemen program, Tim played with the organization through his 16U season before moving on to play 18U with Team Comcast, where he helped lead the team to a Nationals appearance. In high school, he was a four-year varsity player at LaSalle College High School. During his junior year, he won the Pennsylvania State Championship and earned Flyers Cup Tournament MVP honors.
Tim’s playing career was unfortunately cut short by injury at age 19, but his passion for the game led him directly into coaching. He’s been a part of The Minutemen coaching staff ever since, bringing a player-first approach to development. Tim is deeply committed to helping athletes grow both on and off the ice, using his own experiences to guide them in reaching their hockey goals.
Read Matt's Bio
Matt began his hockey journey in the Philadelphia area at just three years old. He went on to play Tier 1 hockey with both the Valley Forge Minutemen and the Little Flyers. After completing his freshman year at Archbishop Carroll High School, Matt was recruited to join the nationally ranked South Kent School in Connecticut, where he excelled as a top defenseman.
Upon graduating from South Kent, Matt received multiple NCAA Division III offers, but chose to return closer to home to play for Penn State Berks. Competing at the Division 1 ACHA level, Matt helped lead his team to three National Tournament appearances over four years. He also served as team captain during both his junior and senior seasons. Matt remains one of Penn State Berks’ all-time points leaders, a testament to his leadership and impact on the ice.
Coaching Experience
After Matt’s hockey career came to an end, he took his hockey knowledge and love for the game to pursue youth coaching. Matt was the head coach for several years of the Valley Forge Mites program, 2015 Valley Forge Militia and 2015 Valley Forge Minutemen.
Coaching Philosophy
Matt’s passion is to set every player up for success, by devoting his time and hockey wisdom he strives to build committed, well-rounded youth players that have the discipline to excel not just on the ice but off the ice as well.
Read Bill's Bio
Billy is a USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach who has been a dedicated member of the Valley Forge Minutemen coaching staff since 2017. He currently serves as the head coach of the 2014 Valley Forge Minutemen team and has contributed to the development of players at various levels, assisting with teams ranging from Mites to Squirt Major.
A local product, Billy grew up playing hockey in the Valley Forge area and first learned to skate at the former General Washington skating rink at the age of five. He is a graduate of Spring-Ford High School and Villanova University, and has remained actively involved in the sport throughout his life.
In addition to his work with the Minutemen, Billy also coaches within the Spring-Ford Ice Hockey Program, where he works with both the elementary and middle school teams. His dedication to player development and passion for teaching the game make him a valuable asset to the Valley Forge coaching staff.
Coaching Experience
Valley Forge Mite Program – 2017-2023
Valley Forge Minutemen Squirt Major/Minor – 2019-2025
Spring-Ford Hockey Program 2021-2024
Coaching Philosophy
My focus is on developing the fundamental skills of hockey, while promoting a culture that is accountable, responsible, and hardworking. I stress a team first approach to the game and am focused on developing a group of young athletes that you would want to be around both on and off the ice. I strive to promote creativity, playmaking and critical thinking while continuing to push the pace at which they make those decisions. I believe strongly in growth through failure and will push my team to the breaking point so they understand how much we can learn from it. My ultimate goal is developing an athlete that loves the sport of hockey and is ready to take the next step in life.
10U/Squirt Minor 2017
HC: John Geverd
jgeverd8@comcast.net
603-494-9391
Manager: Haley Mossor
haleymossor@gmail.com
Read John's Bio
John grew up in the Philadelphia area and began his hockey journey with the Glaciers, playing two years at the Mite level and one year as a Squirt before moving on to Tier 1 hockey with the Little Flyers, New Jersey Rockets, and Valley Forge Minutemen.
He attended LaSalle College High School for one year, playing under renowned coach Wally Muehlbronner, before transferring to Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts—part of the elite Independent School League (ISL). At Lawrence, John was a standout athlete in hockey, football, and lacrosse, serving as captain of all three teams his senior year.
Following high school, John played junior hockey with the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs, helping the team capture the EJHL League Championship. He then continued his career at Babson College, where he had an exceptional four-year run. John became only the 13th player in Babson history to score 50 career goals and served as team captain in both his junior and senior seasons. During his junior year, he led the team to a remarkable ECAC East league championship run and secured the school’s first NCAA tournament bid since the early 1990s.
After college, John spent a year and a half playing professionally in the minor leagues (A and AA levels), suiting up for the Richmond Renegades, Reading Royals, Dayton Bombers, and Evansville Icemen.
Following his playing career, John returned to the game he loves through coaching. He began with the Minutemen, leading the 2000 Squirt Major and 1996 Bantam Major teams. He later coached the 2004, 2006 and 2010 birth year teams. The 2004 team won multiple league and district championships, with six players going on to play or commit to Division 1 college hockey. His 2006 team has consistently been a district and playoff contender, producing two Division 1-committed players. John also serves as a coach for the Atlantic District Player Development Program, helping to shape the next generation of elite talent.
Coaching Philosophy
Hockey should be fun; the fun part of hockey to coach John is lining up and competing against an opponent. Our practices are designed to work on each individual’s skills and create an environment where the kids are pushed to compete in practice against one another and they are excited to show up to the rink each day.
John has learned a lot about how coaching is so much more than knowing the game, it is building relationships with the players and learning to communicate with each player as they are all very different. John believes team success comes from individual improvement combined with the whole team buying in to achieving the same goals.
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