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About the Varsity Program

The Beavercreek Varsity Hockey program was established in 1997 as a result of the untiring efforts of Mr. Eric Gartz, the "Father of Creek Hockey". In an effort to symbolize his dedication, tenacity, and love of the game of hockey, the Varsity Hockey team established the "Eric Gartz Award". Winners of this award are chosen by the Varsity Team players and it is the most coveted award that can be won by Creek Hockey players. In addition to establishing the "Eric Gartz Award", the Creek Hockey program has permanently retired the number "1" to honor Mr. Gartz and presented him with a game jersey with this number affixed. The program took this action in recognition of his efforts in starting the Creek Hockey program, his status as the number "1" supporter of the Beavers, and his efforts in promoting high school hockey in Ohio. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena built a display to honor Ohio High School hockey and permanently installed the display in the arena prior to the Ohio State High School Hockey Championship in March 2003. Each varsity high school hockey program in the state donated a game jersey for inclusion in this display. Due to the continued generosity of the Gartz family, the jersey presented to Eric has been donated to the Nationwide Arena display and will be hung to honor the Creek Hockey program and the memory of Mr. Gartz. Mr. Gartz passed away in 2000; however, his efforts will be forever remembered by the Creek Hockey family.

 
Coaching Staff

Greg Flynn - Head Coach

Coach Flynn comes to Beavercreek following playing for the Lowell Devils of the American Hockey League in 2009-2010 and the United States Air Force Academy from 2005-2009. Coach Flynn’s Academy teams earned three consecutive NCAA tournament appearance from 2007-2009 and he led the nation in scoring as a Defensemen in the 2008-2009 season. Coach Flynn also earned NCAA Skill Competition MVP honors during the 2008-2009 season. Prior to assuming the Head Coaching position at Beavercreek High School Coach Flynn was a coach from the Lowell Junior Riverhawks U16 AAA organization in Massachusetts, specializing in speed and strength development. Coach Flynn is currently serving as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB.

 

Aaron LaFave - Assistant Coach

Coach LaFave grew up playing hockey in Dayton for the Gems and Bluehawks (Previous organizations to the present Dayton Hockey Association organization). In high school, Coach LaFave played at the prestigious Shattuck St. Mary’s. Following High School Coach LaFave played at Lawrence University, a Division III school in Appleton Wisconsin and was the Team Captain in 2006-2007 as well as a four year Lettermen. He graduated with a degree in Economics and a degree in Philosophy. Prior to his position with Beavercreek, Aaron helped coach the U16 AAA Cincinnati Steam during the 2010-2011 season. Coach LaFave is a level 4 USA Hockey certified coach.

Ray Morandi- Development Coach

This is Ray's 3rd year as Assistant Coach of the Beavers. He  brings 19 years of coaching experience to the Beavercreek hockey program. A lifelong fan of hockey, Ray began coaching when his sons started playing the game. He has coached at all levels from mini-mite through Midget AA.
He has a Level 4 coaching certification through USA Hockey. Ray is originally from Brooklyn, NY and settled in Beavercreek after his retirement from the United States Air Force. He is currently employed as a Defense Contractor at Wright-Patterson AFB. Married for 30 years, Ray and his wife Patti have three sons, two of which played hockey for the Beavers.