With 20+ years of coaching experience at the Tier I youth, collegiate, junior, and professional levels, we are excited to announce that Tony Horacek will be joining the West Chester Wolves organization. Horacek’s success as a coach has been driven by his ability to adapt his approach and continuously grow as a teacher and communicator in order to positively impact the development, recruitment, program growth, and player retention of his student-athletes. His coaching philosophy brings a unique and original perspective both to the bench and on the ice. “Elevating the athletes’ baseline while mentoring and creating a practice environment that positively challenges and drives athletic growth, both physically and mentally, demands player accountability, and helps the athlete realize their potential consistently, is his primary objective.”

Throughout his coaching career, Horacek has been instrumental in developing and preparing his players to achieve their athletic and personal best. Many have gone on to be tendered or committed to NCAA D1 and DIII programs, moved on to the USHL, NAHL, NCDC, and Canadian Provincial Jr. leagues (BCHL, SJHL, OJHL), while others have had the opportunity to play in major junior hockey programs in the CHL. “The West Chester Wolves offer an unmatched path through their program offerings and ladder of athletic development in the Northeast. The 18/16 Tier I Academy program, their Junior Premier team, and the opportunity to play on the tuition-free NCDC Junior team create a unique ascension opportunity for young hockey players willing to earn it and compete to get there,” stated Horacek.

During his playing career, which spanned fifteen seasons between the NHL, IHL, and AHL, the seventh-round draft pick played 250 regular season NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks. Horacek was a member of the Stanley Cup finalist team in Chicago. Before playing professionally, Horacek played in the WHL for the Kelowna Wings, Spokane Chiefs, and Kamloops Blazers. He was part of a Memorial Cup finalist team as a Kamloops Blazer.

Horacek apprenticed and learned the craft of teaching high-level hockey under some of the most revered coaches, general managers, and athletes at the professional and junior levels. The leaders who have been instrumental in shaping his hockey education and challenging him to achieve at the highest levels, both as an athlete and teacher, are names well-known in the hockey world: Ken Hitchcock (St. Louis, Philadelphia, Dallas, Edmonton NHL), Andy Murray (Western Michigan University, LA Kings), Mike Keenan (Chicago, Philadelphia, St. Louis NHL), Mike Eaves (Hershey Bears, Wisconsin University), Darryl Sutter (Calgary, Chicago, Los Angeles NHL), and numerous others. “I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the West Chester Wolves and grow our championship brand, known for providing the best path to collegiate, junior, and professional hockey.”