Jared Bussard Joins TPH-Colorado Family as Player Development Coach / Mentor

May 16, 2020 | designshopstan | News

Total Package Hockey is pleased to announce that Jared Bussard has joined TPH-Colorado as a full-time Player Development Coach/Mentor. In his role, Bussard will assist Director of Hockey-Operations Jordan Pietrus in all aspects of the TPH-Colorado operation. A Western Pennsylvania native with a passion for mentoring athletes and a non-traditional path to success in the sport, Bussard brings a unique level of playing, instruction and coaching experience to the TPH-Colorado family.

“We could not be more excited to have Jared join our team in Colorado,” Jordan Pietrus said. “Jared has a passion for the game of hockey and a passion for mentorship. A hard working player, Jared had to earn everything he achieved as a player, and we are excited to have him on our team to help lead our student-athletes in exceeding not only the expectations of others, but themselves.”

Bussard’s path in hockey would certainly be labeled as the “road less traveled.” He started playing hockey at the age of 9 and within five seasons, captured a Midget ‘AA’ state championship before advancing to what is now the USPHL level with the Richmond Generals, where Bussard spent two seasons and was a captain for the team. After two seasons of junior hockey, the now 26-year-old, attended Lindenwood University-Belleville. Bussard was once again a team captain, letterman, and Academic All-American for all four years with the Lynx. He helped guide the Lynx to an impressive 93-24-9 record during his four seasons. Bussard earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management, as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Administration while attending Lindenwood. After graduating with an MBA, Bussard returned to Richmond where he served as an Assistant Coach for the Generals during the 2019-2020 season.

Prior to his first official full-time coaching position, Bussard served as a camp instructor, assistant youth hockey coach and assistant high school hockey coach, all while still in his teens, playing the game. This is something that caught Jordan Pietrus’ eye when he interviewed candidates for the position.

“Jared is someone who, throughout his life, has exhibited a willingness to serve and give back to the game. Jared is extremely bright and comes to us with a deep desire to impact the next generation of hockey players in Colorado. We firmly believe in having high character people lead our student athletes and Jared will set a great example day in and day out for our students to follow. On behalf of all of us with TPH, we welcome Jared to our Colorado family.”