Meet The Coaches

Head Coach

Garth Gray

CAPS TITLE

Garth was a defenseman throughout his career and grew up playing for the Syracuse Nationals. He started his junior hockey career at the age of 15 years old, playing in the EmJHL and the USPHL Elite league. Gray has played a total of 133 junior hockey games all for the Syracuse Stars. He was also a member of the Baldwinsville Bees Varsity hockey team during his junior year (2012-2013).

Throughout his career, Gray was selected to the U14 NY District Spring Selection Camp (2010) and was an assistant captain for the Stars in 2013. He earned Empire League All-Star Team status in 2013, and was selected to the U15/U16/U17 District Spring Selection camp in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 season. He also earned a selection to the U17 USA Hockey National Player Development camp in 2013.

Transitioning from player to mentor, Garth found his calling as a coach. For the past seven years, he has guided young athletes at the midget level. Recently, he joined the Rochester Coalition, where he coached both the 16U and 18U teams. Garth’s coaching philosophy extends beyond the Xs and Os; he believes in nurturing not only better players but also better individuals. His strong relationships with Prep school coaches reflect his dedication to helping players reach their true potential.

Gray's passion for hockey and commitment to development make him an invaluable asset to the sport.

Player Development

James Muscatello

Coach James Muscatello, known by many as "Coach Musky," is a distinguished hockey coach and leader with over 15 years of experience in player development. As the founder of H3 Hockey Development, James has dedicated over 5,000 hours to coaching private lessons, camps, and clinics, helping athletes at all levels—from youth to collegiate—unlock their potential and achieve success both on and off the ice.

James’s leadership is defined by his commitment to empowering athletes and fostering an environment that prioritizes confidence, skill development, and personal growth. Through his coaching philosophy, rooted in the principles of Head-Heart-Hustle (H3), he instills discipline, resilience, and teamwork, ensuring players not only develop their technical skills but also become leaders in their communities. His focus on holistic development has earned him a reputation as a trusted mentor who guides players through the complexities of their hockey careers, offering valuable advice on team selection and long-term growth strategies.

A natural leader, James’s own journey in hockey began in his hometown of Baldwinsville, NY, where he played for Baldwinsville High School. As captain, he led the team to its first-ever State Championship appearance and earned New York State Player of the Year honors. He further honed his leadership and playing skills at Northwood Prep in Lake Placid, NY, part of the Schools first 40 win season. Following Northwood, he attended Fredonia State University, where he played 4 years of NCAA DIII, named a captain and part of the 2007 team that won a SUNYAC Championship and had an Elite 8 NCAA appearance.

Before founding H3 Hockey Development, James was the head coach of the Syracuse Stampede Junior A Hockey Club, where his leadership led the team to a remarkable 103-15-5-4 record and multiple championships. His ability to inspire and lead his players to success at the junior level solidified his reputation as a prominent coach and mentor.

Now, based in Baldwinsville with his wife and three young children, James continues to make a lasting impact on the next generation of players, not just as a coach, but as a leader who empowers young athletes to be the best versions of themselves—on and off the ice. Through his leadership, James Muscatello has proven to be an invaluable asset in developing future leaders, both in hockey and in life.