WLC names TJ Mathieson as 2026-2027 PeeWee Minor (2015) Head Coach

WLC Names former Notre Dame Fighting Irish TJ Mathieson as 2026-2027 PW Minor (2015) Head Coach.

Coach TJ Mathieson brings a rare blend of elite playing experience, high-performance athletic insight, and proven coaching leadership to the Washington Little Caps. A longtime figure in the greater DC hockey community, TJ started his hockey journey locally in the CBHL, played junior hockey with the Central Penn Panthers and the Chicago Freeze, and went on to compete at the NCAA Division I level as a defenseman at the University of Notre Dame. During his collegiate career, he spent two summers training with the Washington Capitals and skated in the Capitals Development Camp in 2002. From an early stage, TJ has been deeply committed to player development, teaching youth camps and clinics throughout his playing career.

After college hockey, TJ went on to compete internationally as a sprinter with the U.S. National Track Cycling Team, earning a national championship title and representing Team USA at UCI World Cups, Pan-American Championships, and selected to the USA Cycling Olympic Long Team for the 2012 London Games. That experience sharpened his understanding of elite performance—spanning preparation, mindset, nutrition, recovery, and execution—which now directly informs his coaching philosophy.

Over the past decade, TJ has transitioned his athletic focus to coaching hockey, ranging from learn-to-play programs to Tier II AA hockey, most recently at the Peewee AA level for the Reston Raiders. Known for building cohesive, confident teams from diverse skill sets, his teams have consistently competed at the very top of the CBHL. TJ emphasizes respect, accountability, and positive competitiveness, creating an environment where players are challenged and encouraged to grow every day.

Off the ice, TJ is a chief mission architect in the aerospace and defense industry, holding a master’s degree in astronautical engineering and a PhD in systems engineering. He brings that same systems-level thinking, attention to detail, and long-term vision to the rink—setting a clear goal of developing not only outstanding young people, but a unified team capable of competing with the very best in the country. ”I am honored and thrilled to join the WLC program and help advance its commitment to elite player development, national competitiveness, and growing the greater DC area into a premier hockey talent pool.”

Executive Director Mike Donnellan said, “We are grateful to welcome TJ Mathieson to our program. TJ brings a unique combination of elite playing experience, high-performance training expertise, and a deep commitment to player development. His background—both in hockey and at the highest levels of international sport—aligns perfectly with our mission of developing complete players and people. TJ adds another layer of professionalism to a WLC staff that will feature seven coaches with NCAA Division I and professional playing experience in 2026-2027. Building an elite staff that can compete with anyone in the country is a priority for us, and TJ is a fantastic addition to that group.”