ACP Hockey 

foundation

Creating Access, Opportunity, and Community, Through Youth Hockey

Our Mission

The ACP Hockey Foundation is committed to creating access, opportunity, and community through youth hockey. Our mission is simple: develop exceptional hockey players and outstanding people.

With over 50 years of combined coaching and development experience, we use proven, progression-based training focused on the core skills of the game—skating, passing, puck handling, and shooting—while building the confidence, resilience, and character that last far beyond the rink.

Too often, the cost of equipment, ice time, and travel keeps hardworking kids from playing the game they love. Through the support of our community and donors, the ACP Hockey Foundation helps remove those barriers, putting skates on the ice, sticks in young hands, and opportunity within reach.

Together, we’re building more than hockey players—we’re building stronger kids, better teammates, and a community united by the values of the game.

Learn more
Learn more

Meet the Founder

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Meet the Founder *

OWNER / COACH

AUSTIN COLDWELL

As a current business owner and former professional hockey player, I am passionate about giving back to the game that has given so much to my life. Through hockey, I developed life skills such as discipline, resilience, and work ethic, and earned the opportunity to attend college on a Division I scholarship. Our mission is to use the game of hockey as a vehicle to teach life skills, create opportunity, and positively impact the next generation of athletes.

Board members

Ryan Taft: From first stepping on the ice at age three to competing at a high level through high school, hockey has been a defining part of my life. The game instilled in me the discipline, resilience, and character that have shaped who I am today as a parent, coach, and business owner. I credit much of my personal and professional success to the lessons learned through hockey. Serving as part of the ACP Hockey Foundation allows me to give back to the game that has given me so much, helping to create opportunities and guide young players as they begin their own journey both on and off the ice.
James Toth: From the moment I first stepped on the ice, I fell in love with the game of hockey. That passion carried me through my playing career, including competing at the collegiate club level, and naturally evolved into a deep commitment to coaching and developing young players. After joining the Navy and serving alongside special operations forces, I carried those same principles of discipline, resilience, and leadership into my career as an entrepreneur in real estate. Despite those paths, my true passion has always remained with the game—coaching, mentoring, and helping young athletes grow both on and off the ice. Serving as part of the ACP Hockey Foundation allows me to give back to the sport that has given me so much, creating opportunities and helping guide the next generation as they begin their own journey.
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Make a Donation

Every act of generosity—big or small—helps strengthen the mission of the ACP Hockey Foundation. Your support helps create access, opportunity, and community through youth hockey, putting skates on the ice, sticks in young hands, and dreams within reach. Together, we are building a future that reflects the values of the game—hard work, teamwork, and opportunity for every child.

With your support, more kids can step onto the ice, build confidence, form lifelong friendships, and discover what they’re capable of both on and off the rink.

Together, we are not just supporting hockey—we are investing in the next generation of leaders, teammates, and community members.

VENMO DONATIONS TO @ACPhockeyfoundation

Contact Us

A Parent’s Guide to Getting Started, Understanding the Costs, and Navigating the Path from Learn to Play to AAA

  • The most popular entry point in the Tampa area is the Lightning Learn to Play Hockey program, which is designed to introduce young players to the sport in an affordable and accessible way.

  • Common Tampa-area hockey organizations include:

    • Tampa Bay Lightning Learn to Play / Rookie League

    • Tampa Bulls

    • Tampa Bay Hockey Club

    • Clearwater Ice Storm

    • Florida Alliance

    • Gulf Coast Flames

    • Junior Everblades

    • Jr. Lightning

    Some programs focus more on development and family culture, while others operate in a more high-performance, elite environment.

  • Estimated annual hockey costs by level

    Learn to Play$300

    Rookie / Beginner League$ 500

    House Hockey$1,000

    Travel Hockey (A / AA)$1,000–$5,000

    AAA Hockey$5,000–$15,000+

  • For players who continue progressing, the next stages may include juniors, prep school, or college hockey.

    Junior hockey pathways may include:

    • USHL

    • NAHL

    • NCDC

    • USPHL

    • Other Tier II / Tier III programs

  • Through the game, kids develop discipline, resilience, confidence, and teamwork, while building the strength—both mental and physical—to overcome challenges on and off the ice. They learn to handle adversity, support one another, and push themselves to be better every day.

    But the impact goes far beyond the rink.

    Hockey creates lifelong friendships, mentorship, and opportunity. It builds character, opens doors to education, and helps young athletes grow into confident, driven individuals.

    When you support a player, you’re not just funding a sport—
    you’re investing in a child’s future.

  • Families often reduce costs through:

    • Beginner programs like Learn to Play

    • Used equipment swaps

    • Payment plans

    • Sponsorships

    • Fundraising

    • Scholarships

    • Nonprofit support

    This is exactly why organizations like the ACP Hockey Foundation matter — to help create access, opportunity, and a pathway for kids who want to play but may need support.