2025 Board Election Bios

Dear GRAHA Members,

I have lived in the Grand Rapids area for 20 years with my wife, Ashlee, and two sons, Chase (15) and Carter (14). During that time, I have been actively involved in coaching at every age and level from Learn to Skate through Boys Varsity at Forest Hills Central.

I come from a hockey family and the sport has been and still is a huge part of my life. I grew up playing AAA hockey in Canada, eventually playing Junior hockey in Canada for 3 years before going to university where I graduated with a Chemical Engineering Degree.

I served on the GRAHA Board from 2019-2024 before stepping aside to act as interim Hockey Director. Please consider this as my letter of interest to once again serve GRAHA as a board member. Over the years, I have really enjoyed getting to know the other GRAHA families and seeing the development and growth of players both on and off the ice: I look forward to providing insights as a coach, parent, and former player to help GRAHA continue to grow and be successful.

Sincerely,

Mike LaVallee

Dear GRAHA Families,

I am currently serving as the Treasurer for GRAHA on the board of trustees. I am excited to be running to serve another term as a board member for our great organization.

I am writing to formally express my interest in serving for another term as a member of the Board of Trustees for GRAHA. For the last four years I have been deeply involved in the hockey program at GRAHA. I have served as a team manager for 3 years and the last 2 years I have served on the board where currently I am serving as the Board Treasurer. I believe that my experience with GRAHA combined with my 20 plus year career in pharmaceutical sales helps me to offer valuable insights, leadership, and passion for the continued growth and success of our organization.

My experience as a board member and team manager, have given me a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the sport at both the grassroots and competitive levels. I have worked with athletes, coaches, parents, and volunteers, and I understand the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone involved can thrive.

If re-elected, I would focus on the following key areas:

• Developing Youth Programs: Ensuring that young athletes have access to quality coaching, equipment, and development opportunities.
• Financial Sustainability: Continuing to promote and develop fundraising and awareness opportunities for GRAHA such as our Celebration banquet, Golf outing, Used Equipment sale and Try hockey for free program. Additionally, I want to continuing to explore new ways to secure funding and partnerships that will allow us to enhance our programs and facilities.
• Community Engagement: Strengthening the connection between the club and the local community to increase support and participation.
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Ensuring our club remains a welcoming and accessible space for all individuals, regardless of background.

I am committed to working collaboratively with fellow board members, the coaching staff, volunteers, and our community to drive meaningful change. With my experience, dedication, and love for the game, I am confident I can contribute to the continued success and growth of GRAHA.

Thank you for voting for my reelection for the Board of Trustees. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to contribute to our organization and help take it to new heights.

Sincerely,

Nicole Cuva

GRAHA Board of Trustees Treasurer

I grew up in Grand Rapids and entered the GRAHA Learn-to-Skate program at age 6 in 1988. I remember pushing the small red chair around Jolly Roger Ice Arena (now the revamped Eagles Ice Center). That moment led to a lifetime of memories in hockey that culminated in 2006 when I was a senior captain of the Bentley NCAA Division I hockey team. During 18 years of competitive hockey, I forged life-long friendships, made endless memories, and learned some of life's great lessons. I moved back to the Grand Rapids area in 2020 and enrolled both my children (Connor, now 9; Penny, now 7) in GRAHA. I want to share the game of hockey with them, but also help grow the sport in the greater Grand Rapids area. This past season I had the pleasure of coaching my son's 10U A team to a very successful season where the team has grown and developed. After serving two years on the GRAHA board of directors, I am reapplying. We've made great strides in increasing our base participants, and are anticipating growth in 2025 as well. The board has accomplished several goals, including hiring a full time hockey director, and has revamped the learn-to-play and mite programs to produce significantly better hockey players. Finally, as a father of a young lady that really loves the game, I'm happy to see the growth and success of our girl's program. I will continue to keep an eye on our finances and ensure sustainability in our mission. As a double finance degree holder (Bachelor's in Finance from Bentley University; MBA in Finance from the University of Notre Dame), I can provide expertise and oversight of our fiscal policies. Thank you for considering me for another term on the board.

Best Regards,

Brett Murphy

As a member of GRAHA since 2015, I'd like to continue to bring my experience communicating and advocating for both kids and parents to the GRAHA Board of Directors. I am one of the few current board members that brings a 100% parent perspective to the table. For the past 4 years I have served as the Secretary to the GRAHA Board of Directors, during which I have created fundraising opportunities including the yard sign sale, as well as assisted our staff/board in planning and organizing events such as our used equipment sale, golf outing, and banquet. Willingness to listen to our families and make adjustments to our program is what allows GRAHA to see continued success. Both of my kids (Sydney 14, Lucas 11) have grown up in GRAHA, and my son Lucas currently plays goalie for the Peewee A Travel Team.

After experiencing my son's first season with GRAHA, I am inspired and energized to contribute to the continued success of the program. While I am new to the hockey world and still learning many of the on-ice rules, I am well-versed in the skills necessary to be a strong contributor on the Board. I have extensive professional experience in administration, coordination, event planning, and I have spent much of my career dedicated to fostering a supportive environment, much like the one we experienced this season with our team.

With a son in 10U Squirt hockey and a daughter just starting her hockey journey, my family will be part of the GRAHA community for many years. I am eager to contribute to shaping the future of the GRAHA program and community, ensuring it remains a strong program that provides valuable opportunities for all current and future participants, as well as their families.

I grew up playing hockey through GRAHA at both the House and Travel levels. Of the past seasons, I have had the opportunity to be involved with GRAHA as a parent and coach from learn to skate to squirt level with my kids. I want to be on the board to give more of my time to the organization that has given me so much over the years. I believe my time as a parent and coach offers insight into the strength and weaknesses of the organization that I can bring to the board to help with governance, growth, and competition with others. Hockey provides kids from all ages and backgrounds with unbelievable learning opportunities like dealing with adversity, competitiveness, and working as a team. I think a strong organization can help these kids have a lot of fun and grow. I would like to be apart of the board help direct GRAHA forward.

I have been deeply involved in the hockey community for years, both as a player and advocate for the sport. After growing up playing hockey in Kalamazoo, I have spent the last nine years in Grand Rapids, where you can still find me on the ice in local beer league games. This past season was especially meaningful as my daughter completed her first year as a Squirt on the 10U Girls team. Professionally, I have a background in aviation and currently work for a private air charter company at the Grand Rapids airport. I'm also a founding member and current board chair of the Hockey Players in Business West Michigan Chapter, where our vision is to connect hockey-minded professionals while making the game more accessible and affordable in our community. I'm excited for the opportunity to bring my experience, passion, and leadership to GRAHA to help grow the game for the next generation.

-Nate TenBrink

My name is Dan Waddell, and I am excited to express my interest in serving on the board at GRAHA. Hockey has been a lifelong passion of mine, beginning with my own experience playing Tier 2 travel hockey as a youth in Michigan and continuing today as an active adult league player. I am currently the General Manager and Assistant Coach for the 2012 PeeWee AA GRAHA Griffins, where I am dedicated to developing young athletes and fostering a competitive, positive team culture. I hold a USA Hockey Level 4 coaching certification, which has further strengthened my knowledge of the game and my ability to support player development at a high level.

I have extensive coaching experience at every level of youth hockey from Learn to Skate and Learn to Play to Cross Ice, Mites, Squirts, Peewees, and Bantams, giving me a well-rounded understanding of player development, team dynamics, and the overall needs of young athletes. Additionally, my intimate familiarity with various youth hockey organizations throughout West Michigan, including my previous experience with GV Stars and Fox Motors Hockey Club, has given me valuable insight into different programs and approaches to player development. Having now spent one season with GRAHA, I am more passionate than ever about being part of this incredible community and helping shape the future of young hockey players and their families. I am eager to contribute to the growth and development of GRAHA and help ensure its continued success.

Beyond hockey, I take great pride in having served my country honorably in the United States Marine Corps. My time in the military instilled in me the values of leadership, discipline, and teamwork qualities that I bring to my role as a coach and would continue to apply as a board member.

Hockey is a central part of my family's life. My wife, Sarah, and I live in Byron Center with our two sons, Conor (12) and Carson (5) , both of whom are youth hockey players. Their involvement in the sport further fuels my passion for ensuring a positive, developmental, and competitive experience for all young athletes. My goal is to foster a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment where players can grow both on and off the ice. I am committed to working collaboratively with coaches, parents, and fellow board members to promote strong sportsmanship, skill development, and a love for the game.

With my playing background, coaching experience, USA Hockey Level 4 certification, and lifelong dedication to the sport, I would be honored to serve on the board at GRAHA and help shape the future of youth hockey in West Michigan.

My name is Justin Poorman, I am the assistant coach for GRAHA's 2012 Peewee AA team.  

I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and played youth hockey at various organizations in the area such as the Pittsburgh Hornets and the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins. When I was sixteen, I left Pittsburgh to play for a tier 1 AAA team in Grand Rapids called the West Michigan Warriors. After a few stints with various junior teams thereafter, I committed to Davenport University, where I earned a degree in accounting, while playing for the men's ice hockey team. Currently, I live in Byron Center with my wife of 16 years, Michele, and our two boys Rhys (12) and Cameron (11). 

I would welcome the opportunity to be a member of GRAHA's Board. I have a passion for hockey specifically at the youth level and I am a USA Hockey level 4 registered coach.  

Thank you,

Justin Poorman

My name is Cody Clark. My family and I have been a part of the GRAHA community for the last 6 years. We started in the 2019-2020 season, when my daughter Cora started in Cross Ice. Soon after she started, both of her sisters, Emma, and Ava, joined her on ice as well, and our entire family has been hooked ever since. Over the years I have helped coach at the Learn to Skate, Cross Ice, Mites levels, and as many Try Hockey for Free events as we could fit into our schedule. This past season, I had the joy of being an assistant coach on GRAHA's Peewee house team and as an assistant coach and treasurer for GRAHA's 10U Girls travel team. As a member of the board, I would help support decisions that would continue to guide our youth to reach their maximum potential in all fields of their lives, including on the ice. It is my mission to help shape their hockey skills and abilities, as well as instill core values that will ensure a product of well-rounded individuals. It would be my honor to serve as a board member and continue to give back to the GRAHA community, that has already given my daughters so many unforgettable core memories and experiences.

I've been with GRAHA since learn to skate and have coached one or both of my kids for the last 5 years. GRAHA Hockey isn't just about winning, it's about individual development and giving the tools needed for the kids to grow and push themselves to be better humans, students and athletes.  I truly believe in this program and with that, I am looking to help at the heart of it. Having made great friends and a name within the GRAHA community, I'm confident the families trust that I'm wanting to put myself in any position to help our young athletes succeed.

After helping coach this last spring and observing an entire fall/winter season at the squirt level, I think I could help in developing our youth hockey programs. I played house and travel hockey growing up in Saginaw, MI as well as Varsity hockey at Saginaw Arthur Hill High School. I've coached 3rd to 5th grade Rocket football in Grandville these past few years. I've taken much pride and joy watching these kids grow as individuals, not only on the field but in life. I know I could help impact GRAHA in a positive manner. I would love the opportunity to collaborate with other board members in creating and maintaining a top tier hockey association.