Coaches

Jake Lydon played youth hockey for the Altoona Trackers & Mid State Mustangs, winning three state championships and a national championship. In 2016, he began a career in player development. His expertise in skating and skills has been instrumental in helping players compete at junior, collegiate, and professional levels. Jake also owned and operated a synthetic ice training facility in Pittsburgh, PA. Jake’s experience as a player, coach, and business owner has given him the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the hockey industry. As the rink manager, Jake oversees all operations at Galactic Ice. He also offers clinics and private/small group lessons.

Danny is a State College native who grew up through the learn-to-play programs at Penn State and playing travel hockey for the State College Icers and Mid-State Mustangs. During his playing career he won 4 Tier 2 PA State USA Hockey championships and a U16 Tier 2 USA Hockey National Championship. Danny also played for State College High School and attended Prep School at Wyoming Seminary Academy as a Post-Graduate. He finished his competitive career playing for the Penn State Club Hockey team.

Bert prides himself on blending his passion for hockey, motivational tactics, and strength and conditioning into a unique training experience for his players. Andrew is entering his 4th season coaching AA hockey. With his teams Bert uses his playing and professional experience to develop players on and off this ice. As a player, Bert was a 16U Tier 2 USA Hockey National Champion in 2011, along with winning 2 bronze medals at USA Hockey Nationals in 2012 and 2013, and four USA Hockey State Championships.

Ben is a Hollidaysburg native where he started playing for the Altoona Trackers at 8 years old and continued to play travel hockey through U18. His team had an undefeated season winning a PAHL season and playoff banner in 2017, as well as being a 4-year Defenseman for Hollidaysburg High School.

Ben went on to play 2 seasons at East Stroudsburg University before moving back to the Altoona area where he was the head coach of the U8 In-House Program, skills programs and taught various levels of Learn to Skate.

Ben is a USA Hockey Level 4 coach entering his 5th season with the Mid State Mustangs, previously assisting the U10AA, 10UAA, and head coach the past 2 seasons.

Ty, a Hollidaysburg native, brings experience and passion to the Mid-State Mustangs 12UAA team. He began his hockey journey with the Altoona Trackers before advancing to AAA with the Esmark Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins Elite, earning a Mid-Am Championship in 2021 and competing in the USA Hockey Tier 1 National Tournament.

After captaining the Mustangs to an EJEPL Divisional Championship, Ty played junior hockey with the Hershey Cubs, recording 26 points in 44 games and earning three Mid-Atlantic Division player of the week honors. He now plays ACHA Division 1 hockey at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, entering his sophomore season. Excited to give back, Ty is committed to developing the next generation of youth hockey players.

Noah was born in Altoona, PA where he was introduced to hockey at a young age and started playing for the Altoona Trackers at 8 years old. Noah then continued to play travel hockey and played for both the Mid-State Mustangs and Altoona Trackers. He was on the team of the 2016 Regional Silver Stick Tournament Champions in West Chester, PA and went on to compete in the International Silver Stick Tournament in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Also during his last year with the Mustangs, he was a part of the 2018 Western PA State Championship Team and they went to compete in the National Championship Tournament in Green Bay, Wisconsin Where they placed 3rd in the country. Noah also played two years of high school hockey for Bishop Guilfoyle.

During his freshman year in college, Noah played for the Penn State Altoona club hockey team.

Noah is thrilled to be back and a part of a great organization that he grew up in. He hopes to continue the growth of his teams as players and also as individuals.