SKILLS & SKATING DEVELOPMENT COACH
MATT LUCERO
Matthew Lucero is a high-performance skills and skating development coach known for building strong fundamental habits and competitive confidence in athletes. As a key member of the AZ Hockey Academy coaching staff, Matt brings a development-first mindset focused on precision, skating efficiency, and long-term player growth.
Matt currently serves as the 12U Development Coach for the AZ Titans program while also leading at the collegiate level as the Head Coach of the Grand Canyon University D2 ACHA hockey team. Over the past two seasons, he has guided the program to back-to-back regional tournament appearances, demonstrating his ability to implement structure, elevate standards, and prepare athletes to compete at higher levels.
With over 20 years of playing experience that includes Major Juniors in Canada and collegiate hockey at Eastern Washington University, Matt brings firsthand knowledge of elite-level expectations and competitive preparation. His experience across multiple levels of the game allows him to connect youth development with the habits required to succeed in advanced hockey environments.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
Matt’s coaching philosophy centers on one core principle: strong fundamentals create elite players. Every session is designed to reinforce skating mechanics, puck control, and situational awareness so that athletes develop habits that translate directly into game performance.
His development framework focuses on:
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Skating efficiency and edge control
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Technical puck skill development
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High-repetition training with real feedback
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Competitive awareness and decision-making
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Confidence, discipline, and consistency
Matt believes athletes improve fastest in an environment that balances structure, accountability, and enjoyment of the game.
BACKGROUND & RESULTS
Matt has spent nearly a decade coaching athletes from youth hockey through collegiate competition, giving him a deep understanding of player development at every stage. His work with athletes ages 5 through college players has allowed him to refine progression-based training methods that build strong habits early while preparing players for higher levels of competition.
In addition to his role with AZ Hockey Academy, Matt’s leadership as Head Coach of the GCU D2 ACHA program has helped establish a competitive collegiate environment that has reached the regional tournament in each of the past two seasons.
These experiences reinforce Matt’s commitment to teaching players how to prepare, compete, and perform with confidence.
THE 'STANDARD'
For Matt, development is about more than improving skills—it’s about building complete hockey players. His training environment emphasizes strong fundamentals, competitive intensity, and consistent effort.
Through skating development, skill progression, and structured feedback, Matt helps athletes gain the confidence and technical ability needed to perform at their highest level.
His goal is simple: develop players who are technically sound, mentally confident, and prepared to compete.
WORK WITH COACH MATT
Coach Matt works with athletes through private and small-group training sessions at AZ Hockey Academy, specializing in skating development, puck control, and fundamental skill progression.
His sessions support athletes at every level—from young players learning core fundamentals to competitive athletes preparing for higher levels of play.
Training opportunities are available based on scheduling and development goals.
Book a session or contact the academy to learn which training format is the best fit.
1 hr
85 US dollars