Valley Jr. Warriors
2025-26 Midget Staff
U18 Prep Half Season

Frank Golden

fgolden@jrwarriors.com

Frank is currently an NHL Scout with the Pittsburgh Penguins and brings over 20 years of coaching experience at the Junior Level, Midget Tier I and High School.  Frank has coached in the EHL, USPHL, AJHL as well as program director for Tier I National Bound Midgets. Over his tenure as a Junior Coach, Golden was a proud staff member of teams that collectively posted a 124-49-7 record.  Prior to coaching Juniors Frank was the Head Coach at North Reading High School where his teams went 92-49-26 and qualified for eight consecutive state tournaments. Golden played college hockey at the University of Southern Maine and resides in Reading, MA with his wife Claire and their three children, Kevin, Brooke, and Maura.

 

U16 Prep Half Season

Phil Mericantante

pmericantante@jrwarriors.com

Phil Mericantante, a resident of North Reading, returns to the Warriors for his 10th season as head coach of the 09 Elite team. He played high school hockey at Matignon, winning a state championship in 1993, before attending Stonehill College. Prior to joining the Warrior program, he coached North Reading Youth Hockey. 

 

U16 Showcase

Mike Bergeron

mbbergeron@yahoo.com

Mike Bergeron returns for his 6th season with the Valley Jr. Warriors. He has most recently been coaching with our 2012 Elite team, Mike will be entering his 2nd season as Head Coach for the 2024-25 season as our U16 Showcase team. Mike was born and raised in Newburyport and currentlyresides there with his wife and 3 kids. Over the years Mike has been heavily involved in the local hockey scene and has coached several teamsat various age groups and levels, as well as being on the board of directors for Newburyport Youth Hockey.Mike’s coaching philosophy meshes perfectly with our program philosophy, focusing on skating and skill development, respect and passion for the game,and sportsmanship. Mike currently holds his level 4 USA hockey coaching certification. 

 

U15 Prep Half Season

Marc Griffin

mgriffin@jrwarriors.com

Marc Griffin returns to the Warriors for a 13th straight season. This will be his seven year as the Head Coach of the 2010 Elite team. Griffin is a North Shore native and a former VJW player. A resident of North Reading, Griffin grew up playing for both Triton Youth Hockey and the Warriors. Upon graduating from Austin Prep High School, Griffin went on to play at Bentley University and became captain of the 1998 team. After college Griffin was an assistant coach on the VJW Junior team and has coached with the North Reading Youth Hockey program.

 

U15 Showcase

Chris Laird

claird@jrwarriors.com

Chris is returning to the Warriors 10 Select team for the 7th year as head coach. He played high school hockey at Central Catholic before attending Merrimack College. Prior to joining the Warrior program, Chris coached Triton Youth Hockey. His philosophy is centered on developing players in a positive environment and focuses on working hard while having fun. He currently lives in Rowley with his wife and two children.