The Athens Aeros are pleased to announce, for his 23rd year as a coach, and back behind the bench for his 4th season with the Aeros, JASON HAWKINS has been named Head Coach and GM for the 2018/19 season.
Jason has been a coach for more than 20 years.He has spent 7 years with the brockville Braves, 1 season with the Kemptville 73's and Smith Falls Bears ; all of the Central Canada Tier 1 Junior A hockey league. He also coached two Brockville Tikis and the Morrisburg Lions of the EOJBHL.
Jason has been a part of 2 Junior A championship teams, one as director of player personnel and one as Assistant GM/Assistant Coach. As a Head Coach and GM he has also won a Jr B championship and also evaluated two Team Canada East Regional Camps.
Jason has been a winning player and coach all of his life.
In addition to his extensive coaching career, Jason played 5 years of Junior A hockey, attended two pro training camps as well as a player coach in Major League Senior AAA Hockey
From OHL and College players, to kids in their first years of competitive hockey, Jason has extensive experience of coaching at all levels. Jason has graduated over 47 players to NCAA progams, CIS, OHL, as well as players that went on to the NHL.
Throughout his career Jason has been known as an advanced coach, leader and master communicator/motivator.
Jason spent 4 seasons working with Todd Gill, a 19 yr veteran in the NHL and current coach of the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL. This time with Gill allowed Jason to further enhance his coaching and management skills and become one of the more recognized hockey figures in eastern ontario.
" It will be our goal to be competitive with a mainstream focus on player development. mission will be to develop meaningful and lasting relationships with all fans, staff, players, players' families, billet families, corporate partners, volunteers, and charitable organizations. These relationships are what makes Athens and the Aeros a "destination franchise" for prospective players.
Jason Hawkins
Jason has settled in Brockville with his fiance Laura and children Cooper, Jordan, Harker, Brittany and grand daughter Paisley, and has dedicated himself to the continued success of the Athens Aeros.
Jason's mandate is to continue developing student athletes for the next step combining hockey with education and a WIN for Athens.
The Athens Aeros are pleased to announce Brett Costello will be returning as assistant coach for his second season.
Brett was the defence coach for the Aeros in the 2017/18 season helping the team achieve a wildcard spot.
In his inaugural coaching year as a coach Brett was the defence coach for the peewee rep b and the midget rep b Smith Falls Bears with both teams making playoffs.
Costello played 7 years for the RSL KINGS and Cyclones AA?AAA programs.
He played as a 16 year old and as a 17 year old for the Athens Aeros.
H,e went on to play for the Kemptville 73's; Hawkesbury Hawks;and Smith Falls Bears , all of the CCHL JRA.
Brett graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a business degree and played Division III hockey as a defenceman.
"...After talking with Jason I also believe that our goal will be keeping a competitive culture in Athens with a big focus on player development. The community of Athens is something special to have as a Junior hockey team , so it is imperative that our relationships remain strong with all of the fans,staff,players, families, corporate partners and volunteers. I'm very excited to be back for my second year as Assistant Coach with theAeros and look forward to the success ahead for this organization"
Brett Costello
