The Californer - Mavericks 12U AA/A Coaching Staff Brings NCAA Division I, Professional and USA Hockey Experience to 2026-27 Season

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Head Coach James Dragescu joined by Assistant Coaches Bryan Dobek and David Graves III to lead player development efforts.

CARLSBAD, Calif. - Californer -- CARLSBAD, Calif. – As player evaluations and tryouts approach for the 2026-27 season, the Mavericks 12U AA/A program enters the year with an experienced coaching staff dedicated to player development, accountability, and helping young athletes reach their full potential both on and off the ice.

Led by Head Coach James Dragescu and Assistant Coaches Bryan Dobek and David Graves III, the coaching staff combines NCAA Division I experience, professional hockey experience, USA Hockey Level 4 coaching certifications, and backgrounds from some of North America's strongest hockey development regions.

The Mavericks 12U AA/A coaching staff shares a common vision: create a positive, competitive environment where players are challenged to improve their skills, develop confidence, learn accountability, and build habits that will benefit them both on and off the ice. While competitive success remains important, the primary focus is helping players continue their development and preparing them for future opportunities in hockey and in life.

Head Coach James Dragescu brings a lifetime of hockey experience and a strong commitment to player development. Growing up in Michigan, Dragescu played for respected youth hockey organizations including Dearborn Varsity Ford (A), Garden City Thunder (AA), and the Dearborn Heights Michigan Nationals (AAA). His development led to an opportunity within Michigan Technological University's NCAA Division I hockey program as a walk-on and redshirt player.

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In addition to his collegiate hockey experience, Dragescu helped establish Michigan Tech's first ACHA Club Hockey team, the Wolfpack. Today, he continues to contribute to the growth of youth hockey in Southern California as Director of High Tempo Skates and the San Diego Dragons. His coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, teamwork, accountability, and helping players build confidence through hard work and preparation.

Joining Dragescu behind the bench is Assistant Coach Bryan Dobek, a Southern California hockey success story whose journey demonstrates the opportunities available to dedicated young athletes in San Diego County.

A native of Escondido, California, Dobek advanced through the youth hockey ranks before earning the opportunity to play four years of NCAA Division I hockey at Bowling Green State University. Following his collegiate career, he continued his hockey journey professionally, gaining valuable experience competing at a high level and developing a deeper understanding of the game.

What makes Dobek's story particularly meaningful to local players is that he understands the path firsthand. Having grown up playing hockey in San Diego County, he knows the challenges and opportunities facing young athletes in the region. His experiences allow him to connect with players and families while providing guidance based on firsthand knowledge of what it takes to advance through the game.

As a coach, Dobek is passionate about mentoring young athletes and helping them build confidence through skill development and competition. He believes in creating an environment where players are encouraged to challenge themselves, learn from mistakes, and continue improving every day. His combination of local roots, NCAA Division I experience, professional hockey experience, and USA Hockey Level 4 coaching certification provides players with a unique perspective and valuable resource within the program.

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Assistant Coach David Graves III brings a strong background in youth hockey development and coaching. Growing up playing hockey in Minnesota, one of North America's premier hockey development regions, Graves was exposed to a culture where hockey is deeply rooted in community, competition, and player development.

Today, Graves is a USA Hockey Level 4 coach who focuses on developing hockey IQ, confidence, work ethic, and team-first habits. His coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, game awareness, accountability, and creating a positive team culture where players are encouraged to improve while enjoying the game.

Graves believes that success in youth hockey extends beyond wins and losses. By creating an environment where players feel supported and challenged, he strives to help young athletes become better teammates, stronger competitors, and more confident individuals.

Together, the coaching staff shares a commitment to helping players develop both as athletes and as people. Practices are designed to challenge players, improve skill execution, encourage creativity, and develop habits that lead to long-term success. The staff believes that hockey provides valuable life lessons that extend beyond the rink, including commitment, perseverance, communication, leadership, and teamwork.

As the 2026-27 season approaches, the Mavericks 12U AA/A coaching staff looks forward to welcoming players and families who are committed to improving, competing, and embracing a positive team-first culture.

Families interested in learning more about the Mavericks Hockey Club, player evaluations, and upcoming tryout opportunities are encouraged to visit:

http://www.MavericksHockeyClub.com