Coaching Staff
Mike Graves – Varsity Head Coach
Mike Graves, a 1997 graduate of Conestoga High School, has been a pivotal figure in the school’s hockey program, both as a player and coach. During his playing days, Mike was a standout on the ice, earning a spot on the varsity team for all four years, a 3 year captain, and serving as the teams head captain in his senior year. In 1997, he led Conestoga to a Flyers Cup victory and a state runner-up finish. His talent extended beyond high school, as he was a key player on the USA Hockey Nationals runner-up team in 1996 at the Tier II 18U AA level, and the following year, he helped his Tier 1 AAA team secure a bronze medal at the USA Hockey Nationals. Mike continued his hockey career at the collegiate level, playing four years for the University of Arizona’s ACHA Division 1 team.
Transitioning from player to coach, Mike dedicated 17 years to the Conestoga Varsity Hockey program as head coach from 2002 to 2019. Under his leadership, the team captured four Central League Championships, secured a Flyers Cup Championship in 2008, and reached the state finals that same year. Additionally, his teams made five appearances in the Flyers Cup semi-finals, demonstrating consistent high-level performance. Beyond his tenure at Conestoga, Mike also served as the head coach for six seasons with the Jr. Flyers, beginning in 2018. His coaching acumen extends to girls' hockey as well, where he played a significant role as an assistant coach for the Jr. Flyers 14AA girls team, guiding them to the USA Hockey National Semi-Finals in 2023.
Mike has extensive playing and coaching experience, as well as a deep-rooted commitment to developing young athletes, and is a respected and influential figure in the Conestoga hockey community.
Phil Cottone – Varsity Assistant Coach
Phil Cottone brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the game to his role as assistant coach of the boys varsity hockey team. A 1999 graduate of Conestoga High School, Phil was a dominant presence on the ice, serving as a 4-year varsity player and a 3-year captain, and was named the teams head captain his senior year. His defensive prowess earned him repeat selections as an ICSHL All-Star and First Team All-Area Defenseman. During his sophomore year, Phil was an integral part of the team that clinched the Flyers Cup Championship and finished as State Championship runners-up.
In addition to his high school success, Phil played Tier 1 club hockey locally for the Valley Forge Minutemen and the Jr Flyers. His talent was recognized on a larger stage when he was selected to represent the Mid Atlantic region at the annual Hockey Night in Boston showcase tournament, held at Merrimack College.
Following his senior year with the Philadelphia Jr Flyers Midget team, Phil was recruited to play at The Frederick Gunn School (formerly known as The Gunnery) in Washington, Connecticut. The Frederick Gunn School competes in the highly competitive NEPSAC (New England Prep School Athletic Conference), where Phil continued to develop his skills and deepen his understanding of the game.
Phil holds a USA Hockey Level 4 coaching certification, underscoring his commitment to coaching excellence. With over 30 years of playing and coaching experience, he is dedicated to developing young athletes both on and off the ice.
Phil’s love for the game extends to his family as well. Phil lives locally in Wayne with his wife and two sons, where he continues to be an active member of the hockey community. His youngest son, Henry, plays for the Conestoga Elementary team, while his oldest son, Philip Jr, plays for the Conestoga Middle School team.
Matthew Cameron – Varsity Assistant Coach
Matthew Cameron joins the Conestoga High School Varsity hockey team as an assistant coach, bringing extensive experience from his time as both a player and a coach. Matthew began his hockey journey at Conestoga High School, where he played during the 2015 season before advancing through the ranks of elite junior hockey. He played for the North Jersey Avalanche U16 AAA team in 2015-2016, followed by stints in the NAHL with the New Jersey Titans during the 2017-2018 and 2019-2020 seasons. Matthew also showcased his skills in the USHL, playing for the Waterloo Blackhawks and Sioux Falls Stampede during the 2018-2019 season. His talent and determination earned him a spot on the Niagara University Division 1 hockey team in 2020, but his playing career was unfortunately cut short due to a medical retirement in 2022 after an injury.
Transitioning to coaching, Matthew has been actively involved in developing young hockey talent. He has coached for Roc City Elite from 2018 to 2023, and currently serves as a coach for the Niagara Junior Purple Eagles U14 AA team for the 2023-2024 season. Matthew holds a USA Hockey Level 1 Coaching Certification, reflecting his commitment to fostering the growth and development of players at all levels.
Matthew Cameron’s rich background in both playing and coaching at various competitive levels makes him a valuable addition to the Conestoga High School Varsity hockey coaching staff, where he continues to contribute his knowledge and passion for the game.
Brody Shea – Varsity Assistant Coach
Brody is a 2012 Conestoga graduate. While at Conestoga, Brody was a 3 year Varsity athlete for the hockey team, winning back to back Central League Championships his Junior and Senior year. During his Senior year, Brody helped his team to the Flyers Cup Semifinals. In addition to ice hockey, Brody played lacrosse for Conestoga where he helped the team win 2 state championships.
