Ames High Hockey Coach Dismissed

[3GenClone]

Some local news. I have a child that plays hockey in Ames and we're on the mailing list for all Ames hockey news. Apparently, there were some developments over the weekend with the High School Coach that prompted this email received on Feb 27:

The AMHA Board regrets to inform you that effective immediately JJ Santagata is no longer the Head Coach for the High School Hockey team. The Board received several serious complaints, conducted a thorough investigation including a discussion about these complaints with JJ, and subsequently met as a Board to discuss. A vote was passed by the Board to terminate JJ’s contract “for just cause,” as we felt the complaints were detrimental to our youth athletes and Association Mission and Values.

I received the following email around the lunch hour today (3/11):

Hockey Families, The AMHA Board was notified by MWAHA (Midwest Amateur Hockey Association) this week that former high school coach JJ Santagata has been temporarily but indefinitely suspended by MWAHA and USA Hockey pending their further investigation. During the investigation, Coach Santagata is to have no contact with any USA Hockey registered skater. AMHA is fully cooperating with the investigation being performed by MWAHA. We ask for your patience as the investigation is completed, and full cooperation with any MWAHA personnel should they reach out to you with questions. We will provide you with further information when and if we are able. Thank you, AMHA Board

Any child, at any age, that plays sanctioned hockey is required to register with USA hockey, so this coach is not permitted contact with any hockey player regardless of level.

It's also worth pointing out that between February 25 - March 4 (one week) there were 13 positive COVID-19 cases reported at the High School level:
5 players
3 skaters (not sure if these are players/coaches/parents)
1 coach
4 not identified

I don't know what's going on at the High School Level but thought that may have played some role in it.

 

[Cydewayz]

Just looked his Twitter up....seems toolish

 

[cyclonepower]

Nephew plays for Waterloo

 

[madguy30]

Just looked his Twitter up....seems toolish

Was this a youth coach?

I actually checked just out of curiosity--not exactly seeming to understand his audience.

 

[Cydewayz]

Was this a youth coach?

I actually checked just out of curiosity--not exactly seeming to understand his audience.

Exactly my thoughts

 

[3GenClone]

Was this a youth coach?

I actually checked just out of curiosity--not exactly seeming to understand his audience.

He primarily focused on the high school team, although there was at least two occasions that he, as well as a handful of high school players, ran practices/drills with the 6U and 8U house teams (non-travel) this year.

Attitude-wise I don't think he was any different than any other 20-something-year-old coaching youth sports. I wouldn't want to hang out with him outside of the ice arena.