A Letter From Gavin
The Journey
Cardigan Mt. School and Holderness School
Cardigan and Holderness helped shape me not only as a hockey player, but as an athlete. Competing in hockey, soccer, and lacrosse taught me the value of being a multi-sport athlete—something I still believe plays an important role in helping young athletes become more complete players today.
↓
St. Lawrence University
My four years at St. Lawrence University gave me the opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division I level while continuing to grow as both a player and a person. Those years taught me the importance of consistency, preparation, and learning to compete every single day.
↓
Professional Hockey
Over the next nine seasons, hockey took me farther than I ever imagined. I had the privilege of playing in the NHL, AHL, and Switzerland, learning from incredible coaches, teammates, and organizations along the way. Every stop challenged me to grow and provided lessons that continue to shape the way I coach today.
↓
Bayreuther Hockey Club
After nearly a decade of professional hockey, Erin and I knew we wanted to raise our family in Maine. Bayreuther Hockey Club is my opportunity to bring everything I've learned home—to help young athletes develop their skills, build confidence, and discover the same love for hockey that first began for me on a backyard rink.
My Coaching Philosophy
Every player is different, but my approach remains the same. My goal is to create an environment where athletes are challenged, encouraged through positivity, and excited to come back. These five principles guide every session at Bayreuther Hockey Club.
🏒 Athletic Performance
Build faster, stronger, more confident athletes.
🧠 Hockey IQ
Teach players how to read the game and make better decisions.
🥅 Skill Development
Develop the details that create success in game situations.
🤝 Character
Work ethic, accountability, leadership, and respect. Being a good person!
❤️ Love for the Game
Help every player leave the rink wanting to come back tomorrow.
Over the last few years, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what comes next—not only in my hockey career, but for my family and the life we want to build.
Like many professional athletes, I’ve had opportunities to keep chasing the game in different ways—continuing to battle for NHL opportunities, playing in Europe, coaching professionally, or eventually becoming a scout. Hockey has given me more than I ever could have imagined, and I’ll always be grateful for every stop along the journey.
But somewhere along the way, my priorities became clearer.
Erin and I are raising our three young children here in Cape Elizabeth, and we truly believe there is no better place to call home. More than anything, I wanted to build a life where I could be present for my family while giving something meaningful back to the community that has given us so much.
Bayreuther Hockey Club was created from that vision.
I want every athlete who walks through our doors to be coached with the same passion, attention, and belief that I’d want for my own children. My goal isn’t simply to help kids become better hockey players—it’s to help them build confidence, develop great habits, enjoy the process, and discover a genuine love for the game.
If Bayreuther Hockey Club can help strengthen the hockey community in Maine and become a place where kids are excited to train, families feel welcome, and lifelong memories are made, I’ll consider that one of the greatest accomplishments of my career.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and learn about Bayreuther Hockey Club. I truly appreciate it, and I hope I’ll have the pleasure of meeting you and your family someday.
— Gavin Bayreuther
Founder, Bayreuther Hockey Club
Beyond the Rink
Family
The greatest accomplishment of my life isn't found on a stat sheet—it's being a husband to Erin and a dad to Brooke, Birdie, and Gordie. They are the reason Bayreuther Hockey Club exists.
Home
After years of playing throughout North America and Europe, Erin and I chose to build our life in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. There's nowhere else we'd rather raise our family.
Where It All Began
My love for hockey started on a backyard rink my dad built every winter. Countless hours on that ice—thousands of shots and endless street hockey games every summer—shaped not only the player I became, but the coach I hope to be.
What Success Means to Me
Years from now, I hope Bayreuther Hockey Club is remembered as a place where kids built confidence, formed lifelong friendships, and developed a love for hockey that stayed with them long after they left the rink. Just as importantly, I want every athlete who comes through BHC to grow not only as a hockey player, but as a person—learning the character, respect, and habits that will serve them far beyond the game.