2026 Board Election Bios

 I would like to be selected for a board position again because I am deeply committed to GRAHA and its continued growth as a strong, well-run hockey organization. Serving on the board has given me valuable insight into the responsibility and collaboration required to support our players, families, and coaches. I believe continuity and accountability matter, and I am motivated to build on our progress while helping ensure decisions are transparent, fair, and focused on long-term player development. I am committed to continuing to serve with integrity, consistency, and a team-first mindset.

Rob Yamashita

GRAHA Board VP

I am running for re-election to the board as part of my long-standing commitment to

serve the continued growth and development of the Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey

Association. I have been involved in youth hockey for 10+ years and, in addition to my

first term on the GRAHA board, I have served on multiple state and national boards

throughout my career. I am adept at problem solving, developing opportunities, and

building strong collaborative relationships, and I wish to continue to apply these skills

in support of the athletes, families, coaches and volunteers that make GRAHA a great

youth hockey organization.

Paul Jenkins

Board Secretary

 I am a hockey dad, coach, and retired Army EOD technician (Bomb Squad). Through my military service and deployments around the world, I developed a strong belief in leadership, accountability, and helping others learn and grow—values I strive to bring to GRAHA every day.

My hockey journey began at the age of three in Livonia, Michigan, but I hung the skates up after 9/11 while I was on active duty. While stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, I introduced my oldest to hockey through a learn-to-play program. After returning home to Michigan, we were quickly welcomed into the hockey community that now has become a second family to us. 

Serving on the GRAHA Board has been an honor, and I am running for re-election because I care deeply about the direction and long-term health of our organization. I believe in fostering a positive culture where players can develop as athletes, teammates, and individuals. We aren’t just developing great hockey players; we are also helping kids grow and develop into great people off the ice. I believe strongly that all GRAHA families feel supported and heard. I value transparency, teamwork, and doing what is best for the kids and the organization.

Outside of the rink, my family and I enjoy time relaxing at the pool, on the golf course, or having a family game night. You’ll often see me around the rink—please feel free to say hello. Thank you for your support and for the opportunity to continue serving the GRAHA community.

Tyler Rumely

Board Member at Large

I have had the joy of serving on the GRAHA board for the last year, and I look forward to continuing to serve as a board member to support the organization in growing the love of hockey in our players and being a positive influence within our community. As a member of the board, I've worked with my fellow board members to grow the organization through many successful Try Hockey for Free events and by working with the staff at Patterson Ice Arena to improve the facility for our players and families. My family and I have been part of the GRAHA community for the past seven years. We started in the 2019–2020 season when my daughter Cora began in Cross Ice. Soon after she started, both of her sisters, Emma and Ava, joined her on the ice as well, and our family has been hooked ever since. Over the years, I have helped coach at the Learn to Skate, Cross Ice, Mites, Girls 10U, and 14U levels. This past season, I had the privilege of serving as an assistant coach on GRAHA's Girls 14U team and as an assistant coach and team treasurer for the Girls 10U team.

Coy Clark

Board Member at Large

Dear GRAHA Members,

I come from a hockey family which landed us in Grand Rapids when I was 5 and I have been lucky enough to call GR home ever since. My childhood was spent at Patterson playing for GRAHA and then as captain at FHNE. I stepped away from the sport to run Cross Country/Track & Field at MSU but hockey has always remained my passion and I have been counting down the days that I could pass this love down to my kids. I currently reside in Forest Hills with my wife Lauren, and three kids; Jasper (7), Sloane (5) & Isla (3). Away from the rink, I hold a Bachelor's in Finance, MBA and work as the Controller & Treasurer for Ardellis Insurance. I currently coach at the 8U level and look forward to pushing players to be their best both on and off the ice for many years to come. With my hockey and financial background I believe I can help contribute to the Board as we continue to propel GRAHA forward. Cheers to spending the next decade in rinks and hotels with all of you as we get to watch our kids enjoy the greatest sport in the world. 

Sincerely, Matt McSween

I’m a parent of a young hockey player who is just getting started in the sport, and it’s quickly become something our family really enjoys being part of. While I didn’t grow up playing hockey myself, I’m all in on learning the game and supporting the kids and families involved. In my professional life, I’ve worked in roles that involve leadership, communication, and problem-solving, and I’m used to working with different personalities to get things done. I try to be someone people can count on, whether that’s helping organize, stepping in where needed, or just being a steady presence. I’m interested in joining the executive board because I want to give back to a program that’s already had a positive impact on my child. As someone newer to hockey, I think I bring a helpful perspective, especially for families who are just getting started like we are. I’d appreciate the opportunity to contribute, learn, and help make the experience a good one for all the kids and parents involved. -Alex Asbury (502) 905-5415

Giving Back to a Community That Has Given So Much

I am eager to be considered for a position on the GRAHA board because I am passionate about giving back to an organization that has profoundly impacted my family’s life. Since my son Finn first joined GRAHA as a mite, he has enjoyed countless opportunities to build friendships, develop his hockey skills, and benefit from the mentorship of exceptional coaches. Watching Finn grow not only as a player but as a person has been one of the most rewarding experiences for our family.

Beyond Finn’s personal journey, GRAHA has also enriched our lives as parents. My husband and I have established lasting friendships with other families, creating a sense of community that we value deeply.

The positive environment and camaraderie within GRAHA have made it feel like a second home, and we are grateful for all the memories and experiences it has provided.

As we look to the future, I anticipate our family remaining actively involved with GRAHA for many years to come. I am excited by the prospect of contributing to the organization’s growth and continued success. Serving on the board would enable me to support the mission of GRAHA and ensure that other families can experience the same sense of belonging and opportunity that we have.

I am enthusiastic about the chance to collaborate with fellow board members, coaches, and families to help strengthen and expand GRAHA’s programs. My dedication to this organization is rooted in gratitude and a desire to give back. Thank you for considering my application for a GRAHA board position.

My name is Grace Colson, and I am a dedicated hockey parent and former hockey sibling with a growing passion for youth development through sport. Over the past two years, I have been actively involved with the Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association through my child's participation in the Learn to Skate and Cross Ice programs. During that time, I have developed a deep appreciation for the role youth hockey plays in building confidence, resilience, teamwork, and community connection. As a pediatric healthcare provider, I bring a child-centered perspective to everything I do. My professional experience has strengthened my skills in communication, safety advocacy, collaboration, and family engagement. I understand the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of children and am committed to helping create an environment where young athletes can thrive both on and off the ice. I am seeking a position on the board to help ensure that youth in our community experience the strongest hockey program possible—one that prioritizes positive culture, player development, and accessibility. I am particularly passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive team culture while contributing to fundraising efforts that sustain and enhance programming opportunities for all families. I believe a successful hockey association is built on strong leadership, engaged families, and a shared commitment to the well-being and growth of every player. I would be honored to serve and support the continued success of GRAHA.