Coach Joey Sielski

Coach Sielski brings 9 years coaching experience as well as being a professional dad for 15 years. He believes these skills translate well over to coaching. Parenting has taught him patience, adaptability, and the importance of encouragement - skills that seamlessly carry over to coaching on the ice.

Level Certified: 4

CAS Modules: USA Hockey 10 & Under, USA Hockey 12 & Under, USA Hockey 14 & Under, USA Hockey 16/18/19 & Under

Coach Sielski and has obtained all certifications to coach at mite through high school levels, including female and disabled hockey.

I have always gotten along really well with kids. I think its because we share the same mindset. During the game, it's all focus. But as soon as that last buzzer sounds ...I'm the first one looking for post-game snacks.

I coach hockey because the chess club kicked me out for fighting.

My mentor, Coach Kris Boerner, instilled in me three core principals to pass on to my players: work hard, have fun, and show respect. These values shape my approach to coaching and help foster a positive and growth-oriented environment.

One of the most important lessons I've learned is that hard work is the foundation of success. My dad instilled in me a strong work ethic, and I see it as my responsibility to pass that same dedication on to my teams. At practice, I'm often out there skating lines with the team, demonstrating that conditioning isn't a punishment - it has a purpose. Our skaters quickly come to understand that any success we achieve is directly tied to our relentless effort. Growing up, I would often hear my dad repeat this Vince Lombardi quote: "The man on top of the mountain didn't fall there."

I fully support the approach of prioritizing footwork and edge control for our youngest players. Once they establish a strong foundation, they are introduced to stickhandling, passing, and shooting. However, I place a special emphasis on teaching young players to skate and handle the puck with their heads up. This not only makes the transition to the Bantam level smoother but also helps them develop hockey IQ by encouraging them to read the game, recognize its flow, and build strong habits early on.

And as skaters advance in their hockey careers, they begin to recognize that success is not just about individual talent, but about the collective strength of a team. Through never-ending practices and hard-fought games, players learn that victories are sweeter and losses are more manageable when faced as a team. Coach Joey always says "We may lose the game, but we are undefeated in the locker room."

I started coaching in 2015 when my oldest son was a Mite, but my passion for mentoring young athletes began even earlier - while assisting Coach Bob with the Komet's Ignition/DEVO program - a role I truly loved.

Since then, I've had the opportunity to coach at every level with the organization, including the very first Wisconsin Jets all-girls team. In addition, I have assisted with the Shaw Pirates, a special needs hockey team based out of Milwaukee.

For me, coaching goes beyond skill development - its about fostering a family-like environment where players feel supported, encouraged, and connected. What makes the Komets organization special is it's strong emphasis on family. And that is something that I see everyday at the rink. Even though only my oldest four children play for the club, my fifth child is embraced just as warmly, receiving the same encouragement and care from parents as the hockey players themselves.

This sense of belonging is what sets the Komets apart.

Throughout my coaching career, I have had the privilege of assisting two State Champion teams and two Consolation Champion teams. Bringing home tournament hardware is fun, but the biggest reward is a smile and a handshake from an appreciative hockey parent.

"When you win, say nothing. When you lose, say less." Paul Brown