Kirk Golden has rapidly ascended the coaching ranks in recent years, leading teams in the NA3HL and scouting for NAHL clubs.

This season, the Vail native will be behind the bench of NCAA Division III Castleton, a school based in Vermont, as an assistant coach.

“I originally met Castleton University’s head coach Kyle Richards through Overspeed Hockey camps,” said Golden. “We have worked camps together in Sun Valley, Idaho, the past few summers. I have been very interested in joining the college ranks the past couple of years. I played NCAA D-III hockey myself at Hobart College and felt I have a lot to pass on to this age group and generation of players. The opportunity to join Castleton as an assistant coach seemed to be a perfect fit. I really like the area (mid-Vermont) and the program’s setup. From the way the program is ran to the top-notch facilities, everything appealed to me. There is also huge support from the school and community.”

Richards is excited to have Golden on board with the Spartans.

“We are thrilled to have Kirk join our staff,” said Richards. “Someone with his background and love for the game will only enhance our program and what we can offer our players in their college hockey experience. Having met Kirk a few summers ago working camps, I knew right away he was a coach I wanted to work with. His energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the game is right up our alley and he will not only make our staff better but most importantly our team and program. Kirk’s immense professional experience will also go a long way in aiding our players to make the jump to the professional game as well.”

As a player, Golden played at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, one of the top prep schools in North America, where he was teammates with NHL stars Sidney Crosby and Jack Johnson, before spending two seasons in the NAHL with the Lone Star Cavalry, Cleveland Barons and Santa Fe Roadrunners and then four years at Hobart from 2005-09.

Golden began his professional career in Germany the following season and made stops in France, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden, as well as with the Vail Yeti team in the Mountain West Hockey League (Senior A) from 2016-20.

His final season of pro hockey came in 2015-16 with the South China Sharks of the China Ice Hockey League. Golden was second among CIHL leading scorers with 27 goals and 37 assists for 64 points in just 18 games.

That season playing in China is also where Golden began coaching with the Hong Kong Selects youth program.

This year with Castleton, Golden said he is expecting “a very competitive squad.”

“Our team was lucky enough to have a trip to Latvia this past August,” explained Golden. “We played in an IIHF-sanctioned tournament in Riga, which was a very fun and unique experience. The guys got to play against some very high-level talent in the Latvian and Austrian 20U national teams. Our team really bonded together. The cohesiveness of our group will help us face challenges throughout the season.”

As Golden has moved up in his coaching career, he said his coaching style has changed and improved.

“In coaching, and in most things for that matter, you have to be able to change and adapt to the times to keep moving forward,” said Golden. “Every year and every team is different. I try to relate to my players and always have their best interests in mind. I find that when you are able to reach kids on a personal level, you get more out of them. My goal has always been, and continues to be, maximizing players’ potential and opening up opportunities while teaching lifelong concepts and skills.

“I have learned a lot over the years through different situations in youth programs and junior hockey, as well as working in the summers with many high-level coaches. Some of those coaches have been, but not limited to, Toby O’Brien, Joe Battista, Matt Bertani, Pat Norton, Celeste Brown, and Kyle Richards. The players in college are a bit older and more mature. You can treat them more like adults and professionals. It is great to still be scouting and recruiting from the junior leagues I have recently coached in and scouted for.”

Looking ahead, Golden said the goal is to keep teaching and keep coaching.

“Short term, I aim to help Castleton University become a top team in our conference,” Golden said. “I will help our Castleton players pursue their aspirations to play professionally, whether in the states or over in Europe. Long term, I would be happy to remain in the college game, but am also open to returning to Europe as a coach. Wherever it may be, I would be content to continue working with dedicated players, helping them become better players and people.”

In Colorado, Golden led the Aspen Leafs 19U girls program to Colorado state titles in both 2019 and 2020. He also spent one season (2016-17) as an assistant for the Aspen High School boys team.

Photo/Griffin Darby

— Matt Mackinder

(October 6, 2024)