Hockey Director & Staff
Executive Hockey Director
Dear Durango Area Youth Hockey Association Community:
I am thrilled to be selected as your new Executive Hockey Director!
I grew up in the suburbs of New York, about an hour and a half north of Manhattan in the beautiful Hudson Valley along the Hudson River. My supportive and loving parents made numerous sacrifices so that I could pursue my favorite sport, ice hockey! I am lucky and grateful!
The sport of ice hockey has been good to me both personally and professionally. I am fortunate to have had hockey experiences shape me as a player, a person, a friend, a teacher, and a coach. I look forward to providing our hockey community with similar experiences and attributes.
“My Heart is in the East, My Spirit is in the West”
My three favorite passions include Hockey, Hunting, and Fishing!
Those who know me comment, “A man for all seasons!”
I also enjoy skiing, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, and archery. I dedicated my career to mentoring children, adolescents, young adults, and adults in ice hockey, outdoor recreation, and education.
You all know and appreciate the lure that Durango casts upon outdoor enthusiasts! Imagine the excitement that overcame me when I learned that DAYHA was looking to hire an Executive Hockey Director!
Dream job & awesome location! What more can I ask for? It gets better. I met the amazing DAYHA Board of Directors and community members who are passionate about providing the best possible experiences for all participants. Conversations with DAYHA President Jason Meininger played a role in my desire to pursue this opportunity. His passion, enthusiasm, and vision for the future of DAYHA are inspiring and contagious!
I am so excited to get to Durango and meet you all in September! I look forward to the upcoming hockey season! I can already hear the kids (characters) laughter and excitement! I imagine a dedicated team of coaches who love what they do. I envision sharing those special moments with parents as they observe their child’s progress and excitement. I am motivated by the sounds and high energy in the ice arena!
Please be on the lookout for future communications.
See you on the ice!
Yours in Hockey,
Coach Lou Tocco
Administrative Assistant
Gisele is a Vermont native, who's been living in Durango since early 2023. She grew up playing competitive youth hockey in New England and North East Canada before playing for Shattuck St. Mary's in her high school years where she was a member of four AAA national championship winning teams. After SSM, she focused on academics and obtained a Bachelor's Degree from New York University. Gisele currently works in rare genetic diseases, and in her free time (when not playing hockey) Gisele is a volunteer dog walker at the animal shelter, she likes to run, learn new sports, camp, and play board games. Gisele is excited to be supporting DAYHA and assisting Coach Alex with the girls' U19 team this coming season!