T.J. grew up playing hockey in the Cleveland, Ohio area. He played for the Cleveland Barons during his Bantam and Midget AAA youth hockey seasons. 

TJ played college hockey at Kent State and Weber State to play ACHA Division 1 Club Hockey. He competed in the ACHA National Championship every season while playing ACHA D1 Club hockey. Also, TJ was selected to represent team USA in the 2005 World University Games in Innsbrook, Austria for ACHA D1 where his USA Hockey team took 8th place.  

TJ has a Level 4 USA Hockey certification in coaching.  TJ coach's his players to learn how to give 100% effort, focus, teamwork and dedication when playing for the Barons organization on and off the ice.