Categories
2025 Coach page College Hockey Recruiting Youth Hockey

RHA Female University Showcase

Go straight to the Instructions on How to Connect with RHA Female University Showcase Coaches

Why Create a Champs App Profile? (Video)

How to Create a Beautiful Hockey Profile That Gets Noticed (Video)

Coach Profiles

Derek Pallardy

Head Coach – McKendree University

Hannah Griffin

Head Coach – Jamestown University

Justin Simpson

Head Coach – Norwich University

Dan Church

Head Coach – York University

Jordy Zacharias

Assistant Coach – University of Manitoba

Jason White

Head Coach – Midland University

BrittNEY Gout

Assistant Coach – St Lawrence University

Brian Idalski

Head Coach – St Cloud State University

Amy Maitre

Head Coach – Windsor University

Erin McLean

Lead Assistant Coach – University of Calgary

Keith Martelle

Head Coach – Minot St University

Kris Hogg

Assistant Coach – Clarkson University

Willie Sofan

Assistant Coach –St Francis Xavier X University

Steve Kook

Head Coach – University of Saskatchewan

Champs App lets players create beautiful, free hockey resume that facilitate the college hockey recruiting process. 

“How do I know coaches will remember me after the RHA Female University Showcase?”

By connecting directly with coaches, players can know that coaches will continue to follow them after the event during the regular season (see their schedule, video & profile updates). Coaches can not only get more details about each player, but also see their upcoming schedule, regular teams and coaches.

Instructions:

Step 1: Create your free Champs App Profile hockey resume here

Step 2: To make it easier for the RHA Female University Showcase coaches to find you make sure you add your current team to your Champs profile and make sure to include your jersey #

Step 3:  Review the list of the RHA Female University Showcase coaches above to connect with and then send connection requests to the coaches/schools you are interested in from within Champs App.

Categories
2025 Coach page College Hockey Recruiting Youth Hockey

CHS Spring Break Showcase

Go straight to the Instructions on How to Connect with CHS Spring Break Showcase Coaches

Why Create a Champs App Profile? (Video)

How to Create a Beautiful Hockey Profile That Gets Noticed (Video)

Coach Profiles

Taylor Willard

Assistant Coach – Norwich Cadets

Shawn Skelly

Assistant Coach – Union Garnet Chargers

Michael Barrett

Head Coach – Nichols Bison

Madyson Moore

Head Coach – Dubuque Spartans

Allison Roethke

Assistant Coach – Sacred Heart Pioneers

Emily Antony

Assistant Coach – Mankato Mavericks

Brice Baricevic

Head Coach – Arcadia Knights

Grace Schnorr

Assistant Coach – Oswego Lakers

Sarah Hilworth

Head Coach – New Brunswick Reds

Lora Adroin

Assistant Coach – Utica Pioneers

Cassidy Hilworth

Assistant Coach – New Brunswick Reds

Morgan Bronstein

Operations Coordinator – RIT Tigers

Caroline Peterson

Assistant Coach – Sacred Heart Pioneers

Victoria Blake

Assistant Coach – Vermont Catamounts

Taylor Wasylk

Head Coach – Lindenwood Lions

Chris ARDITO

Assistant Coach – RPI Engineers

Makenna Wiljanen

Assistant Coach – Nazareth Flyers

Katie Zimmerman

Head Coach – Western New England Golden Bears

Emily Bauer

Assistant Coach – Lawrence Vikings

Champs App lets players create beautiful, free hockey resume that facilitate the college hockey recruiting process. 

“How do I know coaches will remember me after the CHS Spring Break Showcase?”

By connecting directly with coaches, players can know that coaches will continue to follow them after the event during the regular season (see their schedule, video & profile updates). Coaches can not only get more details about each player, but also see their upcoming schedule, regular teams and coaches.

Instructions:

Step 1: Create your free Champs App Profile hockey resume here

Step 2: To make it easier for the CHS Spring Break Showcase coaches to find you make sure you add your current team to your Champs profile and make sure to include your jersey #

Step 3:  Review the list of the CHS Spring Break Showcase coaches above to connect with and then send connection requests to the coaches/schools you are interested in from within Champs App.

Categories
2025 Coach page College Hockey Recruiting Youth Hockey

Tri-State NCAA Camp & Exposure Series

Go straight to the Instructions on How to Connect with Tri-State NCAA Camp & Exposure Series Coaches

Why Create a Champs App Profile? (Video)

How to Create a Beautiful Hockey Profile That Gets Noticed (Video)

Coach Profiles

MAX GAVIN

Assistant Coach – Boston College

Taylor Willard

Assistant Coach – Norwich Cadets

Nora Maclaine

Assistant Coach – Long Island Sharks

Olivia Cook

Head Coach – Potsdam Bears

Makenna Newkirk

Assistant Coach – Penn St Nittany Lions

Grace Schnorr

Assistant Coach – Oswego Laker

Keith Maurice

Head Coach – Trinity Bantams

Victoria Blake

Assistant Coach – Vermont Catamounts

Jennifer MacAskill

Head Coach – Manhattanville Valiants

Chris ARDITO

Assistant Coach – RPI Engineers

Champs App lets players create beautiful, free hockey resume that facilitate the college hockey recruiting process. 

“How do I know coaches will remember me after the Tri-State NCAA Camp & Exposure Series?”

By connecting directly with coaches, players can know that coaches will continue to follow them after the event during the regular season (see their schedule, video & profile updates). Coaches can not only get more details about each player, but also see their upcoming schedule, regular teams and coaches.

Instructions:

Step 1: Create your free Champs App Profile hockey resume here

Step 2: To make it easier for the Tri-State NCAA Camp & Exposure Series coaches to find you make sure you add your current team to your Champs profile and make sure to include your jersey #

Step 3:  Review the list of the Tri-State NCAA Camp & Exposure Series coaches above to connect with and then send connection requests to the coaches/schools you are interested in from within Champs App.

Categories
College Hockey Recruiting TOOLS Women's Hockey

Champs App Messaging 2.0

“It was truly exciting to see that a coach actually read the email and you were not left wondering if the message disappeared into the college hockey recruiting abyss.”

–  Messaging Tool User

Champs App Messaging is the fastest, easiest way to connect with coaches—and now it’s even better! Now Champs App Messaging has all the features from our original release and new capabilities that will make your recruiting process even smoother.

Here are the New Features to Take Your Recruiting to the Next Level:

View your Sent Messages

Access all your past messages in one place. No more wondering what you sent!

 Save Personal Templates

Customize once, reuse anytime! Quickly send personalized emails to multiple coaches without copy-pasting.

Track Email Activity

See when and how often your email is opened to gauge coach interest. 👀 (Note: Tracking may not work if the recipient has privacy settings enabled.)

Why Use Champs App Messaging?

  • Cuts email time by over 50%
  • Ensures key info is included
  • Reduces errors with pre-filled templates
  • Saves time, improves accuracy & gives you valuable insights

 “16 emails would have normally taken her an entire evening. She was able to do this in well under 2 hours. The app is incredibly user-friendly and easy to navigate.” – Champs App Messaging User

If you’re sending 50+ emails or 10 at a time, Champs App Messaging is a game changer. Give it a try and make recruiting faster, smarter, and more effective!

Try Champs App Messaging 2.0 Now!

Categories
College Hockey Recruiting Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

What Sets Apart Top DI Women’s Hockey Programs

Women’s college hockey is highly competitive, with NCAA Division I programs leading the charge in developing elite talent. While every D1 program offers athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest collegiate level, certain programs consistently rise above the rest. These top-tier programs distinguish themselves not just through their records, but through the resources, culture, and opportunities they provide.

Here’s a closer look at what sets apart the top D1 women’s hockey programs:

1. Elite Coaching and Development

The best programs are often led by experienced and highly regarded coaching staffs. These coaches bring a wealth of knowledge, including tactical expertise, player development strategies, and the ability to foster team cohesion. They prioritize both individual growth and team success, ensuring that athletes not only perform at their best during college but are also prepared for professional or national team opportunities.

Programs like the University of Wisconsin and the University of Minnesota, for example, consistently produce players who excel in international competitions and professional leagues, thanks to their focus on skill development and game strategy.

2. Winning Culture and Tradition

A strong culture of success is a hallmark of top D1 programs. Teams with a history of winning championships and competing at the Frozen Four attract high-caliber recruits who want to be part of a legacy. This tradition fosters a sense of pride and accountability among players, pushing them to perform at their best.

Schools like Boston College, Clarkson University, and Northeastern University are known for their rich hockey traditions and competitive spirit, which help maintain their status as top programs.

3. State-of-the-Art Facilities

Top programs invest heavily in their facilities to provide athletes with the best resources for success. This includes world-class arenas, strength and conditioning centers, video analysis tools, and recovery amenities. These facilities not only enhance performance but also create an environment where athletes feel valued and supported.

Programs like UConn and Boston University have made significant investments in their hockey facilities, which play a crucial role in attracting top recruits.

4. Strong Academic Support

Top D1 programs recognize that their athletes are students first. They provide robust academic support systems, including tutoring, study spaces, and flexible schedules that accommodate the demands of being a student-athlete. Schools like Harvard University and Cornell University are known for balancing athletic excellence with academic rigor, offering athletes the best of both worlds.

5. National and International Exposure

Programs that regularly compete at the highest level often have players on national team rosters and in international tournaments. This exposure benefits players by providing additional competitive opportunities and raising their profiles among scouts. Programs like the Northeastern University, University of Minnesota Duluth and Ohio State University have strong connections to international hockey, further elevating their status.

6. Recruiting and Alumni Network

A key differentiator for top programs is their ability to recruit top talent from across North America and beyond. These programs have extensive scouting networks and strong relationships with youth and junior hockey organizations. Additionally, their alumni networks often include Olympians and professional players, creating a powerful draw for recruits who aspire to follow in their footsteps.

Final Thoughts

What sets apart top D1 women’s hockey programs is a combination of excellence on and off the ice. From coaching and facilities to culture and academic support, these programs create environments where athletes can thrive. For recruits aiming to play at the highest level, understanding these factors can help guide their decisions and set them on the path to success.

Categories
College Hockey Recruiting Women's College Hockey Women's Hockey

Ivy League Women’s Hockey: Understanding the Academic Index

For aspiring student-athletes, balancing athletics and academics is a critical challenge, especially when it comes to competing at the collegiate level. For those with dreams of playing women’s hockey in the Ivy League, there’s an additional layer to navigate: the Academic Index (AI). This unique tool plays a pivotal role in the recruitment process and determines whether a player can be admitted to an Ivy League institution.

What Is the Academic Index?

The Academic Index is a metric used by Ivy League schools to ensure that recruited athletes meet the rigorous academic standards expected of all students. This formula takes into account three main factors: GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and class rank or a similar school-provided statistic (if available). The goal is to quantify an athlete’s academic performance into a single, standardized number that aligns with Ivy League admissions policies.

Though the exact formula may vary slightly between schools, the AI ensures that recruited athletes are not only strong competitors on the ice but also capable of thriving in demanding academic environments.

Why the Academic Index Matters

The Ivy League, unlike many athletic conferences, does not offer athletic scholarships. Instead, student-athletes are admitted based on a combination of athletic and academic achievements. The AI ensures that hockey players fit into the academic culture of the institution while allowing coaches to prioritize recruiting based on athletic ability.

For women’s hockey, this balance is critical. Coaches must build competitive teams without compromising the academic reputation of their programs. A low AI score can make it difficult for a coach to secure a spot for a prospective recruit, even if that athlete is highly skilled.

How Can You Calculate Your Academic Index?

While the exact calculation might vary slightly, a typical Academic Index includes the following components:

  1. GPA: Weighted or unweighted, depending on the school’s reporting method.
  2. Standardized Test Scores: Converted to a percentile rank to normalize across different testing scales.
  3. Class Rank or School Profile Data: For students whose schools don’t provide class rank, the rigor of coursework (like AP or IB classes) may be factored in.

There are online tools and resources that can help athletes estimate their AI. Understanding where you stand early in the recruitment process is essential to aligning your athletic and academic goals.

Tips for Navigating the Academic Index

  1. Start Early: The earlier you understand the AI and its implications, the better prepared you’ll be to meet academic requirements.
  2. Communicate with Coaches: Ivy League coaches can guide you through the AI process and help assess whether you meet the criteria.
  3. Focus on Academics: A strong GPA and high standardized test scores can offset minor weaknesses in other areas.
  4. Leverage Support: Many Ivy League institutions offer test-optional policies or holistic admissions processes—be sure to ask how these might impact your AI.

Conclusion

Playing women’s hockey in the Ivy League offers a unique opportunity to compete at a high level while earning a world-class education. Understanding the Academic Index is an essential step for any prospective recruit. By excelling both on and off the ice, student-athletes can position themselves to achieve their dreams of playing in the Ivy League.

Categories
2025 College Hockey Recruiting Junior Hockey Men's College Hockey Youth Hockey

Navigating the Changing Landscape of Junior and Men’s College Hockey Recruiting

I haven’t written much about my son’s recruiting journey, but now that he is exploring his path to junior and college hockey, I think it’s time to share.

The last time I wrote about him was after he attended his first junior hockey main camp. Now, he is in his senior year of high school, playing 18U AAA hockey, and starting to look at where he will play next year. This includes conversations with junior teams as he navigates his next steps.

The reality is that the new rules allowing CHL players to play in the NCAA next year are already impacting players like my son. I don’t claim to have a deep understanding of all the nuances of the CHL, USHL, BCHL, NAHL, or NCDC leagues. However, I wanted to share a few observations based on what I’ve seen and heard:

  1. Top CHL players will start playing NCAA hockey next year.
    Beyond the CHL players who have already announced commitments to DI programs, I’ve heard of others planning to join top schools. These players may benefit from additional development time before signing professional contracts.
  2. BCHL and U.S.-based players are shifting to the CHL.
    Many BCHL and American players, who might have traditionally played in the NAHL or USHL, are now looking to move to the CHL (OHL, WHL, or QMJHL). With eligibility no longer a concern, talented players are exploring this path as a viable option.
  3. Junior leagues are redefining their roles.
    Every junior league, especially the BCHL, will need to reconfigure its value proposition as a development league. Players now have more options for paths to college hockey or professional opportunities, which could shift the dynamics across leagues.
  4. Recruiting cycles are delayed.
    The ripple effects of these changes are already evident in the recruiting timelines. Decisions on tenders for next season appear slower than in previous years. As NCAA teams finalize their 2025/26 rosters, this will influence CHL and USHL recruiting strategies, eventually trickling down to other junior leagues.

As a parent going through the junior hockey process for the first time, patience seems to be a necessity. The landscape is shifting, and the impact of these changes will likely take time to unfold fully.

Categories
College Hockey Recruiting Women's College Hockey

Understanding the NCAA Division I Women’s Hockey Transfer Portal

The NCAA Division I Women’s Hockey Portal, commonly referred to as the “Transfer Portal,” is a centralized database that allows student-athletes to explore transfer opportunities between NCAA schools. Since its creation in 2018, the portal has become a vital tool for athletes, coaches, and administrators, transforming how transfers are managed in collegiate sports.

What Is the Transfer Portal?

The transfer portal is an online platform where athletes can formally declare their intent to transfer from one NCAA school to another. Once a player enters the portal, they signal to other programs that they are available for recruitment. This system applies to all NCAA sports, including Division I women’s hockey, and was designed to provide greater transparency and flexibility for student-athletes.

How Does It Work?

  1. Player Declaration: Athletes wishing to transfer notify their current school’s compliance office. Within 48 hours, their name is entered into the portal.
  2. Recruitment Process: Coaches from other schools can view the athlete’s information and reach out to discuss transfer opportunities.
  3. No Contact Restrictions: Once in the portal, the player is free to communicate with coaches from other programs without requiring permission from their current school.

Why Is the Portal Important for Women’s Hockey?

The transfer portal has significantly impacted the competitive landscape of NCAA women’s hockey. With only 42 Division I teams, roster spots are limited, and the portal allows players to find schools that better suit their academic, athletic, or personal goals. Similarly, coaches use the portal to address roster needs quickly, especially when looking for experienced players.

Key Benefits

  • Athlete Mobility: The portal empowers athletes to explore their options and make moves that align with their career aspirations.
  • Team Flexibility: Coaches can recruit seasoned players to fill gaps in their lineup, such as replacing injured athletes or graduating seniors.
  • Transparency: Both players and schools benefit from an open, centralized system where transfer intentions are clear.

Challenges and Considerations

While the portal offers new opportunities, it also presents challenges:

  • Roster Uncertainty: Teams may face unexpected departures, disrupting roster planning.
  • Increased Competition: With more players transferring, finding the right fit can be highly competitive.
  • Eligibility Rules: While the NCAA allows one-time transfers without penalty, additional transfers may require a waiver.

How It’s Changing Women’s Hockey

The NCAA Division I women’s hockey portal has reshaped the sport, offering more pathways for athletes to reach their goals. For instance, players from emerging programs may transfer to more established teams, while others might seek a school with better academic or playing time opportunities. Coaches are now incorporating the portal into their recruiting strategy, often balancing incoming freshmen with transfer students to build stronger teams.

Final Thoughts

The transfer portal is a game-changer for NCAA Division I women’s hockey, offering athletes and programs more flexibility than ever before. Whether you’re an athlete considering a transfer, a parent supporting your player’s journey, or a coach navigating roster management, understanding the portal is essential for success in today’s collegiate hockey environment.

Categories
2024 Women's College Hockey

NEWHA vs. the Rest of NCAA DI Women’s Hockey

First off, congratulations to Joe Grossman and the Assumption Greyhounds for their first non-conference win in program history (via shoot out) against UNH this past weekend.  Joe predicted that the team might surprise some folks during our podcast.

Last season, I wrote about the NEWHA conference in relation to playing DIII women’s hockey. As a follow-up, I wanted to track how the NEWHA teams competed at the start of the season when playing their non-conference games.  Clearly, St Michael’s is not competitive with Top 20 teams like Clarkson and Providence. As for the others, you can judge for yourself the overall level of play of the NEWHA against the other conferences.  In my opinion, these results reinforce the takeaways from the previous post about making a thoughtful decision when considering NEWHA vs. DIII women’s hockey. Hopefully, some of the NEWHA teams with the necessary resources can continue to raise the level of play of the conference over the next few years to be truly competitive out-of-conference.

Updated 01/20/2025

As of the end of October, the NEWHA teams have been outscored by a 10:1 ratio. Even scoring a single goal has been a challenge in many games. These match-ups pad the stats of their opponents and help the NEWHA goalies set records for saves. However, it seems that playing non-competitive games where teams are winning by 7 or more goals does not encourage attracting top talent to the conference.

In January, 2025 this ratio has been reduced slightly to 9.3:1; mostly due to the strength of Post vs RIT, LIU vs RMU and Sacred Heart vs. Quinnipiac and UConn.

Categories
Parents Player Development Youth Hockey

Parent Power: Key Factors in Raising College Hockey Players

This past week, my kids played their first games of the season. We’re approaching the end of their time in youth hockey, and I’ve been reflecting on their journey to playing at the highest levels in recent years. One realization I had is just how much work it takes as a parent to help them get to where they are. So, I thought I’d capture my thoughts on the key factors that parents enable to improve their kids’ chances of success in hockey.

Many of these attributes may differ between high- and low-density hockey areas. We live in a low-density hockey area in Northern California, which means relatively limited access to ice time, insufficient high-quality coaching, and few high-level local teams for both boys’ and girls’ youth hockey. In high-density hockey environments, players may be less dependent on their parents to access the resources and competition they need to be successful. If you live in Minnesota or the Greater Toronto Area, it’s much easier to put your player in a position to reach their full potential.

Additionally, if your child is exceptional at a young age, like Sidney Crosby or Connor Bedard, they will likely have no problem finding success. But most kids aren’t prodigies, and parents play a crucial role in helping them develop and find opportunities in youth hockey.

Here are the biggest ways parents enable their child’s hockey success:

1. Getting them to the rink

I know this is as obvious as it gets. But beyond just signing the kids up and paying their fees, waking up at crazy hours or traveling long distances for practices and games is no small task. Often, it means parents need to make sacrifices like missing work, losing sleep, or spending hours in traffic. All of these are frequently overlooked aspects of the vital role parents play in ensuring players simply show up. This summer, I calculated that I drove at least 250,000 miles over the past 10 years just getting my kids to their sports events. That’s a lot of car time. Additionally, the car ride home is a critical experience in ensuring your child continues to love the game. If they begin to dread the car ride because it’s filled with criticism (e.g., being told everything they did wrong), parents can ruin their child’s hockey experience and destroy their motivation to continue playing.

2. Signing them up for multiple sports

There is so much written about how many professional athletes played multiple sports growing up before focusing on a single one. But that doesn’t happen without parents buying into the philosophy and registering their kids for a variety of activities. It’s not just about exposing them to different sports; it also involves managing practice and game conflicts, navigating tight schedules, and rushing from one sport to another. Parents also have to negotiate with coaches who may not be sympathetic to players participating in another sport when there are overlaps. These are additional challenges parents must face to help their child succeed.

3. Finding the best team or coach for their development

Parents play a critical role in determining where a player should play and which team or skills coaches they should trust to develop their child. For the most part, there are no Yelp or Amazon reviews for teams and coaches, so parents need to talk to other parents, synthesize information from social media, and use other online resources to find the best opportunities. Most parents aren’t familiar with all the nuances of youth hockey at each age group, so they spend a lot of time and effort making the best decisions. While Champs App is trying to provide a lot of this information, every journey is unique, and parents invest significant time and energy in making informed choices about which hockey path to take.

4. Financial investment

Hockey is an expensive sport. Candidly, with the professionalization of all youth sports, the average player requires their parents to spend a lot of money on team fees, equipment, travel, and private lessons. Only a few players have their hockey development subsidized through scholarships or municipalities that provide locally-owned rinks with volunteer coaches. For most, playing youth hockey easily costs thousands of dollars each season. As a parent, you are investing in your child’s overall development and should not expect a direct return on investment from hockey.

5. Hockey-specific development

Most parents don’t have the hockey expertise to coach their kids. If they do, it’s a tremendous advantage—assuming the parent handles it productively (which isn’t always the case for over-zealous parents who can inadvertently harm their child’s development). However, any parent can provide access to video (e.g., LiveBarn or other streaming services) at a young age, allowing the player to watch their own shifts. Teaching your child self-awareness and the ability to learn from mistakes using video at an early age is an invaluable asset that parents can nurture, even if they know very little about hockey.

I’m sure I’m missing other key roles that parents play in their son or daughter’s development, but these were the most salient ones for our family. Of course, my kids put in the work—both on and off the ice—to get to where they are today. However, the effort we invested as a family to enable their success was significant, and parents should be recognized for the essential role they play.

Learn More on CHAMPS+

CHAMPS+ Subscribers can read more detail on the role parents play on the path to playing women’s college hockey in our age-specific Women’s College Hockey Playbook