Champs App Podcast

On this episode we talk with Courtney Kennedy, the new head coach of the Merrimack College women's hockey program and head coach of the USA U18 women's national team. Courtney shares her journey from Massachusetts to becoming a two-time Olympian and a two-time All-American defenseman at the University of Minnesota. We discuss her 17 seasons at Boston College, her philosophy on recruiting a...

On this episode we talk with Greg Fargo, head coach of the New York Sirens in the PWHL and founder of Fargo Hockey. We discuss Greg's journey from playing goalie at Elmira College to building Colgate's women's hockey program into a national powerhouse over 12 seasons, including four ECAC championships, two Frozen Fours, and a national championship appearance. Greg shares why he made the leap from...

On this episode we talk with Greg "Boom" May, the newly appointed head coach of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers women's hockey program. We discuss his journey from growing up in California to becoming a hockey lifer in Minnesota, his coaching career from Burnsville to Augsburg to the Gopher men's program, and how he went from director of operations to associate head coach to leading one...

In this episode we talk with Dr. Jeff Quebec, educational consultant and founder of the Pre-Prep Showcase. We discuss his journey from hockey coach to admissions expert, the differences between prep schools, boarding schools, and hockey academies, and what families should know about finding the right fit. Jeff also goes into detail on the admissions and campus visit process, and shares insights on...

In this podcast episode, St. Lawrence University head coach Chris Wells discusses his deep-rooted connection to the Saints women's hockey program and the unique community of Canton, New York. As a local native and alumnus, Wells highlights the "small-town USA" charm of the university, where a $20 million renovation of the historic Appleton Arena has provided top-tier facilities while maintaining a...

In this episode, Rebecca Johnson, a 3-time Olympic goldmedalist and former professional hockey player, shared her experiences competing in the Olympics and her current work with Lora Athletes Advisors. She discussed the preparation, atmosphere, and challenges of competing in the Olympics, including accommodations, food, and the intense schedule of games. Rebecca also explained her current role as...

On this episode we talk with Abby Ostrom, head coach of theSuffolk University women’s hockey team.  We discuss her being dual sport college athlete, her coaching journey in DI and DIII hockey, the academic and hockey experience at Suffolk and Abby gives her insights on the current DIII recruiting dynamics. You can connect with Abby Ostrom on the Suffolk team website : https://www.gosuffolkrams.com...

On this episode we talk with Courtney Kessel, head coach ofthe Princeton women’s hockey team. We discuss her hockey path as a player into becoming a coach at both the collegiate and professional levels.  Courtney also discusses playing in the Ivy League and how the team has been so successful under her short tenure. She also gives her perspective on the recruiting process. You can connect with Cou...

On this episode we talk with Laura Bellamy, head coach of the Harvard women’s hockey team. She shares some helpful information on Ivy League athletics, gives us an update on the Harvard women’s team, provides some insights on goalies and advice on the current recruiting environment. You can connect with Laura Bellamy on the Harvard team website: https://gocrimson.com/sports/womens-ice-hockey/roste...

On this episode, we chat with with Max Gavin, assistant coach with the Boston College women’s hockey team.  We discuss what it’s like growing up in a hockey family, the current state of BC women’s hockey, how they are striving to return to being a top ranked team and maintaining a winning culture. Max also shares his insights about the current dynamics of this years recruiting cycle. You can conne...

On this episode, we chat with Dan Koch, Associate Head Coach of the Wisconsin women’s ice hockey team. We discuss how far women’s hockey has come at Wisconsin since the program began, how the house agreement and NIL impactsthe team and managing their roster of 26 players. Dan also shares how Wisconsin recruits players and provides some excellent recruiting advice.  You can connect with Dan Koch on...

On this episode, we chat with Brandon Brown,  newly appointed head coach of the Post Eagles women’s hockey team. We discuss the Post University academics, facilities and hockey program. He also shares why players choose the Post Eagles and what is going on in the current recruiting environment. You can connect with Brandon Brown either on the team’s website or via Brandon Brown’s Champs App Profil...

On this episode we talk with Meghan Sweezey head coach ofthe St Michaels women’s hockey program. We go into detail on the St Mike’s academics, facilities and hockey team. Megan shares her perspective on why players should choose the Purple Knights and she gives some insightful recruiting advice.   You can learn more about the St. Michael’s Women’s IceHockey program here:  https://www.smcathletics....

On this episode we talk with Lee-J Mirasolo, head coach ofthe Stonehill Skyhawks women’s hockey program. Now entering her 3rd season as the head coach, Lee-J provides an update on the program and discusses what’s going on with the current recruiting cycle.  You can learn more about and the Stonehill CollegeWomen’s Ice Hockey program here:  https://www.stonehillskyhawks.com/sports/wice/index . You...

On this episode we talk with Allison Coomey about all the preparations that went into getting the Blue Hens ready for their inaugural season, the coaching staff’s roster construction strategy, Allison’s expectations for the upcoming season and what is going on with this year’s crazy recruiting cycle. You can connect with Allison Coomey either on theDelaware women’s hockey  website : https://bluehe...

On this episode, we’re joined by Ben Kevan Sr., father of NHL draft prospect Ben Kevan, who is ranked 45th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.  This is an amazing conversation as we go through Ben’s progression from Learn to Skate all the way to playing in the USHL and for Team USA at the Under-18s.  We also discuss the ups and downs of the player development process, the major d...

On this episode, Erin Hamlen, head coach of the Merrimackwomen’s hockey program, returns to discuss the state of women’s college hockey, what it takes for teams to win, how she and her staff are preparing for June 15th and huge amount of advice for players and parents about the recruiting process. This is a must-listen episode! Note: The podcast was recorded the day before the Princeton head coach...

On this episode we talk with Vicky Sunohara, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, longtime Team Canada standout, and now the head coach of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, Vicky has played a major role in shaping women’s hockey in Canada and beyond.  From elite competition to building the next generation of leaders, she brings unmatched experience, passion, and perspective. You can connect wi...

On today’s episode we talk with the Bemidji State Beaverswomen’s hockey head coach Amber Frykland. We discuss her hockey playing and coaching career at Bemidji State, USA Hockey women’s U18 team and go into detail about the upcoming recruiting season that starts next month. You willhear directly from Amber about how she evaluates players and prepares for June 15th. You can connect with Amber Frykl...

On today’s episode we get an update on the University of Michigan's plans to start a D1 women’s hockey program. We welcome back Jenna Trubiano who was the head coach of the women’s club team and is now a strategic advisor to the group working on this project. You can connect with Jenna Trubiano via email trubiano@umich.edu and Jenna’s Champs App profile : https://profile.champs.app/h/jenna-tru...

On this episode we talk with skills development coach SamCheema. We discuss the difference in player development between North Americaand Europe, how to score goals, developing confidence in players, and how to get recruited. You can connect with Sam Cheema on the Cheema Hockey website :  https://www.cheemahockey.com/ Follow Sam on X: @samcheema21 andInstagram:   @cheemahockey   ==================...

On this episode we talk with Becky McGee, founder of SDR Academy, a high performance hockey developmentacademy based in Calgary, Alberta. We discuss training and development of female hockey players, how to develop hockey IQ, the Hockey Alberta selection process for the female U18 summer camp and the SDR Scouting Summit Showcase. You can connect with Becky McGee on the SDR Academy website :  https...

This is Part II in our conversations about the Girls Player Development Camps. We discuss Haley’s hockey journey which included winning Olympic gold in 2018 and playing professional hockey. In addition we discuss how USA Hockey picks players for the U18 girls camp, how the U18 world championship team roster is constructed and what happened at this year world championships in Finland. Most importan...

On this episode we kick-off 2025 with a bang. This is Part I on USA Hockey Player Development for Girls. Our first guest of the year is Kristen Saegart, Director of Girls Hockey with USA Hockey.  Kristen discusses USA Hockey National playoffs, development camps selections, player evaluation and feedback.  In addition, Kristen shares several announcements about changes to the development camp proce...

On this episode we talk with Stefan Decosse, head coach of the Colgate women’s hockey team. We discuss his masters thesis on what it takes to develop high-end athletes, how a trip to southeast Asia influences his coaching style, his plans for the raiders hockey program and he goes into detail on their recruiting process. You can connect with Stefan Decosse either on the Colgate women’s hockey webs...