Testimonials
"I have had the pleasure to share a bench with Coach Althen, and I can say personally that his ability to develop young players is terrific. His attention to detail and commitment to making his players better is a major focus of his"
-Chris Clark-Director of Player Personnel(Columbus Blue Jackets-NHL)/General Manager(Cleveland Monsters-AHL)
Father of Braiden Clark-Youngstown Phantoms-USHL/Providence College Commit
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"I have had the pleasure of working alongside Coach Althen and seeing first hand his passion for teaching the game of hockey to his players. Coach brings a natural enthusiasm to every practice that translates really well to the players and energizes their efforts to improve their individual skills while teaching them how to be a great teammate. Coach Althen's knowledge of the game and player development is evidenced by the immediate impact he has made to the players he is coaching. Coach teaches the players how to be accountable for their effort, practice habits, and personal development. I watched as each player became a better hockey player and person during our season."
-Andrew Backen- Former Miami University Player
Father of Bradley Backen 16U Ohio AAA Blue Jackets
Father of Camden Backen 2008 Ohio AAA Blue Jackets
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“I have had the pleasure knowing Coach Kyle for about 5 years now. He has coached my Son since he was a Squirt Player. I have never had to “push” my Son to practice with Kyle, he wants to train with him and I am always seeing improvement. Kyle has a way of motivating, pushing and demanding small details all while keeping the respect and hunger of his players. It’s a unique skill set to have as a coach and we are lucky to have found Coach Kyle. As a coach, he has made my Son better both as a Hockey Player and as a young Man.”
-Heather Gerke-
Mother of Max Gerke 2008 Elite Development Program U14 Premier
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"Coach Kyle has been teaching Cooper on the ice for almost 5 years now since he was a mite player, and still does currently. We started doing weekly power skating and edge work early in the mornings and Kyle was able to create a foundation in Coopers skating that is still helping him today. Cooper’s favorite part of power skating was that Kyle was always challenging him with new skills and pushing him to develop as a skater, the first day they worked on a mohawk Cooper couldn’t have been more frustrated, but after putting in the work with Kyle it’s his favorite turns.
In addition to the skating instruction, we worked weekly with coach Kyle on hockey skills and game evaluation. Kyle is great at pushing the kids to develop and meet their maximum potential, Cooper learns best when he is being pushed and when he is training with Kyle I always know he is developing and being pushed. I recommend coach Kyle to anyone who wants their son/daughter to continue their hockey development in a hard working and positive environment."
Ben Headington
Father of Cooper Headington 2012 Ohio AAA Blue Jackets
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"Coach Kyle Althen has coached both of my sons (2010 and 2012) for years now, and their growth to become AAA players is directly tied to his coaching and mentoring. His fast-paced, skill-building sessions are unmatched. Every serious hockey player who wants to elevate their game needs to take advantage of his classes and camps."
Jeff Matracia
Father of Colton Matracia 2012 Ohio AAA Blue Jackets
Father of Weston Matracia 2010 Cleveland Barons
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"After watching Kyle coach my son’s team for an entire season, I was extremely impressed by his high level of passion for his players, competency as a coach, and overall hockey IQ. Kyle is the type of coach that expects more from his team and holds them to a higher standard, bringing out the best in each player. His overall commitment to his players, approach he takes for practice planning & skills development, and deep knowledge of the game make him a fantastic hockey coach!"
Troy Zimpfer
Father of Luke Zimpfer 2008 Ohio AAA Blue Jackets