Meet Kurt Nichols
Over the course of his thirteen years as a coach, Kurt has developed a unique curriculum that combines the fluidity and efficiency of figure skating with the aggression and power of hockey. His firm but intense coaching style draws from a deep well of knowledge and experience and tailors each lesson to his individual players needs.
Kurt has served as the head power skating coach for players and organisations in the NHL, AHL, NWHL, ECHL, College, and Prep Schools. Around the metro-NYC area, he has taught at multiple youth programs including AAA and House organisations such as New Jersey Avalanche, Connecticut Rough Riders, NYC Cyclones, North Park Hockey, Central Park Hawks and more.
Meet Michele Nichols
Coach Michele
Unbelievable skater
Meet Andrew Nichols
Coach Andrew
Meet Cory Sammonds
Coach Cory
Raised in Chicago, northern Minnesota, and Maine, Cory played High School hockey at North Yarmouth Academy, winning a State Championship. Following graduation, he played Junior “A” hockey in Avesta, Sweden before heading west to Stanford University in California. He was captain of the ACHA Div. II Stanford Cardinal team that finished 5th at Nationals, earned ACHA All Tournament Team honors, and a three time Pacific Association All-Star.
Cory started coaching at the young age of 13 with his family owned Training Center Baseball School (ME and Hudson Valley). After playing, Cory was the assistant director and hockey director of the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, NY and then the director of the Family Ice Center in Falmouth, ME before moving to New York City and coaching full time in the early 2000s.
Apart from coaching with Kurt, Cory coaches with the Riverbank Hockey program and is the head of coaches for the program. He coaches the 12U and 8U teams. In 2007, Cory and fellow alumnus Matt Karsevar started Central Park Sports. CPSports provides outdoor athletic activity and instruction in a non-competitive and fun environment to children ages 3-12. Cory has comprised a cohort of college athletes and local coaches that promote good sportsmanship and basic skills for various sports.
Meet Roxanne Gaudiel
Coach Rox
Originally from Venice, FL, Coach Rox was a goalie at Berkshire Prep School ('98-'02) and Div. 1 college at Princeton University ('02-'06), leading the team to their first NCAA appearance and second Ivy Championship in 2006. She was also selected to the 2004 U-22 US National Team and played one season in the NWHL with the Quebec Avalanche ('06-'07).
After playing, Rox has channeled her passion into coaching and has developed a diverse skillset. She has primarily focused on skills coaching for goaltenders, learn-to-play, and sled hockey players.
Her goaltending experience and attention to technical detail translates into a power skating coach, who focuses on balance, body control, and edge work.