Kurt Nichols
Kurt got his start as a competitive figure skater training 5 to 6 hours a day, six days a week and would enjoy playing hockey in his free time. After graduating from Clarkson University, Kurt found himself in a rink working part time as a figure skating instructor and power skating coach for hockey players in NYC and the surrounding area. He created Kurt Nichols Power Skating in the early 2000s and quickly developed a following ranging from the Northeast to Michigan and as south as Texas.
Over the course of his 20 years as a coach, Kurt has developed a unique curriculum that combines the fluidity, balance and efficiency of figure skating with the speed and power of hockey. His firm but intense coaching style draws from a deep well of knowledge and experience and tailors each session to his individual player’s needs.
Kurt has served as the power skating coach for players and organisations in the NHL, AHL, NWHL, ECHL, College and Prep Schools as well as multiple youth programs including AAA and House organisations where he is always excited to share his knowledge and mastery of skating with others.
Thinking of going Full Throttle and having Kurt help take your game to the next level? Check out our clinics/programs.
Michele Nichols
Michele was a seasoned and nationally ranked freestyle figure skater who honed her skills under the expert guidance of the legendary 1960 Olympic Champion, Carol Heiss Jenkins, and the esteemed British National Ice Dance Champion, Glynn Watts. With a training background steeped in the era of school figures, Michele has cultivated a unique expertise in edge work and forward/backward stride, setting her apart as a specialist in these areas.
With over two decades of experience in teaching, Michele has earned the reputation as the slideboard guru at Kurt Nichols Power Skating, a testament to her commitment to helping every player achieve their utmost potential. Her coaching journey has seen her work with players of all levels and abilities, from house league to NHL, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the sport. Michele's training mantra, "Train Today, Imagine Tomorrow," encapsulates her philosophy of fostering growth and envisioning success in every athlete she coaches.
Andrew Nichols
Born and raised in St. Lawrence County, NY coach Andrew Nichols grew up on the ice. He started skating when he was five and hasn’t been off since. He loves all aspects of the sport, but thrives as a skater. He is a 2 time US Synchronized Skating National competitor.
Andrew has been with KNPS since its founding and has over 15 years of professional coaching experience ranging from Mites to Collegiate athletes. Additionally he has worked with all aspects of the sport and teaches private and small group lessons. Believing that it’s a coach’s job to engender a love of the sport to all he teaches, Coach Andrew espouses a philosophy of fun, hard work and honesty in hockey.
Joe Hess
With over 20 years of coaching experience (including 10 years with KNPS), coach Joe has been working as a skills instructor for players of all ages and levels throughout the metro NYC area. Growing up in Michigan playing Tier 1 AAA hockey, and eventually NCAA D3 hockey at Lake Forest College, Joe brings invaluable experience for what a player needs in order to get to the next level. Between coaching youth teams at a variety of ages/levels and an emphasis on specialized one-on-one training for hockey players (both on and off ice), Joe continues to be highly dedicated towards the development of hockey players of all abilities.
Nick Jermain
Nick grew up in Connecticut skating for Mid-Fairfield from mites through U18. He played his high school hockey for the New England Prep league at Brunswick School for three seasons before moving on to Juniors.
Playing in the BCHL for the Merritt Centennials, Nick committed to Quinnipiac where he would go on to play four years and serve as team captain his senior year. After graduating from Quinnipiac with a degree in Finance and a MBA, Nick began his professional career playing over 200 career games across North America and Europe.
He is still an active player and has acquired coaching experience in the offseason coaching skating with Kurt Nichols since the summer of 2000. In addition to teaching skating, Nick is proficient in teaching stickhandling skills along with developing hockey IQ.
Janka Hlinka
Janka Hlinka is a Slovak-American hockey player and coach with experience at the collegiate, professional, and international levels. She was team captain her senior year at Middlebury College, led scoring in Sweden’s Damettan league, and competed in the PHF with the Connecticut Whale.
Hlinka currently serves as captain of the Slovak women’s national team and was named Best Forward at the 2024 IIHF Division I Group B tournament. She has coached at multiple USA Hockey development camps—from regional to national levels—and also works with youth girls’ development programs in Slovakia. Hlinka has been working with KNPS for the past 5 years and brings a well-rounded, global perspective to player development.
Cory Paul
With 17 years of coaching experience, Cory is a USA Hockey Level IV certified coach dedicated to developing young athletes on and off the ice. His coaching career includes six years with North Park Hockey in NYC, four of which were as their program's Mite Hockey Director, and, most recently, as Mini Mite coordinator for DYHA, where he has focused on building strong fundamental skills in young players.
Cory has coached at all youth hockey levels, including serving as Boys Varsity Head Coach at Columbia Prep in NYC. Beyond his leadership roles, Cory has spent six years as staff Coach for Kurt Nichols Power Skating, helping players enhance their skating technique and overall performance. His playing career includes time at the NCAA Division III level with Buffalo State, junior hockey with the Wheatfield Blades (OPJHL), and at the AAA-level with the Buffalo Regals.
With a deep passion for the game and a commitment to player development, Cory strives to instill confidence, discipline, and a love for hockey in every athlete he coaches.
