We’re proud to reveal our line-up of the world’s top hockey skills coaches that will be taking part in the 2024 Global Skills Showcase!
The fourth annual event runs March 4-8, 2024 and is presented by Communiti. This five-day virtual coaching masterclass is a must watch. Premium members of The Coaches Site get complimentary access to the event. Not a member? Become a premium member of The Coaches Site to attend the Global Skills Showcase PLUS unlock our entire library of coaching content.
Let’s meet the five coaches taking part who will break down the most important skills in today's game and give you a step-by-step playbook for how you can apply the learnings with your players.
Adam Jonak holds multiple roles behind the bench and has helped craft some of the top up-and-coming talent in Czechia hockey. In his young coaching career, Jonak has led numerous championship-winning teams and currently works as the GM and Player Development Coach for the Czech Knights, he's the Owner and Skills Coach at ABC Hockey, and is the Player Development Coach for the Pilsen Wolves.
Among his accomplishments, Jonak is most recognized for his collaborative approach to skills training. Holding a philosophy that each player best improves through a personalized journey, Jonak puts a keen emphasis on dissecting the finer details and uses his insights to build each skill incrementally.
Jonak's GSS presentation will put his individualized approach on display and demonstrate how you can teach skills that transfer from practices into games.
Alexandre Chénier is one of Canada's leading skills coaches and works alongside the top players and teams in Quebec. In addition to his private development business, Hockey Developpement, Chénier is the skills coach for the CHL's Foreurs Val D'or and is actively involved with Hockey Canada, spending time with the National Women's Team, Hockey Quebec and Gold Medal Pathway programs.
Chénier's diverse experience has allowed him to work with players from U7 to the Pros and gain a deep understanding of how each skill can be taught in every stage of development.
Chénier's presentation will demonstrate how coaches can connect skills to a system and support both individual and team success.
Carving her niche in skating biomechanics, Jill Plandowski is an expert in skill development. Calling home to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Plandowski has taught countless Jr and Pro players the fine details of edgework, including NHLers Drake Batherson, Morgan Barron, Justin Barron, Liam O’Brien, Ryan Graves and Noah Dobson.
A lifelong learner and surrounded by a family immersed in hockey, Plandowski has over 25 years of professional coaching experience and holds a Physical Education teaching degree, enabling her to think through a holistic curriculum and maximize performance in a short window of time.
Plandowski's presentation will break down one of the most critical aspects of skating and how players can quickly improve their efficiency on the ice.
Kevin Galerno is a specialist in teaching skills that translate to the next level. Whether it's advancing to a higher division in minor hockey, or Pros attempting to make the jump to the NHL, Galerno's expertise lies in building age and goal-appropriate development plans that best support a player's growth.
Galerno, the Co-Owner & Director of Total Package Hockey London, also holds roles as Player Development Coach for the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins and Skills Coach for the OHL’s London Knights.
Having worked with players across all skill backgrounds, Galerno has identified the importance of decision-making and its impact on a player's ability to jump to the next level. His presentation will uncover how coaches can go beyond the hard skills of hockey and how they can help players "between the ears" as well.
A former forward in the WHL & CIS, Tyler Dittmer immediately turned to skill development in his post-playing career. He hasn't looked back since.
With the roles of Director of Player Development & Mentorship for Western Canada Hockey Academy and Skills Coach for the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings, Dittmer plays a pivotal role in the development of the next generation of players in Brandon and its surrounding areas.
Holding a specialty in shooting techniques, Dittmer's presentation will showcase how he teaches players to maximize their mechanics for a more powerful and accurate shot.
