Our Learn to Skate/Learn to Play Hockey program is managed by Ice Director, Mike Fountain. Mike is a retired professional hockey player who has played with the NHL, AHL (including two seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins) and the KHL. He's also represented his country numerous times as both a player and a coach. In addition to serving as the Walker Ice and Fitness Center's Ice Director, Fountain also currently serves as one of the coaches for the Canadian ParaHockey team and is the Hockey Director for the Hockey Association of Western Kent (HAWK). Fountain's coaching affiliations are with USA Hockey and Hockey Canada.
The Learn to Skate and Snow Plow portion of our program is led by Head Coach Brooke Siepierski. Brooke is a certified Learn to Skate USA coach and has been in the sport for over 20 years. She loves spreading the joy of skating through the Learn to Skate program, and helping skaters make the transition into figure skating, hockey, or speed skating. Brooke is passionate about providing high-quality instruction on-ice, connecting with Learn to Skate families, and helping skaters develop a strong work ethic, confidence, and resilience through ice sports. She has a Foundations of Coaching Certificate through the Professional Skaters Association, has passed multiple skill-based tests through U.S. Figure Skating, was a collegiate synchronized skating national silver medalist, and is a member of the Lake Effect Figure Skating Club. Reach out to Brooke with any questions you have about the Learn to Skate program. She can also provide guidance on Learn to Skate booster lessons, private lessons, and next steps for skaters interested in figure skating and speed skating. email Coach Brooke and say hello the next time you're at the rink!
We have recently partnered with Learn to Skate USA. We did this to provide a fluid, standardized curriculum that's founded on solid and fun skill progression. This partnership also means that all lessons are provided by background-screened and certified instructors. You will also have access to online educational material for skaters and parents, as well as secondary sports insurance, plus many more benefits. For more information on these member benefits, check out Learn to Skate USA's website.
Check out our skaters: