About Us
Built by Coaches Who Teach
Hockey Sense was founded on a simple belief: smarter players make better players. If two players have similar skill sets the player who thinks the game better and competes harder will win. We combine decades of playing and coaching experience with modern training methods to develop the complete player. We help you to: Think Faster. Play Faster.
Our Philosophy
How We Develop Players
Our approach is rooted in game intelligence. We don't just teach skills — we teach players how to think the game. Hockey is a game of patterns. No two situations are the same but the key patterns show up over and over again. We focus on recognizing those patterns, using them to dictate the game and exploit the opponent, and maximizing the right skills for those situations. We teach players to execute when it matters the most.
Game Intelligence First
We believe the best players don't just have great feet, hands and skills — they have great minds. Every drill and session is designed to develop decision-making, anticipation, and spatial awareness. We don't want players to read and react – we want them to dictate the play.
Individualized Development
No two players are the same. We work with each player to understand how they learn, meet them where they are and push them to where they want to be.
Video-Integrated Training
On-ice sessions are reinforced with video review, creating a powerful feedback loop that accelerates learning and retention. We start by sharing concept clips with players before they come to the rink, go over video in person before the ice then review the sessions week to week.
Character & Compete Level
Beyond skills, we foster competitiveness, resilience, and the kind of work ethic that separates good players from great ones.
Our Coaches
Meet the Team
Our coaching staff brings elite-level experience and a genuine passion for developing the next generation of hockey players.
Dave Ries
Director
20 years as Head Coach at Brooks School (New England Prep). Won two New England Prep Championships and two ISL Championships. Advanced dozens of players to NCAA D1 and D3. Previously coached at Tufts University (NCAA D3) and Avon Old Farms (Prep). Coached EHF and NEGHL teams from U8 through U19.
Chris Hall
Coach & Director of Online Coaching
Head Men's Coach at Roger Williams University (NCAA D3). Previously coached at Babson College Men (NCAA D3), Merrimack Women (NCAA D1), Colby College Men (NCAA D3), and UMass-Amherst Men (NCAA D3).
Alex Gacek
Coach
Head Men's Coach at Nichols College (NCAA D3). Previously coached at St. Anselm College Men (NCAA D2) and Wentworth Institute of Technology (NCAA D3). Played NCAA Division 1 at Miami (OH) and in the USHL.
Andy Noel
Coach
Currently a pro player for the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL). Played NCAA Division 1 at Ferris State University, and competed in the BCHL and NAHL.
Chris Kuchar
Coach
Experienced high school coach with stints at Timberlane HS (NHIAA), Malden Catholic (MIAA), Andover HS (MIAA), and Haverhill HS (MIAA).
