Private Lessons

The instructors at the Ice Sports Forum Skating Academy are available for private as well as group lessons. All of our staff instructors are highly qualified and are certified with the ISI or PSA.

Once skaters have passed Freestyle 1, private instruction is encouraged to enhance development. Training ice time is available for skaters to have private lessons for a separate fee. For more information, please email the Skating Director, Tommy Brannen.

Coaching Staff

Professional Instructors

The instructors at the Ice Sports Forum Skating Academy are availabe for private as well as group lessons. All of our staff are qualified and are cerfified with the ISI or PSA.

Ryan Johnston

Canadian Edge Creator Ryan Johnston is from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

He has over 19 years’ experience in all facets of the game (playing, coaching, and instruction) at every level including goaltending. He is also a master equipment fitter, and custom skate sharpening and profiling specialist.

Ryan has spent the past decade working for several NHL teams. He spent over 5 years with the Florida Panthers training with many NHL players and instructing their hockey schools/programs. He’s also spent time instructing with CCM Canada and Master stick handler Sean Skinner (head stick handling coach for Sweden’s National Program) at his world famous “Guts & Glory” stick handling camps.

Prior to his move to Florida, Ryan was the Hockey Director of one of Ottawa’s premier triplex arenas. During his tenure, he worked closely with fellow Ottawa Senators Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Mike Fisher and Chris Neil.

Ryan has played in the CJHL (Canadian Junior Hockey League), and has been invited to several pro training camps. He has coached from Mite to U16 recreational and travel programs and is a USA Hockey certified Level 4 coach. He specializes in Power Skating and Stick Handling, and is also a Goalie Instructor. Ryan is extremely friendly and knowledgeable.

Email : Canadianedge@hotmail.com

VANESSA CORSON

I am a USFS double Gold Medalist, professional performer in both skating and dance, and have been coaching since 2010. I specialize in edge quality, ice dancing and presence,posture, and performance. I also enjoy teaching edge work, turns, and specialized skating to beginning hockey players. Memberships include USFS and ISI (Gold).

Contact: vgilbert2010@gmail.com

Penney Jackson

I have been coaching since 1998, but have over 27 years of professional show skating experience from performer to show director. I have coached skaters from preliminary to senior levels and have had a national showcase medalist. Memberships include ISI (Gold) and PSA.

Contact: Vic1cent@aol.com

BRENT BARBER

I’m originally from Tampa, Florida and started my hockey career at the age of 6 at the United Skates of America playing roller hockey. Shortly after I was brought to the Ice Sports Forum in Brandon for a Summer camp field trip and fell in love with Ice Hockey. Then on, I was recruited to play for the Jr. Bulls (Squirt AA) team. I then went on to continue with the Jr. Bulls organization until my Midget years, while also being a part of the Plant High School Hockey Club. Moving forward, my hockey career began to speed up during my senior year of high school. I was gifted to accept a contract to play for the Tampa Bay Juniors Hockey Club. Developing tremendously I was able to make the America’s High School Hockey showcase team (Team Florida) where I was then recruited to play for the Islanders Hockey Club in the United States Premier Hockey League (Junior A
Tier 2) out in Tyngsboro, MA. With my goal set to play NCAA hockey the years of hard fought Juniors had finally paid off I had a few different offers from numerous colleges. Franklin Pierce University, Southern New Hampshire, Becker College, Assumption University, and I finally landed at Framingham State University. I would love to share my hockey knowledge with in-depth skating, shooting, and stick handling techniques with
the newest generation of hockey players today.

MARK ROSENGARD

Mark Rosengard is from the Boston Massachusetts area, where he learned to skate on local ponds, and played hockey for multiple groups – culminating in playing for Tufts University from 1975 to 1979. He was commissioned into the US Army upon his graduation from Tufts, and subsequently served for over 30 years. During his time in the Army, Mark played for military hockey teams in Colorado, Washington DC, North Carolina, and Germany. Since retiring from the Army in 2010, he has settled in the Tampa area, and has coached a number of groups in the region. He is a decorated combat veteran, and brings leadership/mentorship skills to our rink, in addition to his multi-level experience as a hockey coach and goaltender.

Contact: dagger03@hotmail.com

Angela Pandolfo

I started skating at TGH Ice Plex as a young child in the Learn to Skate Program and instantly fell in love with skating. I got involved with Synchronized Skating and from there moved onto Professional Ice Skating. I got the opportunity to start traveling and skating in ice shows around the World. I am also currently working on my Personal Training Certification. I love being able to take my experiences and help all ages learn and grow on the ice.

Contact: angelaicam13@gmail.com

Tommy Brannen

I have been skating for over 35 years and starting coaching here in 2002. I performed for 17 years with professional shows including Disney on Ice and Advanced Ent. Productions. Coaching over 20 years, my students have tested through USFS Senior MIF & Freestyle, ISI 8. I am currently coaching all levels and ages. Membership ISI (Gold), USFS , PSA (B.A.)

Contact: tommy.brannen@TGHIcePlex.com

Michael Cappiello

My coaching Philosophy incorporates attention to technical details without losing focus on the mental side of the game. On and off ice training is available with a focus on game time preparedness.

What we do off ice impacts how we perform on ice!

10 + years of competitive youth hockey experience

USA Hockey and ISI Certified instructor

Certified Trainer

Contact: mcappiello72@gmail.com

Ryan Cronin

Ryan is the Youth Hockey Director at TGH Ice Plex, as well as, a private hockey coach. He grew up in the small city of Canandaigua, NY, located southeast of Rochester, NY, and made the move down south to Tampa in July 2012!

Youth travel hockey career was spent throughout the Upstate/Western NY area. Member of the varsity team for 5 seasons at Canandaigua Academy where he graduated 6th all-time in career points. Attended/played 1 season at Monroe Community College (NJCAA) before transferring to SUNY Cortland (Cortland, NY). Played 2 seasons for Cortland’s A.C.H.A. Division 1 team and received Academic All-American honors senior year. Graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management.

Has over 10 years of coaching experience at various skill levels and age groups. Currently, the Head Coach of the TGH Ice Plex Bullsharks 10U and 12U “Rec Select” teams. During the 2017-18 season, Ryan was Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Crunch U10A travel team and led the squad to the SFHL State Semi-finals in the first year of program existence.

Contact: Ryan.Cronin@TGHIcePlex.com

Kristin Folch

Kristin has over 20 years of hockey experience including 4 years of NCAA hockey at The University of Southern Maine and prep school hockey at Tilton School in New Hampshire. Her strong coaching skills, athletic background and years of playing experience has given her the ability develop players both on and off the ice. Kristin currently coaches, runs hockey camps and offers private lessons.

Memberships: USA Hockey

Social Media FB- Facebook.com/lifeontheice1, IG- coachKristin_

Lee Gilner

Coach Lee Gilner & Tampa Hockey Player Development

Comprehensive Hockey Player Development for all ages and skill levels.

Certifications and Experience include:

USA Hockey Level 5 Coach – 331441
Skating Fundamentals/Mechanics – 10 years Training under Olympian Jason Briggs of Great Britain.
National Association of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer
National Association of Sports Medicine – Fitness Nutrition Specialist
National Association of Sports Medicine- Corrective Exercise Specialist
National Association of Sports Medicine – Performance Exercise Specialist
National Association of Sports Medicine – Speed, Agility and Quickness
Playing Experience: 28 Years (NCAA)
Coaching Experience: 19 Years

Contact: coach@tampa-hockey.com

Justin Keopke

I am originally from Bloominton, Mn and have been coaching for over 5 years. I coached on both youth and the professional level which include 2 State Championship teams and International Championships at Silver Sticks. My focus is on skill development (puck control and stick handling).

Contact: justinkoepke2@gmail.com

Alexis Van Vliet

I have been skating with the TGH Iceplex for over 19 years, competitive both ISI and USFS. Professional member of ISI (Gold certified, Synchro certified) PSA, and USFS. Coaching all ages and levels, specializing in figure skating, synchronized skating and hockey.

Contact: figsk8_avanvliet@hotmail.com

Terry Lynn Zellner

Formerly with Ice Capades, Ice Follies, Holiday International and Cypress Gardens Ice Shows. Current Head Synchro coach here at TGH Iceplex specializing in sync and production. I enjoy coaching all ages and levels including edgework for beginner hockey players. I have 15 years experience with Special Olympics. I enjoy coaching special needs students.

Membership: ISI (Gold Judge-Certified Syncro), PSA – BA-04, RG-05, Certified Sports Science 1&2 -05

Contact: larueterrylynn@aol.com

Tommy Kowalski

I have played AAA level hockey and have extensive knowledge on hockey mechanics and techniques. I specialize in shooting and skating and like to incorporate strength and conditioning into all of my lessons and drills. I also offer additional off ice training.

Memberships: ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Strength and conditioning coach.

Contact: tkowalski91@gmail.com

Alyssa Krajacic

I began skating as a young child right here at the TGH Iceplex and I haven’t left the ice since!

In addition to coaching freestyle figure skating, I love teaching moves in the field, ice dance, synchronized skating, as well as training future hockey stars. During my collegiate years, I had the privilege of competing from coast to coast for Miami University. I welcome students of all ages and levels.

Memberships: ISI (Gold) , USFS

Contact: theoneskij@gmail.com

Courtney O'connor

I started skating here at TGH Iceplex at the age of four. I have over 16 years of competitive experience. I am a USFS Gold Medalist and Regional Medalist. I have extensive ballet and dance background. I enjoy teaching all ages and levels.

Memberships: ISI (Gold), USFS, PSA

Contact: courtney.oconnor1@aol.com

Christy Parker

I am a USFSA gold medalist. I have been instructing and performing professionally since 2000. My experience performing includes Holiday On Ice, Karen Kresge, and AEG – at Busch Gardens. As an instructor I have coached students from Learn to skate up to Senior Freestyle. As well as Learn to play hockey and power skating. I thoroughly enjoy teaching all levels and ages with the goal to guide and help each student aspire their ice skating dreams! I also specialize in flexibility, off-ice conditioning, and show skating 101.
Membership: ISI

Contact: christyparker303@yahoo.com

Tara Ruhmel

I was a USFS competitor for 14 years through the Senior level. I am a double gold medalist in Freestyle and Moves in the Field. I coach all levels of figure skating ( USFS and ISI) and skating skills for hockey players.

Memberships: USFS, PSA, ISI (Gold)

Contact: tbulzone@aol.com

Sarah Shuler

I began teaching in Troy Ohio and continued my career in Oxford, Ohio at Miami University. After years at Miami of Ohio, I returned to Troy were I was Skating Director until my move to Florida 10 years ago.

I’ve taught all levels including a Jr. International competitor.

I specialize in both group and private lessons for both Hockey and figure skating.

It’s been a lifelong blessing to help each and every student fulfill their personal goals.

Memberships: ISI (Gold), PSA (Rated), USFS

Contact: obg06@hotmail.com

Cindy Sokolis

Cindy is a dedicated coach specializing in power skating, edges, balance and agility. She trains individual hockey players as well as teams, and is on the coaching staff of A Plus Hockey Camp. Her attention to detail helps develop and motivate players to become stronger, faster and more successful.

With 22 years of coaching experience she is rated in the following: USA Hockey Level 4, ISI Hockey Level 5, ISI Gold Test Judge, PSA Hockey 1&2, SG, & RFS

Contact: iceprincess1985@hotmail.com

Carla Brunini

I have been skating for over 20 years here in the Tampa Bay area. I have competed both ISI and USFS. I had the privilege to compete for Miami University on their freestyle and synchronized skating teams. I love to teach figure skating but I also enjoy teaching edgework, synchronized and hockey skating. I also am a certified elementary school teacher which has taught me how to effectively communicate with children and help them reach their goals both on and off the ice. My main goal as a coach is to make sure your child is not only progressing but having fun!
Memberships: ISI

Contact: cbrunini96@gmail.com

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