Rochester Ice Center Hockey Academy proudly offers an incredible opportunity for female youth and college players, from Rochester and nationally, to enhance their ability through hands-on work with current college coaches and former professional players.  

The Girls First Look Weekend will take place July 9th-11th at the Rochester Ice Center and is open to all female youth players born between 2000 and 2012 (groups segmented by age), as well as current college or professional players looking to better their game by being surrounded by equally dedicated and driven women.  

This event will provide development, exposure (for appropriate ages) and information from coaches and experts in the hockey world.  

Official Schedule is attached below:

Group 1 (2010s to 2012s)

Group 2 (2007s to 2009s)

Group 3 (2004s to 2006s)

Group 4 (Current D1 and Pro Players)

Camp Director: Francois Methot

• 3rd round NHL draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 1996 
• Five seasons of his professional career with the Rochester Americans (AHL)
• Successful career in Europe until he retired from playing professionally. 
• Skills Coach at the Nashville Predators (NHL) development camp
• Director, Rochester Hockey Academy and Rochester JR Amerks
• Current and former clients include:  Alex Tuch (NHL), Charlie Coyle (NHL), Kiara Zanon (USA Hockey U18 National Team), Haley Winn (USA Hockey U18 National Team) and more

Assistant Camp Director: Stephen Gionta

• Played over 300 NHL games with the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders and a total of over 700 professional games
• Spent two years with the US National Team Development Program
• Graduated and played 4 seasons at D-1 Boston College
• Member of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoff Eastern Conference Champion New Jersey Devils
• 2013 Bill Masterton Trophy nominee (awarded to NHL player who exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey)
• 2013 World Championship Bronze Medalist with Team USA
• Currently Pro Scout for the Tampa Bay Lightning
• 2020 Stanley Cup winner for the Tampa Bay Lightning as a member of Hockey Operations

Special Guest Staff

Rhea M. Coad, Head Coach, Buffalo Beauts

• Assistant Coach for Nazareth Women's Hockey and Softball 2018-2021
• Competed in hockey, softball, and golf at Canton before graduating with a degree in Health in Fitness Promotion in 2018
• Four Year member of Canton's Women's Hockey Program and team captain for the 2016-17 season.
• 2017 Recipient of the SUNY Canton Pillar of Character Award
• In addition to coaching at Nazareth, Coad is the Head Coach of the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL)

Chelsea Walkland, Assistant Coach, Colgate University (NCAA D-I)

• Five years at Robert Morris as an assistant coach. With her leadership at RMU, the Colonials are three-time defending College Hockey America Regular Season Champions and made an NCAA Final Eight appearance in the 2016-17 campaign.
• Recruited and developed the 2017 Division I NCAA Rookie of the Year, multiple All-NCAA Team members, and Hockey Canada invitees.
• Current Assistant Coach for USA U-18 National Team

Celeste Brown, Head Coach, Rochester Institute of Technology (NCAA D-I)

• Three-year stint as an assistant coach at Penn State where the team advanced to three-consecutive College Hockey America Tournament semifinals
• Played for the New York Riveters during the inaugural season of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) in 2015-16

Chris Baudo, Head Coach, Nazareth College (NCAA D-III)

• 2018-19 United Collegiate Hockey Conference Coach of the Year
• 2018-19 Finalist for National Coach of the Year
• Inaugural Director and Head Coach for Selects Academy at Bishop Kearney
• Twelve years as Head Boys’ Coach at The Gunnery prep school in Washington, CT
  • Recruited and coached 100+ D-I players, 18 pro players and 2 NHL draft picks

Camp Format

• Group 1: 2010-2012 (24 Total)
• Group 2: 2007-2009 (24 Total
• Group 3: 2004-2006 (24 Total)
• Group 4: 2003-College (24 Total)
• Adult Group:  Current College and Professional Players (30 total)

What's Included?

• Each girl receives a t-shirt, reversible jersey (to allow team changes for the 3 games), and a special commemorative gift
• Lunch/Dinner provided Friday Night
• Camp Barbecue Saturday from 3:00pm-5:00pm (some overlap with sessions, but plenty of time for all to enjoy
• Breakfast items or snacks provided for Sunday
• Panel presentation/Q&A session with guest speakers Saturday at 11:15am
• 1 (80) minute skills session and (1) 75 minute game on Friday
• 1 (80) minute skills session and (1) 75 minute game on Saturday
• 1 (75) minute game on Sunday
• Dynamic warm ups prior to each game provided by Next Level Strength and Conditioning
• Cost $375