Kevin Kopp

My hockey life started early in Southern California.  I played travel with the Valley Bulldogs in my younger years. After some time away playing other sports, I came back to the game in high school and eventually found my way behind the bench, coaching alongside my older brother Matt with the Valencia Express.

We spent eight seasons together with the Express, across the 10U, 12U, and 16U levels. I also coached at Saugus High School for a handful of years with a diverse mix of players ranging from 14 and 16 A to AAA.  Many of those players would go on to play different levels of junior hockey or college.

I want every player I coach to feel the same love for hockey that I have. That starts with working on skating, puck skills, and learning how to read the ice, which is the kind of development that makes hockey more fun because you're more capable on the ice.  It also means using the game to teach the bigger things: how to handle a tough shift, pick up a teammate, and carry yourself the same way at school and at home.

My philosophy is about teaching players to become teammates and individuals to become a team.