Book Private Ice-hockey Lessons with Coach George

With over 20 years of experience as a professional hockey player and coach, I have built a reputation for developing elite athletes and cultivating winning cultures. My career highlights include:

Professional Hockey Player: Achieved significant milestones as a player, including being named Junior and Canadian University Player of the Year, and progressing to the verge of joining the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Professional Hockey Coach: Led teams in the ECHL and WPHL, achieving notable success such as guiding the Tupelo T-Rex to a WPHL League Championship and setting league records for consecutive wins. Coached and developed future NHL stars like John Tavares and Sam Gagner.

Youth Hockey Leadership: Spearheaded the development of youth hockey programs like the Oklahoma City Oil Kings, increasing enrollment and enhancing player development pathways. My leadership in youth hockey has advanced numerous players to higher competitive levels and collegiate programs.

Founder and Head Coach of The Champion Mindset Academy: Established The Champion Mindset Academy to combine my passion for performance coaching with mindset development. I have successfully coached athletes, executives, and teams to maximize their potential through mental toughness, resilience, and purpose-driven performance.

I help athletes improve their game by immediately focusing on cultivating mental toughness and developing the right mindset—essential for handling pressure, staying resilient, and pushing past limitations. This mental edge is a game-changer that can elevate performance quickly.

Beyond that, I offer valuable insight and perspectives on the game of hockey, utilizing my experience to provide video reviews, break down game play, and enhance skill development. My tactical expertise helps players understand the nuances of the game, improve decision-making, and execute more effectively on the ice. This holistic approach strengthens both the mental and physical aspects of their performance, driving consistent improvement.

A typical training session is tailored to meet each athlete's individual needs and can vary depending on whether we are focusing on the mental aspect, the physical aspect, or game tactics and strategies. For mental training, sessions may include mindset exercises, mental toughness drills, or strategies for handling pressure and building confidence. Physical sessions could focus on skill development or tactical gameplay, incorporating drills, video review, and real-time feedback.

Each session is personalized, ensuring it aligns with the athlete’s current goals, and it will differ based on whether we’re working virtually or in person. Every approach is designed to maximize progress and drive performance improvement.

The best coach I ever had was Tom Coolen, my head coach at Acadia University. Tom exemplified what it means to be a true leader, combining character, communication, and culture with a relentless drive for results. His character was defined by integrity and empathy, qualities that made him approachable and respected by everyone on the team. He was not just focused on winning but on developing us as individuals, both on and off the ice.

Tom’s communication skills were exceptional. He had a unique ability to make each player feel heard and valued, whether through one-on-one conversations or addressing the team as a whole. His messages were always clear, motivational, and tailored to inspire us to perform at our best.

Beyond that, Tom fostered a strong team culture, where accountability, hard work, and mutual respect were the foundation of our success. He built a winning environment where everyone was committed to the same goals, and it showed in the results. Under his guidance, we achieved remarkable success, and many of his lessons about teamwork and perseverance have stayed with me throughout my career.

Tom Coolen was not only a coach but a mentor, and his impact on my life and career is something I am truly grateful for.

Athletes and parents should know that my purpose is to help individuals unlock their full potential by developing a Champion Mindset, one that thrives on resilience, mental toughness, and a deep sense of purpose. I believe that with the right mindset, every setback is an opportunity for growth and that success is built on consistency, belief in one’s abilities, and a relentless commitment to improvement. My values are rooted in integrity, respect, and a passion for continuous learning. I strive to create a positive, growth-oriented environment where athletes can excel both on and off the ice.