Russell's playing career began with the Bowie Bruins, Chesapeake Bay Chiefs, and Tri-City Eagles. At Midget he played for the Washington Little Caps before heading to the Pomfret School for his junior and senior years. Following prep school he played two years of junior hockey in the EJHL for the New Hampshire Monarchs and Lowell Jr. Lockmonsters. He played his collegiate hockey at Elmira College (NCAA DIII), helping the team to two NCAA Final Four appearances. Russell finished his playing career with four years of professional hockey in the ECHL, CHL, IHL, and SPHL. Making stops with the Elmira Jackals, New Mexico Scorpions, Twin City Cyclones, Bloomington Prairie Thunder, Muskegon Lumberjacks, Dayton Gems, and Mississippi Riverkings.

Ted Kelly, my coach at the Pomfret School. He had a hard nosed approach combined with a caring off ice attitude that made a positive impact on my hockey career. His approach to the game shaped a lot of my outlook on what a good coach is and how I should deal with players both on and off of the ice.

My biggest focus is on skill application, how the core hockey skills can be used in game like situations. While we do focus on skating and stick skills, the majority of time spent in our sessions is dedicated to how to best apply those skills in a game.

Russell is currently an Assistant Coach with the Maryland Black Bears, beginning his time with the team in 2022. Previously he spent four seasons with Team Maryland as the Head Coach of the 2007 and 2010 teams. Prior to his time at Team Maryland, Russell led the Tri-City Eagles as Hockey Director and COO. Through his nine seasons there he was responsible for CBHL playoff titles at the 18U AA (3), 10U AA, and 10U UA levels; as well as three trips to the USA Hockey National Championships at the 18U level.

Game improvement begins with understanding when, where, and how to use skills in specific situations. By taking a skills application approach to lessons, Russell teaches his students how to be successful in all areas of the ice.

Most training sessions begin with skill instruction that will be applicable to the game situation drills we do later on the session. We always finish each session with a small area game or some type of competition which allows the students to display skills and tactics learned in that session.