Russell specializes in skill development of forwards & defensemen. Having played both positions professionally, he has intimate knowledge of the skill sets required for each position. To help shape a complete player, Russell focuses on the development of a strong skating base, stickhandling, passing, and shooting skills. He helps players develop an understanding of the game, and the intricacies that are involved as they move to the next level of their careers.
Davidsonville, MD
Available: Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs
0 Lessons
Participants
1
Try Coach Russell risk free. If you don't love your first lesson, we'll switch you to another coach or give you a full refund.
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Unavailable
Unavailable
Unavailable
Don't see your preferred date/time? This is only general availability - alternative times may be possible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Browse our roster of vetted private coaches to find the right fit for you.
Book and schedule your lessons through our platform.
Meet your coach in-person or virtually, and start chasing down your goals!
If you’re looking to message a coach for the first time, go to their profile and click “Send a Message”. A type box will show, where you can enter and send your message. To follow up with a coach you've already contacted, log into your account and find the 'Inbox' tab. You'll see your message history and be able to send another note.
Once you find a coach that fits your needs, go to their profile, select the package you'd like to purchase, and click 'Book Lessons'. Here, you can reserve your desired number of lessons along with the number of athletes who will be training. After sessions are booked, coordinate the dates/times for each session on your calendar - using the calendar is important since this is how your coach will get paid.
Paying AU coaches via cash, Venmo, or any 3rd party is strictly prohibited. AU coaches know this, but their partnership with us is to split all bookings 80/20 - so coaches keep 80%. We use our 20% to help them find clients & manage their business. Without the split, we wouldn't be able to help our coaches & community thrive!
We integrate with Stripe - the largest & most secure payment processor in the US - to facilitate bookings. Paying online is required, and it simplifies the process for our coaches since it helps track their schedule & earnings in one place. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our support team.
Each coach typically has at least one preferred training location. You can see the location(s) by going to your coach's profile and finding the 'Training Locations' section. If a coach doesn't have locations listed here, you can message the coach to see where they train. Some coaches are willing to travel to clients for lessons, or even meet halfway.
Each coach sets their own schedule for training. You can see a coach's general availability by going to their profile and finding the 'Availability' section - it will list the days and times. If a coach doesn't post their availability, or if your preferred coach doesn't have your desired times available but you want to double check, message them to see if they can work with your schedule.
The AU guarantee (refund policy) has you covered! If you determine the coach isn't a good fit after your first lesson, let us know within 24 hours and you're eligible for a refund. We will also be happy to recommend another coach - be sure to contact our support team.
Our coaches are open to helping athletes of any age and skill level. Please message your desired coach to ensure their skillset fits your needs.
AU was created by former collegiate and professional athletes. We understand the benefits of training with a private coach. It develops discipline, boosts confidence, and provides an undeniable advantage - whether you are just learning the game or looking to earn a college scholarship. All AU coaches are required to pass a thorough onboarding process and we proudly showcase a 10% acceptance rate, so you can trust you're training with the best.
At the end of the day, our mission is to provide athletes with better opportunities to succeed through coaching. You won't find a platform, and group of dedicated specialists, more excited to help you achieve your athletic goals!
© 2025 Athletes Untapped. All rights reserved.