IRONBOUND COACHES & STAFF
Sam Cheema - Hockey Director
London, UK
Hockey Director and Head Coach, 19U & 16U
Sam was born and raised in London UK and ended his playing career whilst representing Great Britain internationally at the World Games in Kazakhstan, Sam started his coaching career while still playing with Guildford Flames Juniors and then further went on to play professionally in the UK within the NIHL leagues.
In 2017, Sam moved to New York City and has progressed full time into coaching. Sam's coaching resume extends to skills development for mites through college athletes (training NHL, AHL, NCAA, NCDC and Junior Hockey Players) - with a heavy focus on athletic development.
Outside of his team commitments, he works with athletes on a holistic view to training (recovery, nutrition, mobility, performance, and on-ice skill development). Sam has worked in numerous countries as a skills coach including: Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Spain and Great Britain.
Sam graduated from Kingston Business School, London, with a degree in communications planning and strategy.
Oktay Armagan
New Jersey
Assistant Coach, 19U & 16U
James Witmer
New Jersey
Head Coach, 12U
James is a native Canadian with a passion for the game and owns Cutting Edge Ice Academy in Elmwood Park, NJ. James has a deep passion for the game of hockey and the growth of player development. James has worked with leading skill coaches through his facility and provides opportunities for players to develop their game through innovative ways.
Jincy Dunne
St Louis, Missouri
Assistant Coach
Jincy is a four year graduate of Ohio State university, where she captained the team. Jincy also represented the United States National team at the u18 and senior levels playing in numerous world championships and securing a silver medal in the olympics in 2022.
Jincy recently moved to New York City in preparation for the PWHL inaugural professional season.
Frankie Loftus - Skills Director
New Jersey
Frankie is a specialist skills coach with over 10 years of experience working with Olympians, USHL, Prep School, NCAA D1 and professional hockey players. He specializes in overspeed training and creativity.
Aerin Frankel - Goaltending Coach and College Mentor
New York
Aerin started her hockey career in Westchester, NY. Since then she has gone on to be the prominent goaltender in the NCAA with the Northeastern Huskies. She was named to the U.S. Under-22 Women’s Select Team for the first time in August 2019 where she competed for Team USA against Canada at Lake Placid, New York.
Frankel was also selected to the U.S. Women’s National Team for the first time in December 2019 where she participated in the two-game Rivalry Series. The highlight came on Dec. 17, 2019, when Frankel backstopped the U.S. to a 2-1 victory against Team Canada during the second game of the Rivalry Series in Moncton, New Brunswick. Frankel stopped 27 of 28 shots faced in the victory.
Jeff Lovecchio - Head of Strength & Conditioning Programing
Jeff is a former professional player who spent over 10 years in the professional game. Jeff played NCAA D1 hockey at Western Michigan before signing with the Boston Bruins and joining their AHL affiliate in Providence. Now fully in the strength and conditioning space Jeff is one of the best trainers in the hockey world. Operating out of St Louis his clientele ranges from NHL - AAA players and is extremely well respected in hockey.
Andrew Coyne - Admin & Registrar
Aislinn McAleer
Mannasquan, New Jersey
Assistant Coach, 19U & 16U
Coach Ash is a four year graduate and former captain for SUNY Oswego. Ash is entering her 2nd season with Ironbound and has been an instrumental help with in game coaching and support for our athletes.
Her experience and knowledge at the collegiate level is paramount for our players success.