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 Imperial College, London.
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 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 also works with NY Blind Hockey Association and College Hockey Showcases (Sweden & Denmark) as the lead skills and skating educator.
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
New York
Assistant Coach
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
New Jersey
Assistant Coach, 19U & 16U