trainers
Jim michals, head trainer
Jim, a native of Newton, MA has been playing hockey since the age of 4. Growing up, Jim played hockey for the Boston Junior Braves and Nobles & Greenough (ISL). After his high school career, Jim moved on to play college hockey at the University of Connecticut and later Babson College. Launching his coaching career in 2000, Jim has served as a trainer for numerous programs including Needham Youth Hockey, Charles River Girls Hockey, and the Rhode Island Hitmen to name a few. In 2004, Jim founded what is now known as the Michals Hockey Academy. As one of our Head Trainers, Jim oversees all of our trainers and helps to customize training sessions to each skater's level and ability.
DJ WALSH, TRAINER
Growing up playing for Boston Youth Hockey, Needham Youth Hockey and the Boston Junior Bruins, DJ excelled on the ice. Leading his team to the 2010 USA Hockey National Tournament, DJ went on to play his High School career at Needham High School. In both 2011 and 20012, DJ was named to Massachusetts All-State Team and represented Massachusetts at the Bauer National Invitation Tournament in 2011 in Minnesota. Upon graduating from Needham High, DJ went on to play his Post-Grad year at Bridgton Academy in Maine. Committing to the University of Southern Maine, DJ joined the Huskies in the Fall of 2013. Suffering a career ending injury, DJ returned home to recover. Joining Michals Hockey in the summer of 2014, DJ has gone on to coach at our camps and clinics. DJ is the Coordinator of the NE Wolverines, as well as the PeeWee Major '06 Head Coach. In addition to coaching on the ice, DJ trains a wide range of athletes on our Synthetic Ice Treadmill and Mini Rink.
Matt Michals, Trainer
Matt, a native of Needham, MA grew up playing for the Junior Bruins. Beginning his high school career at Xaverian High School, Matt transferred to the Trinity-Pawling School in Pawling, NY. After graduating from Trinity-Pawling, Matt went on to play for the Northern Cyclones of the Eastern Hockey League. Playing for the Cyclones in the Fall of 2014, Matt joined the University of Southern Maine Huskies in December of 2014. Recently completing his first season with the Huskies, Matt was named ECAC Rookie of the Week. When home from college, Matt is the Assistant Coach for theNew England Pride U10 Major team and a coach for the Goalie Academy of Boston. Matt has worked with a broad range of goalies of different age and skill levels.
doug michals, head trainer
Doug, a native of Newton, MA, grew up playing hockey for the Rivers School and Trinity Pawling. Doug moved on to play college hockey for the University of Connecticut from 1990-1994, being named MVP in 1993. After graduating from UCONN, Doug went onto play for the Johnstown Chiefs (ECHL). Launching his coaching career after his release from the ECHL, Doug founded the Goalie Academy with his teammate, Darren Hersh. Prior to joining the Michals Hockey Academy in 2006, Doug served as the Director of Goaltending for the Hershey Junior Bears. As one of our Head Trainers, Doug oversees all of our trainers and helps to customize training sessions to each player's level and ability. As Director of Goaltending, Doug works with our Goalies as well as oversees our other Goalie Trainers.
MELVIN NICHOLS, TRAINER
Melvin grew up playing hockey in the Northern Virginia area, playing for several clubs including: NOVA Ice Dogs, Reston Raiders, and Virginia Statesmen. He attended Hayfield Secondary School and went on to become the all-time leading scorer, two-time NVSHL All-star as well as the captain of the team for 3 years. During high school he joined the local Junior organization, the Virginia Express(currently the Potomac Patriots) were he played for two years, becoming an assistant captain and All-star during his second year campaign. After graduating high school, he continued to play juniors with Syracuse Stars (EmJHL/EJHL) and Washington Jr. Nationals (currently Vermont Lumberjacks) again being named assistant captain for both teams. Upon finishing his junior career, Melvin decided to commit to NCAA D-III Framingham State University, where he was named assistant captain his senior year. After graduating Cum Laude with a Finance degree in the Spring of 2016, Melvin took his career overseas playing professional hockey in Sweden for the 16/17 season. Melvin has been teaching private power-skating and hockey skills lessons for the past decade working with athletes of all levels and ages, specializing in both power-skating, shooting, and skill development.
CASEY DIANA, TRAINER
Casey, a native of Framingham MA, grew up playing Tier I Girls Hockey in the NEGHL, as well as for Framingham Youth Hockey. A four year Varsity starter and eventual captain at Framingham High, Casey was a member of the first New England Pride U19 team in 2012-13 and trained with Michals Hockey Academy. She went on to play four years of NCAA Div. II Hockey at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH. Casey joined Michals Hockey as a coach/trainer after graduating from Franklin Pierce in 2017 and is the NE Pride Coordinator, as well as the U19 Head Coach. She is also the Framingham High Girls Hockey Varsity Coach. In addition to coaching on the ice, Casey coaches at our camps, clinics and trains athletes on the Blademill and Synthetic Mini Rink.