MEET THE FOUNDER, CHRIS LERNER

Certification:

USA Hockey Certified Power Skating/Skills Coach

Certified To Teach Small Group/Private Lessons

USA Hockey Certified Goaltending Coach

Experience:

Skills Development Coach In The Eastern Hockey Federation (EHF), The Premier AAA Youth Hockey League of The North East

On-Ice Instructor For Driscoll Hockey — Official Training Partner of The ECAC (NCAA 1)

On-Ice Instructor For IH Pro, An International Hockey Training Program Led By Maxim Ivanov — 3x Stanley Cup Champion and Current FLA Panthers Skills Coach

General Experience Coaching Alongside NHL, NCAA, OHL, NCDC, and NAHL Coaches/Players

3 year, Junior A Hockey Player

Current Ivy League College Hockey Player — Columbia University

Accomplishments:

2018 USA Hockey National Tournament Finalist

2020 USA Hockey National Tournament Finalist

2024-2025 College Player of The Week

Freshman Season — 2nd In Points Per Game In All of College Hockey (21-23-44 in 12 GP)

BEING YOUR BEST MEANS STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

Following a lucrative youth hockey career in Raleigh, NC, a market not traditionally known for ice hockey, Coach Chris moved away from home at age 17 to pursue a junior hockey career in the Northeast region of the United States. This led to a three-year stint in various Junior A hockey leagues, with over 100 total games played.

As an active junior hockey player, Coach Chris began exploring the realm of skill and skating development on and off the ice, receiving his USA Hockey Coaching Certification and working closely with AAA youth teams in the Boston, MA area.

Rather than taking the NCAA route, Coach Chris opted to prioritize his academic career, ultimately attending the Ivy League's Columbia University in New York, where he was able to continue playing college hockey at the club level. Currently in his freshman year at Columbia, Coach Chris has already had a profound impact on the organization, sitting second in the league in points per game (21-23-44 in 12 GP), first among all freshmen, and putting the club in a position to compete in the National Tournament in March.

As a 21-year-old college hockey player and soon-to-be Level 4 USA Hockey Certified Coach, Coach Chris has continued to fuel his passion for coaching. By working alongside professionals like Maxim Ivanov, a three-time Stanley Cup Champion and current skills coach for the Florida Panthers in the NHL, Coach Chris has developed his own coaching style, focusing on the key areas required to succeed in today's game.

BE YOUR BEST. REACH THE NEXT LEVEL.

Using research-based skill development practices to

Leveraging video analysis to create personalized skill development programs that highlight strengths, identify areas for improvement, and track progress over time

Educating athletes on the vital role of nutrition, strength and speed training, and off-ice habits, emphasizing how these factors directly impact on-ice performance

Guiding athletes through the transition from Minor to Junior Hockey, emphasizing the critical importance of player development during this key stage of their careers

ON/OFF-SEASON TRAINING

NXT Level Hockey offers single-session training plans to suit each player's skill level and learning style. Prices are subject to change at any time.

GOLD

- 1 Hour of 1:1 Private Skating Instruction

- Strategic On-Ice Skill Plan and Drills

- Player Development in 3 Key Area

- Consultation with Professional Coaching Staff

$100 USD

SILVER

- Maximum of 6 Skaters Per Session

- 1 Hour of Semi-Private Skating Instruction

- Strategic On-Ice Skill Plan and Drills

- Player Development in 3 Key Area

- Consultation with Professional Coaching Staff

$45 USD

*ADDITIONAL TRAINING PACKAGES COMING SOON

Video Analysis

Have your in-game play be broken down by NXT Level Hockey's professional coaching staff. Prices are subject to change at any time.

$10 USD

Video

- Up to 3 clips, must be clear and in-game

- Extensive skill/situational breakdown by NXT coaches and staff using VoiceOver technology

"Chris's highly technical approach to coaching sets him apart from other skills and power skating coaches. His ability to break down the skating components of the game helps the kids develop. It is clear that the players truly appreciate his dedication, as he treats each player with diligence and care."

BOBBY GRAM | TPH ACADEMY

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