Meet the Team

Coach Katie

Head of Coaching and Programming

Katie is the founder and owner of Stride Hockey Development, which she launched in 2024 with a simple goal: to provide the hockey development opportunities she wished had been available while growing up in the Dayton hockey community.

As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with more than 25 years of playing experience at the AAA, prep school, and collegiate levels across North America, Katie brings a deep understanding of both the game and the science behind athletic performance to every athlete she works with.

In addition to coaching at the collegiate level and working with players from ages 4 through adulthood, Katie is known for her ability to identify and correct the small details that make a big impact on player development and performance. When she’s not at the facility, Katie works as a real estate professional and enjoys traveling with her family, pottery, hiking, and, of course, playing hockey.

Alex Burnett

Senior Coach

Coach Alex has been involved in hockey for over 20 years, beginning his playing career in the Dallas, Texas youth hockey system before advancing to the AA/AAA level and eventually competing in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL). He went on to play ACHA Division I hockey at Ohio University before a career-ending concussion led him to transition into coaching.

Following his playing career, Coach Alex spent three seasons as a Student Assistant Coach with Ohio University and most recently served as an Assistant Coach with the Ohio Blue Jackets U18 AAA program while also working with Stride Hockey Development.

In addition to his coaching experience, Coach Alex is a certified personal trainer with a passion for athletic development. His training philosophy focuses on conditioning, mobility, power, and coordination to help athletes maximize their performance on and off the ice.

When he’s not at the rink or in the gym, he enjoys fishing, hunting, attending church, and spending time with his wife, Stacey, and their dog, Linguine.

Coach Griff

Born and raised in Centerville, Ohio, Coach Griff grew up playing hockey throughout the Dayton and Cincinnati areas, competing at the AA level most notably with the Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones.

He played four years at Centerville High School, serving as captain his senior year, where he led the state in assists and reached the 100-point club. He also spent time with the Dayton Falcons (NA3HL) prior to his senior season.

After graduating in 2018, he earned an Associate’s Degree in Clinical Lab Technology from Sinclair Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Health Studies from Ohio University. He is also a certified personal trainer.

In 2024, he attended tryouts for the Knoxville Ice Bears (SPHL), continuing to pursue high-level hockey opportunities.

When not coaching at Stride, he enjoys time with family and friends, fishing, and playing hockey.

Coach Nate

Growing up in the Detroit suburbs, Coach Nate developed a lifelong passion for hockey. His playing career included stops in Michigan and South Bend, Indiana, where he competed at the AA, Select, AAA, and high school levels before joining the United States Air Force.

He began coaching in 2017 with the Rushmore Thunder in Rapid City, South Dakota, working with learn-to-play and house league players. After moving to North Dakota in 2019, he coached 10U teams and later led the North Dakota AAA team to an end-of-season tournament championship in 2023. Since relocating to the Dayton area, he has served as Head Coach of the 12U Upper A Dayton Ice Hounds, Assistant Coach for the 14U A1 Dayton Stealth, and will be the Head Coach of the 14U Development Project Team for the 2026–27 season. He has also worked with Tier-1 Hockey and Mid American Goaltending alongside Matt Michno.

Coach Nate’s background in athlete development is strengthened by his service in the United States Air Force, where he led physical training programs for more than 100 personnel and helped prepare airmen for the physical demands of combat operations.

He believes off-ice training is a critical part of hockey development, allowing athletes to build strength, agility, endurance, mental toughness, and decision-making skills that translate directly to on-ice success.

When he’s not coaching, he’s usually spending time with his family and keeping up with whatever activities his kids have planned.

Coach Gabe

Coach Gabe has over 13 years of hockey experience, playing at the A, AA, AAA, varsity, and junior levels. His playing career included time with Dayton Stealth, Cincinnati Swords, the Junior Cyclones (USPHL), and the Tri-State Spartans program. He was also part of the first Cincinnati Swords team to win a State Championship.

Currently, Coach Gabe serves as President of the Wright State Hockey Club and is passionate about helping young athletes develop both on and off the ice. As a certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, he combines his hockey background with performance training expertise to help athletes improve their strength, speed, mobility, and overall athletic performance. His coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, physical preparation, and building confidence through hard work and consistency.

Outside of hockey, he enjoys working out, hiking, playing sports, and spending time with friends.

Coach Caleb

Coach Caleb brings nearly 25 years of hockey experience as both a player and coach, with a background spanning House, Travel, Varsity, and D2 ACHA levels. Over the past 10 years, he has coached across House, Travel, and ACHA Club hockey, in addition to working within Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs, private lessons, power skating, and youth and adult camps and clinics.

He has completed his Strength and Conditioning coaching certification, with a strong focus on how off-ice training supports long-term performance, durability, and injury prevention. His coaching philosophy has been shaped by both education and lived experience, including a playing career that involved significant injuries. Working closely with orthopedic specialists provided deeper insight into rehabilitation and the importance of intentional, progressive training during recovery. He has also supported kinesiology students in developing training programs, offering feedback on structure, flow, and real-world athlete response.

Outside of hockey, he enjoys hiking, reading, traveling whenever possible, and keeping up with his toddlers’ latest interests.

He believes hockey is one of the most physiologically demanding sports. While many programs emphasize high volumes of ice time and sport-specific repetition, he emphasizes the importance of well-rounded athletic development and structured off-ice training. His goal is to help athletes build strong, resilient bodies that support long-term performance, reduce injury risk, and promote longevity in the game.