While the hockey world is watching the All-Star Classic unfold on the ice, something equally important is happening behind the bench.
By: Shakira Spence, Manager, Communications and Community Engagement, NHL Coaches Association
The AHL All-Star Classic is built for viewing. It brings the League’s brightest prospects, fastest players, and biggest shots to the big league.
But at the 2026 edition in Rockford, Illinois, an equally important story was happening behind the scenes. Four coaches from the NHLCA Female Coaches and BIPOC Coaches Programs, Emily Ach (Assistant Coach, St. Cloud State University), Chris Pascall (Video Coach), Dennis Ruppe (Head Coach & Director, Hockey in New Jersey), and Karli Whitaker (Head Coach, Freedom High School Hockey), were selected to serve as the AHL’s Coach of the World Classic. until years.
For its third consecutive year, the NHLCA has partnered with the AHL and their own All-Star Mentorship Initiative to place up-and-coming coaches from the programs alongside AHL coaches and hockey staff during All-Star weekend. From the All-Star Skills Competition to the Hall of Fame Induction and Award Ceremony, to sitting behind the bench during the All-Star Challenge, trainees have unlimited access as events unfold.
This year’s coaches, including AHL All-Star Head Coaches Mark Letestu (Colorado Eagles), Ryan Mougenel (Providence Bruins), Pascal Vincent (Laval Rocket), and Dan Watson (Grand Rapids Griffins), didn’t just open the door, they pulled back the curtain completely.
“All of the AHL coaches, as well as other coaches, have been very open to pulling back the curtain and talking about any aspect of the sport,” Dennis Ruppe, Director of Hockey New Jersey and a member of the NHLCA BIPOC Coaches Program, said. “Whether it was on-ice tactics, game-day tactics, or parts of the game away from the rink, nothing was off limits.”
Photo: Chris Pascall and Dennis Ruppe at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic – Rained Out
For Ruppe, transparency stood out. This step was completely immersive, and no stone was left unturned. Meetings, practice, preparation for games, and activities, were all in the hands of the teachers.
“Programs like this create access where it wasn’t there,” said Dan Watson, Head Coach, Grand Rapids Griffins. “These coaches came out prepared, asked good questions, and brought a level of curiosity that made the experience beneficial for everyone.”
Chris Pascall, Video Coach and NHCA BIPOC Coaches Program Member, echoed Ruppe’s words.
“Thank you for everything we have learned,” said Pascal. “From a systems perspective, and how to create the foundation of a good culture in our locker rooms. I’m excited to apply those lessons to my organization and carry them forward in my career.”
“Training succeeds in training and learning from others,” adds Pascal Vincent, Head Coach, Laval Rocket. “What made this impactful was seeing the coaches get a chance to see the way we manage the game and feel like they are part of the conversation. That’s the progress that is visible, not only for the players but also for the coaches and trainers.”
Karli Whitaker, Head Coach of the Freedom High School Junior Varsity team and a member of the NHLCA Female Coaches Program, sees the move as ensuring that the path for coaches like her exists.
Photo: Emily Ach and Karli Whitaker at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic – Courtesy of the Rain
“As a woman, it was amazing to see such a safe place and a potential career opportunity. I could tell how much the League cares about this program. It really gives young coaches an opportunity to develop and see a way forward. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget,” Whitaker recalled.
Ryan Mougenel, Head Coach of the Providence Bruins, emphasized the gap between talent and opportunity.
“Many talented coaches don’t get a seat at the table, not because they don’t have qualifications but because there are no opportunities,” highlighted Mougenel. “These coaches have talent. What they need are programs like this to see them closely and start building connections that can make a person move forward in this game.”
Emily Ach, Assistant Coach for St. Cloud State University and a member of the NHLCA Female Coaches Program, put the experience in even broader terms. For him, the weekend wasn’t just about self-improvement. Rather, it was about what the AHL’s investment in the move reflects on the coaching community and the game itself.
“The AHL’s investment in this program demonstrates the diversity of coaching skills at the national level, strengthens the development pipeline, and indicates that the game is evolving,” Ach commented. “Moments like these help grow hockey by expanding who you see yourself in – on the ice, behind the bench, and in leadership – and that ultimately makes the game stronger at all levels.”
Photo: Emily Ach at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic
The counselors saw this group as a bonus. Mark Letestu, Head Coach of the Colorado Eagles, notes that the experience was mutually beneficial.
“One of the best parts of this experience was how engaged and prepared the trainee coaches were,” added Letestu. “They asked reasonable questions and brought forth ideas that give me hope for the future of coaching.”
Consultants who participate in this program do not expect to be adopted. They have entered the game, they are building, they are training. What the AHL All-Star Mentorship Initiative gave them was something very important: a seat at the table, surrounded by people who were genuinely happy to be there.
“I would like to sincerely thank the AHL, the NHLCA, Dan Watson, Mark Letestu, Ryan Mougenel, and Pascal Vincent for providing such a valuable and memorable experience,” said Ruppe, a sentiment shared, in their words, by all the coaches who made the trip.
Photo: Emily Ach, Karli Whitaker, Dennis Ruppe and Chris Pascall at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic
The AHL All-Star Classic will be remembered for what happened on the ice. But for the four coaches who spent the weekend in Rockford asking questions, building relationships, and proving they belong, the real take was even more evident. Outreach, transparency, and teaching like this not only opens doors, it opens them long after the weekend is over.
