Laura Brennan
Founder & Director
Coach Laura is a native of White Bear Lake, MN where she played youth and high school hockey. She went on to play Division 1 NCAA hockey at MN State Mankato and Quinnipiac University. Following her collegiate career she played professionally in Sweden for Linden Hockey Club and most recently she played professionally for the CT Whale in the NWHL from 2016 -2019.
Laura’s coaching career began with The Goalie Club (Mankato, MN) from 2003-2007 where she gained valuable experience training goalies of all ages and skill levels. In 2011, Laura began coaching small group and private goalie lessons at Fairfield Ice Academy where she was the Director until July 2023. Laura was the goalie coach for the CT Whale in the NWHL for three seasons spanning 2018-2021 and was the Assistant Coach for the team in the 2019-2021 seasons. In addition to her assistant coaching duties, Laura acted as the Interim GM and later named Assistant GM during the off season leading up to the 21-22 season. Laura served as an Assistant Coach for the Staples Boys High School Team in Westport, CT from 2021-2023 and is the Connecticut Goaltending Development Coordinator for USA Hockey. During the 2022-2023 season Laura was a participant in the Boston Bruins Diversity and Inclusion Scouting Mentorship Program. She is currently an Assistant Coach with PWHL New York in it’s inaugural season.
What People Are Saying
“Laura knows what it takes to be an elite goaltender. She has a wealth of knowledge on the position and has helped me strengthen my on-ice technical skills as well as improve my wellness off the ice. I love how Laura challenges me to get better and how she brings positive energy to each session”
— Brooke Wolejko - CT Whale NWHL
“I am a U16 Goalie and have been playing for the Mid Fairfield Stars for the past four seasons and will be attending Hotchkiss next year. I have been training with Coach Laura over the past few years. During the last season I have been working with Laura often and have seen some of my greatest improvements. Coach Laura is very knowledgeable and has very good teaching techniques. She is able to find areas I need to work on and work with me to improve them. Along with that, I can always tell Coach Laura something I would like to work on and she is able to provide insightful tips and beneficial drills and training. Not only do I improve when I train with Coach Laura, but I always enjoy it as well.”
“My daughter, Emma, decided to switch positions from skater to goalie just before the season was starting. Laura took Emma under her wing and in short order was able to lay a solid technical and mental foundation. Emma started the season in-net. Laura has continued to work with Emma on her journey from House League to Prep School goalie.
When one meets Laura, it is instantly evident that she loves being a goalie. She is committed to the development of all goalies regardless of their current skill level or future aspirations.
She bring to each lesson a keen understanding of what it takes to be a successful goalie and is able to work on player weaknesses while challenging them with new moves and concepts.
Whether it be on-ice technical knowledge or her ability to develop confidence, concentration and focus in her students, she gives each lesson 100%. Emma leaves each session energized and eager to incorporate her lesson into game play.
I highly recommend Coach Laura to any goalie just taking their first steps into the net as well as to seasoned goalies wanting to grow their game.”
“I started to play ice hockey when I was 9 years old. I started as a forward. When I was 11, I decided I wanted to be a goalie. I was transitioning to be a goalie while playing as a player on a travel league. Tryouts for the next season were approaching and I wanted to by ready to try out for a goalie position so I began taking private lessons with Coach Laura to prepare. Laura’s style of individualizing lessons really helped me reach my goals. The following season I was a goalie for a travel team. I have continued to take lessons ever since. Coach Laura has a casual way of holding me accountable. She never forces me to do anything; she encourages me to want to do it. Coach Laura has been able to adapt lessons, if I’ve had an injury or during the stay at home as a result of the Coronavirus. Right now, Laura and I continue to have lessons. We get together through video conference. We work on off ice skills and conditioning. Coach Laura combines yoga, HIIT, balance training with goalie skills. I would not be the ice hockey goalie I am today without Coach Laura.”
“Due to this pandemic, I was in need of some at home strength training for my 9 year old son. He was completely new to this concept. Coach Laura did an excellent job of assessing his needs and catering goalie specific workouts to him while keeping it fun and effective. She is caring, enthusiastic and patient in explaining the exercises. Highly recommended!”