The Frostletics Difference
Our Coaches
Knoxville might be a non-traditional hockey market, but our coaching staff is on a mission to change that. John and Frankie have a wealth of coaching experience and an unwavering commitment to helping local players achieve success.
They both have impressive coaching resumes that include NHL pedigree. Growing up in Canada, albeit different parts, they understand the dedication it takes to play hockey at high levels. They strive to instill the proper physical and mental habits necessary for success in hockey.
Coaching Philosophy
We understand repetitions make the player. Our skill-based approach is designed to get our players comfortable with the fundamentals of the game through meaningful reps of skill, and game simulation, drills.
We believe the best life skills are learned through a balance of enjoyment and the pursuit of excellence. We challenge our players to break through barriers and step out of their comfort zones, the result, more confidence as a player and as a person!
John Thiel
With over 20 years of development experience, Coach John has a very impressive list of success stories. He has helped countless players reach high levels of hockey, including the NHL. An advocate of building players from the ground up, John prioritizes the importance of technical skating and stickhandling.
For 10 years, he was a student under NHL power skating coach Bridget Wolfe. Learning from one of the best in the business, he has adapted his own unique style of fundamental and advanced skating techniques.
John has a passion for coaching that is hard to find, and a skillset that is extremely beneficial to players in Knoxville. As a strength and conditioning coach, John worked with many NHL players to improve their athleticism and on-ice performance.
There is no one that believes in this market more than coach John. He is an advocate for local players and genuinely wants to see young people achieve their dreams in the sport.
As a player, Coach John was drafted by the North Bay Centennials of the OHL, was a league All-Star three times, and League MVP finalist twice, in the GOJHL, and obtained a Division 1 NCAA Scholarship to Union College. He finished his played Career in the OEHL and opted to forego playing professionally to pursue his interests in coaching and Strength Training.
Frankie Hart
Coach Frankie is a former NCAA Division III player with experience in the professional ranks in Europe. He has been coaching competitive hockey for over 10 years, during which time he has played a pivotal role in the development of numerous high-level players, including Junior A, Major Junior, NCAA commits and NHL players. Known for his expertise in both on-ice skills and off-ice conditioning, Frank is dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential.
Beyond technical training, Frankie is passionate about fostering strong mental preparation, focusing on mindset and mental toughness as key components of player development. He emphasizes the importance of off-ice habits such as fitness, recovery, and time management to create well-rounded athletes who are prepared for the demands of high-performance hockey. His comprehensive coaching approach ensures that his players not only excel on the ice but also develop the mental resilience and professional habits necessary to succeed at the highest levels of the game and in life.
One of the most likeable hockey figures in Knoxville, Coach Frankie is great with players of all ages and skill levels. He focuses on evasiveness, passing and stickhandling. On top of that, he uses video analysis to help our players with hockey IQ and in-game decision making.
