2nd WHPP Ice Hockey Festival & Academy experts from Europe and USA

17th April 2024, Klagenfurt – The second in the series of the WHPP educational events will build on the lessons learned from the first year of the project, focusing on the young girls under the age of 18.  The event will maintain its dual focus, combining on-ice learning experiences with off-ice workshops. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants receive a well-rounded education in various aspects of ice hockey, including skills development, strategy and mental preparation. During the three-day event participants will attend presentations and workshops held by IIHF experts: Alexia CHEYROUX (FRA), Erika HOLST (SWE), Kristi Kehoe (USA), Satu Kiipeli (FIN), Katja PASANEN (FIN) and Florence SCHELLING (SUI).

Alexia CHEYROUX (FRA) is a former ice hockey player in the French women’s championship. Linesperson in the French men’s professional leagues – Ligue Magnus, Division 1 – since 2010 and at the IIHF competitions since 2019 (2019 – WW U18 D2, Spain; 2021 – Olympic pre-qualification, Italy; 2022  – WW U18 D1A, Hungary; 2023 – WW U18A, Sweden). In 2022 she also attended USA Hockey Officiating Development Camp in Minnesota.

Erika HOLST (SWE) is a former Swedish  National Team ice hockey player, representing Sweden at nine World Championships and winning silver medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics and bronze medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics. She played with the Segeltorps IF and Riksserien in Swedish elite league and with the University of Minnesota Bulldogs when they won the first three NCAA women’s championships in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Currently she is the Head Coach of Frolunda HC women’s team in Sweden’s Division 1.

Kristi KEHOE (USA) is currently the Sports Director of the Anaheim Lady Ducks, with over 28 years of playing and coaching experience. She played NCAA Division 1 at Northeastern University; where she led her team as a forward in goals, points, and assists for three seasons. Since retiring from playing, Kristi has gained experience at all levels of hockey as a Head Coach, Associate Head Coach, and Assistant Coach within NCAA Division 1 and 3, Jr Hockey, IIHF Hockey China U18, and working within the USA Hockey system. She has been the Director of Player Development for the New England District within USA Hockey for eight years, and also has worked all USA Hockey Development Camps on the girls side, holding roles as; Mentor Coach, Head Coach, Skills Coach, and On-ice Director. She prides herself on being an advocate for Girls’ and women in hockey.

Satu KIIPELI (FIN) is a former Finnish national team player with Olympic and World Championship appearances. Three time national NCAA D1 Champion with University of Minnesota-Duluth and Finnish Champion with Oulun Karpat. Current she is the Head Coach of Oulun Karpat in Finnish Women’s League. She holds master’s degree in sport administration and is certified pro coach.

Katja PASANEN (FIN) works as a mental performance coach in several different sports. She has worked as Head Coach of the IFK Helsinki U16 and U18 women’s teams and HPK senior women’s team. Already as a player and then later as a coach she was interested, how can she help players play at their level. She has studied e.g. sports psychology, behavior, sports medicine and social psychology, etc. Currently she is mental coach of Finish men’s top-level league team Rauman Lukko. “The higher the level of performance in top sports, the smaller the technical differences in the sport become, and the mental control of strengths becomes more prominent.” (www.katjapasanen.fi)

Florence SCHELLING (SUI) is an Olympic and World Championship bronze medalist and MVP. As a goalie, she represented the Swiss Women’s National Team for 15 years, including at at the Winter Olympics of 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018. She played at Northeastern University in the NCAA and Linköping’s HC for three seasons in the Swedish SDHL.