What We Value

The way hockey players are developed matters. Our coaching principles shape every training session, teaching point, and development opportunity we create at Art of Hockey.

  • There is no busy work. Everything we do is designed to help players become more effective in games. Drills and reps go beyond the surface to create deeper impact.

  • Playing the game is one thing, but understanding it is another. Our training is designed to help players develop deeper awareness, timing, positioning, and the ability to recognize options earlier so they can play faster and more effectively.

  • Confidence is built through preparation, progress, and understanding. Our training breaks the one size fits all mold to help players build on strengths, improve weaknesses, and trust what makes them effective.

  • High quality hockey training should not feel out of reach or difficult to navigate. Art of Hockey aims to provide real development, honest guidance, and meaningful opportunities for families investing in their players’ growth.

  • Hockey is rarely clean or predictable. We help players think independently, solve problems in tight spaces, and create opportunities when structure breaks down so they can stay effective when the game gets chaotic.

Our Philosophy

Art of Hockey develops players who can think, create, and play the game with confidence by building skills that translate to real competition, Hockey IQ, and habits that hold up under pressure.

Hockey player standing on ice rink wearing a black, white, and red uniform, holding a hockey stick with a helmet attached to their skates.

Better hockey is only part of the goal

We are committed to helping players become smarter, more confident, and more effective on the ice while developing qualities that carry into life beyond the game.

Founded by Nick Keppler

Nick Keppler, hockey skills and Hockey IQ development coach, portrait photo

Nick Keppler is a player development coach with experience across youth, high school, and junior hockey. He most recently served as an Assistant Coach in the NAHL with the Minnesota Mallards.

Nick started his hockey journey as a young player in Alaska and competed at the ACHA Division II level for the University of Maryland.

Nick is known for valuing the little things that often shape real development: habits, details, awareness, and the parts of the game others can overlook. His coaching focuses on helping players understand the game, make better decisions under pressure, and develop skills that translate directly to hockey and life beyond the game.

Experience includes:

  • NAHL Assistant Coach

  • Youth Development Director

  • MAPHL Championship Staff, 2023

  • MAPHL Coach of the Year, 2019

  • MSHSL Head Coach

  • ACHA Division II player

“The feedback was specific, actionable, and helped right away. It also gave us clear areas to focus on moving forward.”

— Current Art of Hockey Parent

Hockey players wearing black and white jerseys with Toyota logos competing for the puck on an ice rink.