Coaching Staff

Meet Our Coaching Team

We are incredibly proud of our coaching team. Each coach has been purposefully recruited by our leadership team in effort to strengthen our program and support our mission... DEVELOPMENT!

The foundation of Bandits coaching crew begins with our 2- Skill Directors and the 6- Lead Coaches who support them. These lead coaches run and set the tone for our practices, push our curriculum, and our player development approach.

Supporting the lead coaches is a dedicated group of 14- volunteer coaches. Believe it or not but some of these coaches bring even more experience than our lead coaches.... and that’s a strength. Their knowledge, collaboration, and willingness to support one another only makes our program better.

We are also proud to include 8- student coaches to our crew. They are here to learn, grow, and to support our players and staff. These young coaches have reached out to us asking to be mentored on the ice and to be introduced to coaching in a positive, structured environment.

What truly separates Bandits Hockey from other organizations is our coaching structure and culture. From our leaders, to our directors, to our student coaches, the majority of our staff are non-parent coaches.

There is nothing wrong with parent coaches, but non-parent coaches are here for one reason ... to teach and develop players. They are not influenced by levels, labels, association politics, cliques, registration discounts for their players, nor family dynamics. They show up because they love coaching and want to help players grow.

At Bandits, all egos and outside pressures are left at the arena door. Our experienced coaches know how to develop players while fostering an inclusive, supportive environment, supported by a low coach-to-player ratio that allows for meaningful instruction and individual growth.

Please take a moment to meet our coaches below. We look forward to seeing you on the ice.

Development Director / Advanced Level Skill Coach

CONRAD SAMPAIR

Hockey Background:

Youth: White Bear Lake Youth Hockey
High School: Hill Murry High School Hockey
Juniors: CJHL - Minnesota Wilderness, NAHL - Brookings
Certifications: USA Hockey

Other:

Minnesota State High School Tournament - Championship
Minnesota State High School "All Tournament Team"
Back to back MVP of the National Championships - CJHL
NAHL - Team Captain
D1 college offers - career was ended by injuries
Bandits Private Sessions Coach
Bandits Power Skating Coach - LEAD
Bandits Shooting Clinic Coach - LEAD
Bandits Advanced Level Coach - LEAD
Bandits Power Skating Coach - LEAD
Bandits Edge Work Coach - LEAD
Non-parent Coach

Coaching philosophy:

You do not become the best by luck.

You do not become the fastest by luck.

You do not have the hardest shot by luck.

You do not master the game by luck.

Whether it is after the NHL, after college, after juniors or after high school, your career will end. Work ethic during your career will extend your career on the ice and set you for the life after hockey.

Show up. Work hard!

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Goalie Director / Advanced Level Goalie Coach

DUSTIN STEVENS

Hockey Background

Youth: Dodge County Youth Hockey
High School: DCHS Wild Cats varsity goalie
Juniors: Canada (MJHL, SIJHL, PJHL, SJHL, IJHAL)
Certifications: USA Hockey, MN HS Coaching

Other:

Dodge County Highschool Girls Hockey - Goalie Coach
DCHS Girls Hockey State Hockey Champions - Goalie Coach
RYHA Hockey Goalie Coach
DCYHA Goalie Coach
Rochester High School Jr. Gold Goalie Coach
Bandits Private Lessons Goalie Coach
Bandits Goalie Clinic Coach - LEAD
Bandits Advanced Level Goalie Coach - LEAD
Non-parent Coach

Coaching philosophy:

Goalie development focuses on fundamentals, confidence, and game awareness. The specifics of techniques always change... what I was taught is not the norm of what is taught today. The bottom line is that tenders are not just targets when in a development environment and Bandits provides this. We as coaches need to dedicate time to work specifically with goalies and to be coached by GOALIES. I believe goalies develop best in a pressure free environment led by experienced GOALIE coaches who teach and can demonstrate, and build trust with the players. My goal is to help goalies grow, keep up on the new techniques/styles and introduce this to young tenders at their own pace while learning to enjoy the position, at the same time the overall game and compete with confidence.

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Skills Development Coach - Intermediate Level

ERIK BOYSEN

Hockey Background

Youth: Rochester Youth Hockey
High School: Century High HS Hockey, Roch. Jr Gold Hockey
Certifications: USA Hockey, USA Referee

Other:

Rochester High School Jr. Gold Coach
Bandits Private Lessons Coach
Bandits Shooting Clinic Coach
Bandits Clinics - Lead Director
Nine years of Minnesota Hockey Refereeing
Non-parent Coach

Coaching philosophy:

I grew up playing hockey and still love the game today. I am new to coaching but when starting with Bandits I quickly connected with the program’s mission, the passionate coaches, and dedicated leadership. I’m proud and humbled to be able to be mentored by experienced coaches and to be given the opportunity help develop young players as a lead Bandits coach. I believe all players can develop when they feel supported. Sometimes that’s through on-ice instruction, and sometimes it’s simply taking time as a coach to work one-on-one with a player. I’m grateful to be part of a program that puts player development and enjoyment first and wish there were programs like this when I was growing up.

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Goalie Coach - Intermediate Level

JOSH SKINNER

Hockey Background:

Youth: Rochester Youth Hockey
High School: John Marshall (JM) Hockey
College: Saint Mary's Univeristy of Minnesota, Montana State University (ACHA - D2)
Certifications: USA Hockey - Level 3

Other:

Great 8 section 1 team
Dubuque Thunderbirds - MNJHL
Black Diamond Hockey League
Missoula Cutthroats
Bozeman Stingers
MSU Club Hockey
Bandits Private Goalie Sessions Coach
Bandits Goalie Clinic Coach
Non-parent Coach

Coaching philosophy:

Its weird to not be weird! Goaltending relies on so many different aspects. It's important to have your own style and play the game how you see it. I look at every goalie differently; skating ability, positioning, and size are all unique characteristics of how a goalie approaches the game. I base everything around the fundamentals of the position and encourage creativity. Everything builds from a solid foundation. Consistent movements and positioning might not lead to highlight reel saves, but the confidence and character they build speaks volumes. Being a goalie isn't being the weird kid. It's being mentally strong, learning from mistakes, and learning how to be the person that people can rely on. I strive to provide strategies for both the physical and mental challenges in the hardest position in all of sports.

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Skills Development Coach - Beginner Level

ADEN WILDFEUER

Hockey Background

Youth: Rochester Youth Hockey
High School: John Marshall HS Hockey, Roch. Jr Gold Hockey
Certifications: USA Hockey

Other:

Intensity training camps lead coach
Bandits shooting clinic lead coach
Bandits learn to skate coach
Non-parent coach

Coaching philosophy:

Come to the rink and have fun! That’s the whole point. Why else would anyone choose to spend time in a cold, stinky rink in the middle of winter? If your player is not having fun they will NOT develop... especially at the beginner level. Hockey is a game, and games are meant to be fun! Never stop having fun and if you have fun and bring effort you will develop regardless of where you where placed by adult coaches.

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Goalie Coach - Beginner Level

JEFF SCHULTZ

Jeff Schultz is a dedicated goaltending coach with a strong focus on technical foundation, game awareness, and long-term athlete development. Known for his clear communication and structured approach, Jeff works with goaltenders to build confidence, consistency, and resilience.

Hockey Background

Started goaltending later in life in the Port Huron, North Detroit area in Michigan. Attended a few goaltending camps in the Detroit area to help enhance my goaltending skills. Upon moving to Minnesota I got actively involved in hockey in the Rochester area. I have attended goalie coaching clinics in New Jersey, Minnesota and Wisconsin. I have participated, as a student, in goaltending clinics in Buffalo, NY, Green Bay, WI, and taken lessons at the GoalCrease in Edina, MN. Currently I am the head JV Boys coach for the Austin Packers hockey team and the goaltending coach for the Austin Packers varsity boys’ goalies.

Certifications:

USA Hockey Coach - Level 4
USA Hockey Goaltending Coach - Bronze Level
MN High School Coaching

Other:

Austin High School Boys Varsity Goalie Coach
Austin High School Boys JV Head Coach
Bandits Private Lessons Coach
Bandits Goalie Clinic Coach
GDI Online Goalie Proram
Enrolled in Goaltending Master Class - Future Pro Organization
Non-Parent Coach

Coaching philosophy:

I believe that elite goaltending starts with strong fundamentals and an adaptable mindset. My approach tailors instruction to each goalie’s age, skill level, and learning style, ensuring measurable progress while maintaining a positive training environment. I take note to balance technical correction with encouragement, helping goalies understand why adjustments are needed—not just what to change. My sessions are structured, high-tempo, and game-realistic. I am committed to helping goaltenders enjoy the position while developing the skills and habits required to succeed at higher levels of play.

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Girls Coach - All Levels

PAIGE JENSEN

Hockey Background:

Youth: Waterloo Iowa Youth Hockey and STMA-NWD youth hockey
High School: North Wright County Riverhawks (Captain)
College: Concordia College / NCAA III
Other: North Wright County / USHS-MN

Other:

USHS-MSHSL Team Captain (W)
North Wright County High School Women's Varsity Assistant Coach - 4 years
Sartell/ Sauk Rapids High School Women's Hockey Head Coach - 3 years
Minnesota HS Hockey - Section 5AA - Assistant Coach of the year award.
CCM High Performance - Minnesota Hockey - Coach
Non-Parent Coach

Philosophy:

I coach because of the great lessons and opportunities the sport I love has provided to me throughout my life and I strive towards porviding those same opportunities to my players. I want kids to enjoy the game of hockey and to hold them to expectations to better them. I want hockey to teach players the life lessons that they can take with them outside of the game.

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Girls Head Goalie Coach - All Levels

IDA HUBER

Hockey Background:

Youth: Dodge County Youth Hockey
High School: Dodge County Wild Cats
College: Long Island University - D1

Other:

USHS-MN (W) State All-Tournament Team: 2023-2024
USHS-MN (W) State Champion: 2024-2025
USHS-MN (W) State All-Tournament Team: 2024-2025
All-Area Girls Hockey Player of the Year
Non-Parent Coach

Philosophy:

I love hockey! I love playing, competing, and spending time with my teammates. I feel my effort during practice and off the ice is what separates me from most other goalies. School is also important to me and I work just as hard in the classroom. Working hard is the key both on and off the ice!

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VOLUNTEER COACHES

Not only do we have outstanding lead coaches running our practices, but we are also supported by an army of volunteer coaches (14 max). These coaches work alongside our lead staff to provide increased 1-on-1 instruction and individualized support for our players. Please encourage your players to reach out for individualized help and instruction. Each of these coaches have a strong hockey background, has played the game, and brings extensive playing and coaching experience. Nearly all of our supporting coaches are non-parent coaches, allowing players to learn in a neutral, development-focused environment centered entirely on growth and confidence.

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ARMAND CHARLAND

Phoenix Coyotes AAA Arizona Youth Hockey
Wyoming Seminar High School
Team Maryland, Eastern Hockey Leauge (EHL)
Bandits Goalie Clinic Coach
Non Parent Coach

MAX BAKER

Wayzata HS Hockey
Wayzata Jr Gold Assistant Coach - National Champions
Rochester HS Jr Gold - Assistant and Head Coach
Non Parent Coach

JOSH CHAPMAN

JM HS Hockey Girls Varsity Coach
LHS Boys Assistant Coach
Rochester Jr Gold HS Head Coach
Bandits Shooting Clinic Director/ Bandits Private Lessons Coach

CODY VALASTY

John Marshall High School
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
ACHA II (Men's Division 2)
Bandits Goalie Clinic Coach
Non Parent Coach

JUSTIN RAY

Saint Paul Capitals Youth Hockey
St. Thomas Academy Highschool Hockey
USMA - West Point, D1 College
Bandits Goalie Clinic Coach
Non parent coach

BREKKEN DEWEESE

Rochester Youth Hockey
Rochester Century HS Hockey
Austin Bruins - NAPHL
North Dakota State - ACHA II
Non-Parent Coach

MATTHEW THOMPSON

RYHA Youth Hockey
John Marshall HS Hockey
RYHA 5 Years Squirt Coach
Non-Parent Coach

BRENT WESTPHAL

Waterloo High School Hockey
Level 4 USA Hockey Certification
Bandits Summer Camp Coach / Development coach
Non-Parent Coach

BEN ULLAND

Dodge County Youth Hockey
Dodge County Wildcats High School Hockey
BBHL - Home of the world famous BUZZ
Non-Parent Coach

BRETT LANDON

Rochester Youth Hockey
Lourdes High School Hockey
UNI College Club Hockey
Level 4 USA Hockey Certification
Rochester Jr Gold HS - Assistant Coach
Non-Parent Coach

ERIC ENGLEHART

Sheboygan Youth Hockey Association
Sheboygan North High School
Valparaiso University
Bandits Development Coach
Non- Parent Coach

TBD

Youth
High School
College
Bandits Development Coach
Non- Parent Coach

STUDENT COACHES

At Bandits, development is our foundation and that includes our coaching staff. As our program grows and veteran coaches begin to step away from the rink, we are committed to developing the next generation of coaches and leaders. We actively and purposely take an initiative to mentor young adult players (10 max) who are interested in coaching, giving them opportunities to be on the ice, to learn from our lead and volunteer coaches, and to grow their coaching skills in a supportive environment. This approach not only strengthens the Bandits program long-term, but also introduces them to the coaching path, helping them stay connected to the game and giving back to the youth hockey community. Our student coaches are the future! Please reach out to us if you are intersted in becoming a student coach... the only requirement is that you must be a graduate from High School.

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