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Coach Matt Portman
It's all been leading up to this.
Hi there, I'm Coach Matt. I've taken a twisty-turny path to get here with a bevvy of experiences along the way that have informed my coaching style and expertise. Having played hockey for 24 years and counting, one thing is for sure - I LOVE hockey and I LOVE coaching.
I've worked with kids in a variety of ways over the last 20 years. As a soccer coach teaching classes to 2-5 year-olds, a P.E. coach for elementary school classes in the LA Unified School District, a behavioralist working with autistic children in schools, and a volunteer coach for The Montgomery Cheetahs Special Hockey program. I've also tutored, camp counseled, and nannied. And it doesn't hurt that I was a coach's son myself. All of these experiences coalesce to help me to adapt to each child and adjust to teach to the way they learn and play.
When I coach I have three simple rules.
1. Have fun: This one is a no-brainer. It's the reason we're all out on the ice. Not to mention, it makes lessons stickier and hockey players better. Because the best way to improve is to keep coming back. And the most likely way to get kids to keep coming back is if they truly love the game.
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2. Be safe: Pretty self-explanatory. Hockey is a physical sport so it's that much more important that everyone on the ice is dedicated to avoiding injuries.
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3. Be Respectful: Respect for fellow players leads to a team-first mentality, good sportsmanship, and playing safely. Respect for coaches leads to learning listening skills and valuing their time and effort. Respect for parents means showing gratitude for their effort to get their kids on the ice. And respect for the game means playing clean and giving it your best effort every time you lace up your skates.
With these simple rules and a whole lot of heart for what I do, I've successfully made a lot of kids and hockey parents fall in love with the game like never before. I hope you'll bring your hockey player out to a session to experience what I have to offer for yourself.
OFFERINGS
Open Clinics
A big sheet of ice. No limits on age, capacity, or fun.
During the Spring and Summer, I'm able to get ice time on the main rinks at Glenview Ice Center. These skills clinics are designed to accommodate players of any level while keeping it challenging and fun for all.​
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Cost: $35/skater
Length: 1 hour
Group Size: 10-20 skaters
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Small Group Clinics
Small groups. Big results.
Lessons with small groups allow for greater individualized attention to focus on targeted skill development and gameplay. All attendees at a Small Group Clinic will be at the same skill level as well.
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Cost: $50/skater
Length: 1 hour
Group Size: Up to 6
Off-Ice Training
Every season is hockey season.
Coach Matt is trained on the RapidShot and RapidHands machines in the dryland room at Glenview Ice Center. Book a private or group session and your child can work on their shooting, stickhandling, stride-training, agility, and conditioning.
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1 Player: $100/hour
$50/half-hour
2 Players: $60 each/hour
$30 each/half-hour
3 players: $40 each/hour
4 players: $35 each/hour
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*Bring stick, gloves, and workout clothes/shoes.