Our Learn to Skate/Learn to Play Hockey program is managed by Ice Director, Mike Fountain. Mike is a retired professional hockey player who has played with the NHL, AHL (including two seasons with the Grand Rapids Griffins) and the KHL. He's also represented his country numerous times as both a player and a coach. In addition to serving as the Walker Ice and Fitness Center's Ice Director, Fountain also currently serves as one of the coaches for the Canadian ParaHockey team and is the Hockey Director for the Hockey Association of Western Kent (HAWK). Fountain's coaching affiliations are with USA Hockey and Hockey Canada.
Our Learn to Skate and Snowplow programs are run by our Head Coach, Shealyn McGee-Sarns. Shealyn has been coaching Learn to Skate at Walker Ice and Fitness since 2018 and is excited to be leading the program! Prior to this, Shealyn grew up in Traverse City where most of her skating career took place, participating in club ice shows, competing in freestyle skating and ice dancing. She was also on her high school's varsity team where she brought home the 2008 state champion title her senior year. Outside of skating, Shealyn attended GVSU and now works as a graphic designer and photographer, plays lead trumpet with the Allendale Jazz Orchestra and enjoys cycling for her Bike MS team.
We have recently partnered with Learn to Skate USA. We did this to provide a fluid, standardized curriculum that's founded on solid and fun skill progression. This partnership also means that all lessons are provided by background-screened and certified instructors. You will also have access to online educational material for skaters and parents, as well as secondary sports insurance, plus many more benefits. For more information on these member benefits, check out Learn to Skate USA's website.
Check out our skaters: