As the hockey world watched the All-Star Classic unfold on the ice, something equally important was happening behind the bench.
By Shakira Spence, Communications and Community Engagement Manager, NHL Coaches Association
The AHL All-Star Classic is built for great performances. It brings the league's brightest prospects, fastest players and biggest shots all to the main stage.
But at the 2026 show in Rockford, Illinois, an equally important story was unfolding behind the scenes. Four coaches from the NHLCA Women's Coaching and BIPOC Coaching Program, Emily Ach (Assistant Coach at St. Cloud State University), Chris Pascall (Video Coach), Dennis Ruppe (Head Coach and Director of Field Hockey at New Jersey State) and Karli Whitaker (Head Coach of Liberty High School Field Hockey) were selected to follow four AHL head coaches at the Classic into the world they have been working towards for many years.
NHLCA partners with AHL and partners for third consecutive year All-Star Mentorship Program Place emerging coaches in the program directly with AHL coaches and hockey operations staff during All-Star Weekend. From the All-Star Skills Competition to the AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony to sitting on the bench during the All-Star Challenge, students have unlimited participation as the event unfolds.
This year’s mentors include AHL All-Star head coaches Mark Letestu (Colorado Eagles), Ryan Mougenel (Providence Bruins), Pascal Vincent (Laval Rockets) and Dan Watson (Grand Rapids Griffins), who not only opened a door, but completely pulled back the curtain.
“All the AHL coaches, as well as other participants, were very willing to pull back the curtain and talk about all aspects of the sport,” said Dennis Ruppe, New Jersey State Hockey Director and member of the NHLCA BIPOC Coaching Program. “Whether it’s on-ice tactics, game day routines, or parts of the game away from the ice, nothing is off limits.”
Photos: Chris Pascall and Dennis Ruppe at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic – Graceful for the Rain
For Lupe, transparency stands out the most. Initiative is about being fully committed and leaving no stone unturned. Meetings, practices, competition preparation and work are all within the control of the student.
“A program like this creates opportunities that didn’t exist before,” noted Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Dan Watson. “The coaches came prepared, asked great questions and brought a level of curiosity that made the experience valuable for everyone.”
Chris Pascall, a video coach and member of the NHLCA BIPOC Coaching Program, echoed Ruppe's sentiments.
“I’m grateful for everything we learned,” Paschall said. “From a systems perspective and how to build the foundation for a great culture in our own locker room. I'm excited to apply those lessons within my own organization and carry them forward throughout my career.”
“Coaching thrives on mentoring and learning from others,” added Laval Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent. “The whole point of this is to give the coaches a chance to see how we approach the game and feel like they're part of the conversation. That's what development looks like, not just for the players but for the coaches as well.”
Karli Whitaker, the junior varsity head coach at Liberty High School and a member of the NHLCA Women’s Coaching Program, believes this move is proof that a path exists for coaches like her.
Photos: Emily Ach and Karli Whitaker at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic – Graceful for the Rain
“As a woman, it was great to see such a safe space and potential career paths. I could tell how much the league cared about this program. It really gave young coaches a chance to develop and see a path forward. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will never forget,” Whitaker recalled.
Providence Bruins head coach Ryan Mugnell emphasized the disparity between talent and opportunity.
“Many talented coaches never get a spot, not because they don't have the qualifications, but because there's no chance,” Mugnell stressed. “These trainees have talent. All they need is a program like this to see up close and start making connections that make a career in this game possible.”
Emily Ach, an assistant coach at St. Cloud State University and a member of the NHLCA Women's Coaching Program, described the experience in broader terms. For her, weekends are about more than just personal development. Rather, it's about the signal the AHL's investment in this program sends to the coaching community and the game itself.
“The AHL's investment in this initiative showcases diverse coaching talent on the national stage, strengthens the development pipeline and signals that the sport is continuing to evolve,” Ach commented. “Moments like this help grow the game of hockey because they expand awareness of the game — on the ice, on the bench and in leadership — ultimately making the game stronger at every level.”
Photo: Emily Ach at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic
Mentors see this group as a bonus. Colorado Eagles head coach Mark Lightstu noted the experience has been mutually beneficial.
“One of the best parts of this experience was the engagement and preparation of the student coaches,” Letestu added. “They asked thoughtful questions and made perspectives that make me optimistic about the future of coaching.”
Cadets in this program are not waiting to be discovered. They're already playing, they're already building, they're already coaching. The AHL All-Star Mentorship Program gives them something priceless: a seat at the table, surrounded by people who are genuinely glad they are there.
“I would like to sincerely thank the AHL, NHLCA, Dan Watson, Mark Letestu, Ryan Mougenel and Pascal Vincent for providing such a valuable and unforgettable experience,” Lupe said, in their own words, a sentiment shared by every student who participated in the trip.
Photo: Emily Ach, Karli Whitaker, Dennis Ruppe and Chris Pascall at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic
The AHL All-Star Classic will be remembered for what happened on the ice. But for the four coaches who spent the weekend in Rockford asking questions, building relationships and proving they belonged, the real takeaway was more tangible. Access, transparency, and guidance like this will not only open doors, but keep them open long after the weekend is over.
