CATALYST COACHING STAFF
Kelsey Leifson
Coach K has been involved in coaching hockey since she was a teenager, growing up in small town Saskatchewan. Back then, there were very few female hockey players to look up to so Kelsey aims to provide Catalyst players with role models they can not only learn from, but truly connect with. Kelsey's passion is creating an inclusive space for players and coaches to bring their experiences and perspectives and challenge them to grow every time they step on the ice.
Career Highlights:
- MRU Cougars Assistant Coach, 2022-present (U Sports National Champions 2023)
- Catalyst Hockey YYC, Lead Coach/Owner, 2023-present
- Xtreme Hockey, Player Development, 2020-22
- Calgary Royals U15AA Head Coach, 2021-22
- Calgary Fire U15AA Head Coach, 2016-17 (Provincial Bronze)
- Hockey Canada/NCCP Dev. I & II, 2012
- U of R Cougars, 2004-08
Tatum Amy
Coach Tates can't remember a time in her life when hockey wasn't part of it. Being able to share her love for the game with young players brings her so much energy and joy! Hockey has taught her how to work hard, be competitive, a team player, a leader, and so much more.
What do you love about Catalyst Hockey?
"The community and family feel within the program. Everyone is there each day to get better on and off the ice!"
Career Highlights:
- MRU Cougars Assistant Coach, 2024-25
- Leksand IF, SDHL, 2023-24
- MRU Cougars 2017-23 (U Sports National Champions 2023)
- U Sports, Canada West, & MRU Female Athlete of the year, 2023
- MRU & Canada West Community Leadership Award (2023)
- MRU Brian Fleming Award
- MRU Women's Hockey Player of the MVP, 2023
See it, be it | Catalyst support staff
Claire Hobbs
Coach Hobbs (Macewan Griffins, 2021-present) has been coaching with Catalyst for 3 seasons and worked with Xtreme for 2 seasons prior. Claire believes as coaches, there is a responsibility to give back and help players develop important skills like discipline, communication, teamwork, and resilience.
What do you love about Catalyst?
"The best part is the camaraderie with fellow coaches and all the players. Every year is a great group and I love meeting everyone and building those relationships. Catalyst also cares so much about development and has a coaching staff with an abundance of knowledge to help these players prepare for whatever level they are aiming to reach!"
Summer Fomradas
This was Coach Summer's first year with Catalyst. Summer is in her 3rd season with the MRU Cougars. Summer has been coaching hockey camps for the last 5 years. She is an asset to Catalyst because of her ability to share her passion and love for the sport with our players while giving back to a sport that has given her so much!
What do you love about Catalyst?
"I love the atmosphere and passion that comes from everyone involved. I love the smiles I see on everyone's faces when they come to a Catalyst ice time. It shows the dedication and drive from everyone involved."
Courtney Kollman
Coach Court has been coaching with Catalyst for 3 seasons and worked with Xtreme for 2 seasons prior. Courtney currently plays professionally for HC Davos in Switzerland after a successful U Sports career with MRU and U of Calgary.
What do you love about Catalyst?
"I love that Catalyst is a family! Everyone can come to the rink and feel like they belong, have fun with friends and learn/improve skills on the ice. It's a great atmosphere to be around university and professional players, someone the girls can look up to and strive to be like one day!"
Isaias Maddigan (Goalie Coach)
As the lone male coach with Catalyst, Coach Isaias holds his own just as well as he has in the crease in his career. As a Goalie Coach, Isaias is passionate about giving back and providing young athletes with the same positive experiences he received from coaches as a young goaltender. Isaias is Coach 2 certified through Hockey AB.
What do you love about Catalyst?
"Even though we are trying to get better, we remember to have fun. We find lots of creative ways to incorporate new skills into games and it is fun to see the athletes enjoying themselves while improving."