Winnetka's coaching staff spent a recent Saturday afternoon with veteran NHL coach Barry Smith for a discussion about best practices in player development.

The conversation included video study, whiteboard sessions, and a lengthy Q&A, providing a rare opportunity to tap into the wisdom of a coach who's served as an assistant to the Sabres, Penguins, Red Wings, and Coyotes. Smith won three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings, two with the Penguins, and two more as Director of Player Evaluation and in other roles with the Blackhawks.

“As with our players, I feel it’s very important for our coaches to continue to learn and develop their craft,” said WHC Hockey Director Chris Wickersham.  “Providing them access to professional coaches like Barry Smith is a great way for us to grow and improve ourselves, and our Club.”

Smith covered a range of topics, including ways to grow player awareness, drills to improve puck support, frequently overlooked focus areas, and novel team-building ideas.

“The session with Barry covered all facets of the of the game of hockey and was truly inspirational,” said Coach Bob Wilson. “I think [it’s] going to provide a springboard to get all of us coaches on the same page with the concepts we’re learning heading into the season, and that will be huge for player development.”

FORMER NY RANGER, CHICAGO NATIVE CONOR ALLEN LATEST TO JOIN CLUB

WINNETKA, Ill. (For immediate release) - The Winnetka Warriors have hired former New York Ranger Conor Allen, Hockey Director Chris Wickersham announced today. Allen will join the Winnetka Hockey Club as a player development and skills coach for Warrior Academy, WHC's innovative spring hockey program.  He will be working with all age groups. 

One of the few native-Chicagoans to compete at the highest levels of professional hockey, Allen began his career at the Latin School of Chicago before moving on to Team Illinois, eventually becoming the team's captain. From there, he played on the junior level in St. Louis and Sioux Falls, SD before turning to collegiate hockey at Hockey East stalwart, UMass Amherst. 

By his junior year, he was turning the heads of NHL scouts and signed with the Rangers at season's end. Allen spent two years in the Rangers organization, alternating between the NHL and the team's AHL affiliate, Hartford Wolfpack. 

The defenseman spent two more seasons at several different AHL franchises including the Grand Rapids Griffins before heading to Europe in 2018. He rounded out his career with three seasons in the Czech Extraliga, one of the top 5 competitive professional hockey leagues worldwide.

“Having had the opportunity to work with Conor during his playing career, I couldn’t be more thrilled to add a coach who is familiar with our learning and teaching philosophies,” said Wickersham. 

"He has a way of breaking it down for young players that makes him a good fit for our club."

"I’m just going to try to add whatever I can," Allen said. "Spring is a great time for the kids to focus on the fundamental skills that make them better hockey players. "It will be a lot of fun."

Winnetka Hockey Club Office Phone
Chris Wickersham
847-446-9004