LaCombe hoping to use work at Hurricanes development camp to broaden coaching career

Encouraged by Campbell’s hiring as assistant for the Kraken, I embark on my second stint with an NHL team.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Allie LaCombe was putting Carolina Hurricanes prospects through a variety of skating drills Tuesday, the second day of development camp.

It was evident that she possessed more stability than the players, who occasionally struggled to maintain their balance while gliding, as she displayed impeccable edge work along the perimeter of the face-off circle.

According to LaCombe, it is crucial to attain expertise in precise actions such as weight shifting, knee driving, hip, knee, ankle movements, and maintaining proper posture. These movements require intricate precision.

For the second summer in a row, LaCombe has earned the opportunity to work with NHL teams through her membership in the NHL Coaches’ Association (NHLCA) Female Coaches Program. Last year, she had the chance to collaborate with the Vancouver Canucks prospects.

In Nolensville, Tennessee, she holds the prestigious position of being a co-founder of the Nashville Warriors Hockey Club. In this role, she actively coaches both boys and girls travel teams. With her exceptional skating abilities, she has successfully enhanced the skills of players at various levels, including the American Hockey League, collegiate, and junior hockey. Furthermore, she gained valuable experience in Raleigh, where she collaborated with Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour and Carolina’s development coaches.

She expressed, “As coaches, we also grow through this experience. It’s wonderful to learn from one another and step out of our comfort zones while coaching. We might even bring some valuable insights back to our own seasons.”

Although she appreciates the opportunity to be involved at the highest level of hockey, LaCombe doesn’t focus on her gender as a female coach working with a team of young men.

She expressed, “Currently, we have a more receptive attitude towards that. It’s truly wonderful to see men participating in this sport with a willingness to listen and be open, valuing your input. When I am teaching, I don’t differentiate between genders. I adopt the same approach for both boys and girls. If I need to push them and hold them accountable, I do so equally. It’s all about mutual respect in both directions.”

During her time at Syracuse University from 2011-15, LaCombe, a skilled forward, excelled at elucidating the advantages of perfecting skating drills. Consequently, when it came to the performance of Hurricanes prospects, she ensured they maximized their potential in crossovers and turns.

“We cover a wide range of skills during our lessons,” she explained. “We focus on mastering edge control, perfecting the technique of gliding forward, and ensuring correct head position. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of maintaining proper upper body alignment by avoiding shoulder leaning. Our instruction also encompasses posture and fluid movement to maintain smooth and controlled skating, preventing any erratic movements. Achieving balance is a crucial aspect of this process, which involves closely observing the alignment and flexibility of the knees, hips, and ankles. Furthermore, we pay attention to how skaters maintain their speed during turns while gracefully gliding.”

The management of the Hurricanes is optimistic that the technical instruction will greatly enhance the prospects’ preparedness for the NHL in the future.

“Carolina assistant general manager Darren Yorke praised her exceptional skating talent and effective communication skills with athletes,” he said. “Her strong presence enables her to provide necessary corrections during challenging drills. As some players may face difficulties, she seamlessly fits in by offering valuable coaching support.”

LaCombe finds inspiration in the recent hiring of Jessica Campbell by the Seattle Kraken on July 3. Campbell made history as the NHL’s first female assistant coach, joining coach Dan Bylsma’s staff.

LaCombe expressed her desire to continue advancing in her coaching career, with aspirations of transitioning to the professional level. Having concluded her playing career with the Connecticut Whale of the National Women’s Hockey League in the 2019-20 season, she emphasized the importance of securing employment based on merit rather than gender. LaCombe believes it is crucial to continue earning opportunities and setting a path for future generations. Referring to herself as Coach Allie, she noted that her male players no longer perceive her as a female coach but simply as their coach. She found it fascinating to observe this shift over the past few years.

LaCombe’s noticeable presence at development camp is another positive stride towards making the right impression.

Brind’Amour expressed the value of having other coaches present to share their techniques and insights, particularly in regards to skills and skating. While he expects his NHL players to already possess solid skating abilities, he acknowledges the importance of continuous learning. He contemplates incorporating some of the learned strategies into NHL practices with the goal of improvement. Brind’Amour emphasizes the significance of seeking guidance from experts and acknowledges that the individual in question possesses the necessary expertise.