Meet the Coaches
Briana Carlson
Founder & Head Coach
Briana started coaching hockey at the age of 13, and it quickly turned into a passion. As a certified Level 4 USA Hockey coach, Briana has coached children and adults alike and loves to help individuals grow their skills, compete level, love of the game, and overall sportsmanship, anchored on a positive, respectful attitude.
Briana grew up playing boys hockey through Bantams in Ohio, and eventually coupled the boys hockey with girls travel hockey through the Ohio Flames. Briana made the Olympic Development Camp in Lake Placid, NY 4 different years, and loves the many experiences hockey has brought into her life. Briana played collegiately at Cornell University, where she captained the Big Red in her junior and senior seasons. After Cornell, Briana moved to Minnesota where she played on the MN Whitecaps for 10 years as a pioneer of women’s professional hockey.
In addition to the many ongoing years of playing hockey, Briana has coached youth hockey in Ohio and Minnesota, Girls Advanced 15s, MN high school hockey, MN Made, the Little Wild Program, and various youth camps/programs. Briana loves coaching and seeing players develop both on and off the ice.
Briana also plays hockey’s “sister sport” bandy, and has been a member of the USA Women’s National Bandy team since 2013, representing the USA to-date in 4 World Championships and 2 additional international bandy tournaments. Some highlights have included representing the USA internationally and winning a Bronze medal in 2023. Briana has also captained the USA Women’s National Bandy team since 2022.
Briana and her husband Charlie met playing hockey and now have 3 wonderful boys who keep them on their toes.
"Bri and I have played hockey together for 20+ years and have coached together for 10+ years. She's an excellent steward of hockey who inspires players to grow their game while also enjoying the many facets it brings. Bri also has a wealth of knowledge that challenges players both mentally and physically. Players are fortunate to be coached by Bri."
Brooke White-Lancette
Overspeed Skating Coach @ Breakaway Academy Former MN Whitecap & US National Team Player
"As Head Coach of the US Women's National Bandy Team, I know Bri Carlson as a player, a leader, and a consummate competitor. She is a Captain of the US National Team who leads on and off the ice, both by her outstanding play and also through her positive words and attitude. She is a superb mentor to our younger players and has all the attributes that combine to make a great coach."
Chris Middlebrook
USA Bandy Hall of Fame Inductee
