Ariana Kresic

Ariana grew up in Edmonton, AB where she played her minor hockey years with the North East Zone and Edmonton Thunder Midget AAA female program. She then moved on to play in the NCAA, ACAC and AJFHL. During this time she earned her Kinesiology Diploma from Red Deer College and Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Alberta. Following graduation, Ariana continued to stay involved with the game through multiple opportunities to coach on and off the ice. These opportunities include mentoring under Kurtis Mucha as a goaltending instructor, as well as coaching at Vimy Ridge Academy, assistant coaching with the Edmonton Wolves (AJFHL) and Hockey Alberta with Alberta Challenge. In the past, she also worked with multiple sports as a cognitive perceptual trainer and continues to develop athletes off the playing surface. Her training has reached athletes of various levels including those playing in NCAA, Usports, ACHA, ACAC and minor level associations.

Taylor Kezama

Taylor grew up in Camrose, Alberta where she played her minor hockey in the boys stream, with limited options for female hockey Taylor moved to Edmonton for her U18 years. Taylor played for NAX Prep team for her U18 career, which led her to play USPORTS for the University of Alberta Pandas right after high school. Suffering a back injury which limited her ability to continue playing at a USPORTS level, Taylor decided to enter the coaching scene. Assistant coaching with the Edmonton Female Athletic Club U15 AA Pandas. Taylor then received the opportunity in following years to be an assistant coach with the University of Alberta Pandas. Following that year of coaching, Taylor decided to try and lace up the skates and play out her last 2 years of eligibility at the USPORTS level. Taylor is currently playing for the University of Alberta Pandas. 

In her years away from playing Taylor pursued a diploma in Massage Therapy and is now a registered massage therapist. While attending the University of Alberta, Taylor is studying to complete a degree in Bachelor of Arts, Recreation, Sport in Tourism. After completion of her degree through U of A, Taylor hopes to take her Masters in Coaching. 

Tracie Kikuchi

Tracie grew up in Edmonton, AB where she was goalie partners with Ariana and played with the Edmonton Thunder Midget AAA female team. She then played in the ACAC for three years, followed by two years in the AJFHL. She most recently was a practice goalie for the Mount Royal University Cougars (USPORTS).

Throughout her time playing collegiate hockey, she earned a Kinesiology Diploma from Red Deer College, Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Alberta, and a Post Bachelor’s Certificate in Athletic Therapy from Mount Royal University. Tracie has worked as an assistant coach and goalie coach for numerous minor hockey teams, as well as a kinesiologist in multiple clinics, and has taken a special interest in sport specific strength and conditioning. She is now a Certified Athletic Therapist and has worked with many sports in the field and clinic setting including hockey, rugby, basketball, soccer, wrestling, and football. She helps athletes by using manual therapy, injury rehabilitation, injury prevention programs, and position specific exercise programs. She has worked in numerous high level leagues including the ACAC, USPORTS, AJFHL, and also helped out with the Edmonton Elks Football training camp (CFL). 

Jess HEaley

Jess grew up in Edmonton, AB and started playing hockey at age 3. She went on to compete at high levels such as Team Alberta and Team Canada where she won a gold medal at the IIHF U18 world championship. She continued her hockey career at Minnesota Duluth from 2014-2018 where she earned her Psychology degree along with a Public Health & Education minor. After college she moved to Sweden for 3 years where she played for HV71.

Jess is currently playing professionally in the PHF for the Buffalo Beauts. Off the ice, Jess has earned her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training and is registered to teach yoga classes. She believes yoga is a great tool for athletes as it helps prevent injuries, opens the body, and clears the mind. Jess is passionate about helping other athletes achieve physical and mental clarity off the ice to successfully enhance on ice performance. In the past, Jess has worked as a cognitive perceptual trainer, developing athletes off the ice to enhance in sport performance. Jess has a passion for working with athletes as she has experience coaching youth and U18 level hockey.

Jess continues to coach throughout her personal hockey career.
Coaching experience:

  • 2022 St. Albert Slash Assistant Coach

  • 2022 Northern Hockey Development Camp Coach

  • 2022 High Tempo Hockey Coach

  • 2022 Vimy on Ice Instructor

  • 2018 Swedish U14 Coach