Brett Backman
Trumbull,CT
Summary
Dedicated and high-energy hockey coach and sports management professional with extensive experience in elite youth development, NCAA athletics, and professional hockey operations. Proven leader known for creating positive, competitive team environments, developing athletes on and off the ice, and planning structured, high-impact practices. USA Hockey Level 4 Certified Coach with a strong background in organization, communication, and player development.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Coach - 2013 Elite Team
MidFairfield Youth Hockey Association
Connecticut
09.2023 - Current
- Head coach of a nationally ranked 2013 Elite team, consistently finishing Top 5 in the country
- Create a competitive, positive, and development-focused team culture aligned with long-term athlete growth
- Plan, organize, and conduct structured practices emphasizing skill progression, hockey IQ, and teamwork
- Design age-appropriate drills that promote pace, accountability, and attention to detail
- Serve as a mentor and leader, reinforcing discipline, confidence, and team-first values
- Mentored young athletes in sportsmanship and leadership on and off the ice
Head Youth Hockey Instructor
SoNo Ice House (SoNo Hockey Rink)
Norwalk, CT
01.2018 - 09.2022
- Directed all aspects of summer hockey camps, including daily planning, scheduling, and on-ice execution
- Created, explained, and demonstrated drills for players across multiple age groups and skill levels
- Led campers through structured off-ice training sessions focused on athletic development
- Assisted in organizing elite-level camps featuring Jonathan Quick and Matt Moulson
Hockey Operations Intern
Vegas Golden Knights
Las Vegas, Nevada
06.2018 - 07.2018
- Worked directly under General Manager George McPhee
- Assisted with strategy and execution of organizational initiatives during the Stanley Cup Playoffs
- Created detailed PowerPoint presentations for salary arbitration, analyzing player performance, role impact, and league comparables
- Wrote scouting reports on NHL, AHL, Junior, and NCAA players, developing a strong understanding of player evaluation
Youth Hockey Instructor
Stamford Twin Rinks
Stamford, CT
01.2010 - 01.2018
- Provided long-term instruction to youth athletes in fundamental and advanced hockey skills
- Established a fun, safe, and structured environment that encouraged growth and confidence
- Designed and demonstrated drills focused on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sports Management
Plymouth State University
Plymouth, New Hampshire05.2021
High School Diploma -
Avon Old Farms Preparatory School
Avon, CT01.2015
Skills
Coaching and player development: Drill and practice design, individual skill development, leadership and team culture, athlete mentorship, and accountability
Professional strengths: Motivated self-starter with a goal-driven mindset, strong interpersonal and communication skills, sound decision-making, and effective motivational leadership
Technical skills: Microsoft Office proficiency
Core Skills
Practice & drill creation, Structured practice planning, Individual skill development, Team culture & leadership development, Athlete mentorship & accountability, Self-motivated & goal-oriented, Strong interpersonal & communication skills, Highly organized with sound decision-making, Motivating, dedicated, hardworking, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook (Advanced)
Timeline
Head Coach - 2013 Elite Team
MidFairfield Youth Hockey Association
09.2023 - Current
Hockey Operations Intern
Vegas Golden Knights
06.2018 - 07.2018
Head Youth Hockey Instructor
SoNo Ice House (SoNo Hockey Rink)
01.2018 - 09.2022
Youth Hockey Instructor
Stamford Twin Rinks
01.2010 - 01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Sports Management
Plymouth State University
High School Diploma -
Avon Old Farms Preparatory School