Our Legacy
The History of Roger Neilson’s Coaches Clinic
Founded in 1988, Roger Neilson's Coaches Clinic quickly became the most trusted and respected coach development events in North America. For over 30 years—through 2019—hundreds of coaches gathered each spring to learn, experience, and share under the guiding values of Roger : preparation, innovation, integrity, and belief in your players.
The clinic has never been about hype. It is about substance. It is a place where coaches of all levels—from minor hockey to the pros—come together to deepen their craft and re-center on what truly matters in the game: leadership, teaching, and making players better.
After an extended hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Roger Neilson’s Hockey is proud to return with a new, transformative initiative: the Roger Neilson Coaching Leadership Program, led by NHL mindset performance pioneer, Coach Vinny Malts. This program brings Roger’s values into the modern era—developing not just coaches, but conscious leaders. And yes, our iconic live events will return in 2026.
Who was
Roger Neilson
Roger Neilson wasn’t just a coach—he was a builder of the game. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2002, Roger was widely recognized for his innovative mind, boundless curiosity, and deep respect for the people behind the jerseys.
He began coaching at age 17 and went on to lead at every level of the sport—from minor hockey and junior teams to legendary NHL franchises including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and others. Along the way, he earned nicknames like “Captain Video” and “Rule Book Roger” for his ahead-of-the-curve use of video analysis and creative approach to strategy.
But Roger’s influence extended far beyond wins and systems. He taught players to value education. He made relationships a priority. He believed that preparation and belief were the cornerstones of successful leadership.
A passionate teacher and lifelong learner, Roger also spent his summers running hockey camps and coaches clinics—always eager to share his knowledge and give back to the game. Even while facing a battle with cancer, he continued to coach and inspire. Roger passed away in 2003, but his impact remains woven into the culture of the game.
His four coaching pillars continue to guide our mission today:
Establish a good relationship with your team
Be prepared and organized
Defend and defend well
Make them believe—both in you and in themselves
Our Team
Partner & Director
Marshall Starkman
Marshall Starkman is a veteran hockey executive and high-performance leader with over two decades of experience building programs, delivering major events, and leading teams on the international stage. As Partner and Director of Roger Neilson’s Hockey, Marshall brings both a deep personal connection to Roger’s legacy and a proven track record in leadership.
Marshall’s journey with Roger began as a camper at Trinity Hockey School. He returned as a goaltending instructor and later took on the role of Manager, Camp Operations at the newly named Roger Neilson’s Hockey Camp. Following Roger’s passing in 2003, Marshall became a partner and director, helping to sustain Roger’s vision through the ongoing success of the camps and coaches clinics.
He went on to join Hockey Canada’s National Teams Department, where he led the National Para Team to the podium at multiple World Championships and Paralympic Games during his tenure. Marshall is excited to team up with Vinny Malts to launch the Roger Neilson Coaching Leadership Program and is looking forward to the return of live events in 2026.
Program Director, RN Coaching Leadership Program
Vinny Malts
Vinny Malts is a pioneering mindset and leadership coach who has worked with NHL players, coaches, and elite teams to reshape how the game is taught and led. A former pro player with over 35 years of experience in hockey, Vinny is widely regarded as one of the sport’s top experts in mental performance and culture-building. Through his work across all levels of the game—youth to pro—he has helped countless athletes and coaches maximize their potential and transform how they lead. As Program Director, Vinny brings unmatched expertise and vision to Roger Neilson’s Hockey, ensuring the next generation of coaches are equipped to connect, inspire, and drive meaningful change in today’s game.