Coach Bios 25-26 Season
Antonio "Nino" Barone (Director of Player Development 6U to 14U / Bantam Head Coach)
A product of the Putnam Hockey Association himself, Coach Nino's connection to hockey runs deep, beginning when he first took to the ice at age six. Coach Nino joined the Panthers as a Squirt playing through as a Midget, transitioning seamlessly as an Assistant Coach before taking the helm as the Bantam Head Coach for the past four years. His proven leadership and dedication led to his current role as Director of Hockey for 6U to 14U, where he actively leads the PHA hockey program ensuring that our Panthers are maximizing their potential.
Coach Nino holds a USA Hockey Level 4 certification, demonstrating his advanced coaching knowledge and expertise. As a certified PEP instructor, he leverages advanced techniques and insights helping to enhance each player’s skill development.
Coach Nino believes the discipline, teamwork, and perseverance learned on the ice are transferable skills that empower young athletes in all aspects of their lives. He is passionate about fostering not only skilled hockey players but also well-rounded individuals with a lifelong love for the game.
Colin Coe (Director of Player Development 16U & 18U / Midget Head Coach)
Coach Colin brings a dynamic and multifaceted hockey background to the Putnam Hockey Association, marked by both significant playing experience and a proven track record of coaching success. Since 2019, he has been an integral part of the Putnam Panthers coaching staff, currently serving as the Director of Hockey for 16U and 18U. In this leadership role, he is instrumental in shaping the development of our older players and the overall direction of these crucial age groups.
His coaching expertise extends beyond Putnam, as he currently holds a position with the Carmel High School Varsity team (2022-present), as well as past experience coaching at The Canterbury School and his alma mater, Western Connecticut State University (ACHA).
Coach Colin’s passion for the game is deeply rooted in his own playing career. As a proud Putnam Panthers alumnus, he understands the values of PHA firsthand. His playing resume also includes time with the BBD Icecats (CIAC), the Hartford Jr Wolfpack (USPHL), and the Western Connecticut State University (ACHA) team, showcasing his commitment and skill at multiple levels of competitive hockey.
This extensive and varied experience, coupled with his demonstrated leadership, has earned him the responsibility of guiding the PHA Midget A and AA programs. Coach Colin is committed to fostering each players’ growth both on and off the ice, preparing them for future success in hockey and beyond.
Nicole Kirnan Kelly (12U Peewees)
Coach Nicole brings an exceptional pedigree of high-level playing and coaching experience to the Putnam Hockey Association. In high school, Coach Nicole attended Choate Rosemary Hall and captained the CT Polar Bears to a National Championship victory in 1997. Her success continued at St. Lawrence University, where she served as a three-year captain and led her team to a National Championship appearance in 2001. Her exceptional playing ability gained further recognition through her selection to the USA Junior Team and her participation in the prestigious Olympic Festival in both 1999 and 2000.
Following her accomplished playing career, Coach Nicole transitioned seamlessly into coaching. From 2001 to 2006, she guided the Manhattanville College program to an impressive NCAA tournament bid each year. Her coaching acumen also extended to national programs, serving as an assistant coach at the Olympic Festival and coaching at the National Development Camps in 2002, 2003, and 2004.
As a co-owner of the Syracuse Stars Jr. program from 2013 to 2019, Coach Nicole helped many young players advance to NCAA Division I, Division III, and the pro ranks. She also established Velocity Hockey Training, a comprehensive player development system that has produced numerous successful athletes, including NHL players Alex Tuch, Thomas Harley, and John Beecher, as well as promising talents like Eamon Powell, Anthony Angelo, and Joel Farrabee. The induction of Coach Nicole’s 2001 St. Lawrence team into the University’s Hall of Fame stands as a testament to her leadership and the lasting impact she has had on the sport.
Coach Nicole’s experience as an elite player, coupled with her proven ability to develop high-caliber talent at various levels, makes her an invaluable asset to the Putnam Hockey Association.
Mike DiVeglio (10U Squirts)
A cornerstone of the Putnam Hockey Association for 15 years, Coach Mike embodies a deep-rooted passion for hockey and an unwavering commitment to the development of young athletes. His own hockey journey began at age 11, quickly leading him to proudly wear the Putnam Panthers jersey as a Bantam and Midget player. Coach Mike’s dedication to the sport extended beyond his youth, continuing even while serving with the NYPD. This discipline and commitment are hallmarks of his coaching philosophy. Over the past decade and a half, he has served in both Head Coach and Assistant Coach positions for Putnam, shaping countless young players both on and off the ice.
Holding a certification as a PEP instructor, Coach Mike brings specialized expertise in small area reactive hockey training – a crucial element in developing agile, smart, and effective players. His focus on skill development is complemented by his deep understanding of team dynamics and fostering a positive learning environment.
The most rewarding aspect of coaching for Coach Mike is witnessing the growth and development of each player as they progress through the program. Beyond developing hockey skills, he is committed to helping each player cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the sport.
Nick Paine (Goalie Coach)
Goaltenders at the Putnam Hockey Association will benefit from the expertise of Nick Paine, owner of Paine Goaltending Solutions. With more than a decade of specialized coaching experience from Learn to Play to NCAA, Coach Nick employs a goalie-first methodology. This focused approach delivers the essential skills and mindset for both athletic and personal growth for Putnam Hockey goalies.