Johansson, Schuler, Abercrombie, Thompson, Plandowski & Girod added to TCS Live 2025 Lineup
Johansson, Schuler, Abercrombie, Thompson, Plandowski & Girod added to TCS Live 2025 Lineup

Johansson, Schuler, Abercrombie, Thompson, Plandowski & Girod added to TCS Live 2025 Lineup

  • News

We’re excited to announce 6 more presenters for the 2025 TCS Live Coaching Conference at the University of Michigan. Joining us for both on-ice and main-stage sessions are an exceptional lineup of coaches, including Steve Thompson, USA Hockey’s Player Development Director for Goalies and Tobias Johansson, Head Coach of the Norwegian National Team. This diverse group of professionals will deliver a wide range of strategies and techniques to elevate your coaching game at all levels!


Get to know our new presenters below and save your seat at TCS Live today!

Tobias Johansson
Head Coach / Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation

Tobias Johansson - TCS Live Presenter

After nine seasons with legendary Swedish program Frölunda HC, Tobias Johansson joined the Norwegian Men’s National Team as Head Coach, he’s also Norway’s Director of Player Development. Proof of Tobias’ positive impact came at the 2024 IIHF World Championship when Team Norway beat Team Canada (the eventual gold medal winners) 3-2 in round robin play. It was the second ever win for the Norwegians against Canada and first going back to 2000 and was proof hockey is on the rise in Norway.

Laura Schuler
Head Coach / University of Minnesota Duluth

Laura Schuler - TCS Live Presenter


Laura Schuler is the Head Coach of the University of Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey team. Formally Associate Head Coach, Schuler has been part of six NCAA Tournament teams at UMD, including three Frozen Fours and an NCAA title in 2010. Over 10 seasons, she coached 25 Olympians and 13 PWHL draft picks. A former Hockey Canada Head Coach, Schuler led Canada to a silver medal at the 2018 Olympics. Ten years earlier as a player, Schuler helped Canada win silver at the 1998 Olympics, which is part of her impressive playing resume that includes three gold medals with Canada’s National Women’s Team at the IIHF World Women’s Championship.

Duante Abercrombie
Head Coach / Tennessee State University

Dunate Abercrombie - TCS Live Presenter

Duante Abercrombie is the Head Coach of Tennessee State University’s men’s hockey; he is the first Black Head Coach to lead an NCAA Division I team. Raised in Washington, D.C., Abercrombie has been mentored by notable Black hockey figures and was an inaugural member of the NHL Coaches’ Association’s BIPOC Coaches Program. He has worked with the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Boston Bruins, and coached at Stevenson University. Abercrombie was named to The Athletic’s 40-Under-40 list in 2020 and is committed to advancing diversity in hockey.

Steve Thompson
Player Development – Goaltending / USA Hockey

Steve Thompson - The Coaches Site Live Presenter


Steve Thompson is Manager of Goaltending Development with USA Hockey, a role he’s held for nearly six years. He is responsible for the development and management of the American goaltending program, including player development, coach development, parent education, and more. Thompson is also a renowned Goalie Coach, helping the U.S. Women’s National Team win a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, a gold medal at the 2019 World Championships, and a Four Nations Cup championship in 2018.

Jill Plandowski
Skating Coach / Plandowski Power Skating

Jill Plandowski - TCS Live Presenter

Carving her niche in skating biomechanics, Jill Plandowski is an expert in skill development. Calling home to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Plandowski has taught countless Jr and Pro players the fine details of edgework, including NHLers Drake Batherson, Morgan Barron, Justin Barron, Liam O’Brien, Ryan Graves and Noah Dobson. A lifelong learner and surrounded by a family immersed in hockey, Plandowski has over 25 years of professional coaching experience and holds a Physical Education teaching degree, enabling her to think through a holistic curriculum and maximize performance in a short window of time.

Léo Girod
Founder / gotmyteam

Leo Girod - TCS Live Presenter

Léo Girod is the Co-Founder & CEO of gotmyteam, an ice hockey job-portal that connects players, coaches and management with teams looking to fill open positions. Born in Cuba and raised in France, Girod discovered his passion for hockey early on, playing until the age of 23 before transitioning into coaching to help others grow in the sport. He began his coaching career in Sweden with Norrtälje IK U18 before becoming the Head Coach of SDE J18, competing at the highest level in Swedish junior hockey. Girod then coached in Switzerland, starting with Lausanne HC before joining SC Bern. He also served as the Head Coach of Sollentuna in the Swedish J20 Region League and currently holds camps for defensemen with two-time Stanley Cup Champion Johnny Oduya.

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