The roots of CoachChic.com stretch back to 1976, when Dennis Chighisola recognized a growing need in New England for a new kind of hockey training — one built around real skill development. Instead of the typical “skate fast and shoot hard” approach, Dennis focused on game‑related skating, puckhandling, passing, and shooting. His early programs quickly gained momentum, eventually expanding into some of the most successful hockey schools in the Northeast, with locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. Over the years, his students included future NHL players and coaches, as well as hundreds of top college athletes across multiple generations.
The nickname “Coach Chic” (pronounced “Chick”) arrived early, when Dennis realized that young players and their parents struggled with his long Italian last name. Later, many families began calling him “The Professor,” a nod to his inventive teaching style and the unique drills and training devices he created.
In 1979, Dennis traveled to the Institute for Physical Culture & Sport in Moscow, then part of the Soviet Union. That experience profoundly shaped his understanding of the game, and its influence can still be seen in the way he teaches and analyzes hockey today.
Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education & Coaching, along with a Minor in Instructional Media focused on video production. He was also among the earliest American coaches to earn USA Hockey’s highest certification — Level 5, Master Coach.
Throughout his career, Dennis has coached every level of amateur hockey, from Mites through Juniors. He spent three years as a high school head coach, seven years as a college head coach, and even interviewed for several minor‑league professional coaching and general manager positions before retiring from the bench.
His approach to the game has always been both unique and effective. AHL and NHL organizations have purchased his training manuals, elite coaches around the world have borrowed his drill concepts, and when he publishes a new idea, people in hockey tend to pay attention.
Today, Dennis and his wife Brenda live in sunny Florida, where they work together in Local Video Marketing. Semi‑retirement suits him well — especially since his two lifelong passions have always been teaching the game and working with video.
A Note for New England Area Families
For those who have asked Professor B about Dennis’ past programs: