Power Hour Coaches

Sean Castagna (Lead CPH Instructor/Hockey Coach)
sean.castagna@gmail.com  | (408) 828-6970

Sean grew up playing for the Santa Clara Blackhawks and Norcal Rep Hockey program. Sean was one of the first hockey players to work with Cathy on power skating and credits the work he did with Cathy in being able to reach the Junior A and College Level. Sean began teaching power skating himself when he was 16 and had continued to do so since then. After graduating from high school, he moved to Alberta to play in the Alberta Junior A Hockey League for the Bonnyville Pontiacs for two seasons. Following that was four years of Division III College Hockey in New Hampshire and New York. Sean has been the Lead Instructor at Cathy’s Power Hour since 1998. Sean also has coached youth hockey teams in the Bay Area, and is currently coaching with the San Jose Jr. Sharks for his 6th year. Power Skating Coaching Experience: 16 years. Playing Experience: 22 years. Team Levels Coached: 18AA, 14AAA, 16AA, 12AAA. Former players and students of Sean's have played on teams in the WSHL, NAHL, USHL, BCHL, WHL, AHL, NHL, NCAA Hockey, and ACHA Hockey

Sean's Philosophy- "Players want an end-result, for example- a player wants to be able skate faster (more speed). A coach may tell the player to “skate faster”, but without any improvement in strength or technique, a player’s speed will be limited by their ability to apply their current strength into their skating. By learning the proper skating process, with proper stride, balance, edge control, etc., the player will achieve the end result of going faster."

Ilynn De Freitas (CPH Program & Lesson Coordinator/Coach)
cathyspowerhour@gmail.com   | (408) 472-0677

Ilynn played with the Oakland Seals Women’s A Hockey Team from their inaugural season in 2000 until 2007. Ilynn was a key player who helped the Seals take 3rd place at USA Hockey Nationals in 2004. She also played with the San Jose Lady Sharks and took 2nd place at USA Hockey Nationals in 2010. Ilynn has been teaching Cathy's Power Hour Clinics and private power skating lessons since 2008. She also coaches a mite in-house team and is an instructor for the hockey tot/pre-hockey group classes at Sharks Ice in San Jose. Her patience, dedication and attention to details contribute to her success as an instructor and coach. Ilynn manages and oversees all of Cathy’s Power Hour Programming and she also is a new client liaison for private and group lessons. For more information regarding Cathy's Power Hour clinics, please contact Ilynn at cathyspowerhour@gmail.com If you are interested in scheduling private lessons with Ilynn, please contact her at ilynn.defreitas@gmail.com

Michelle Racimo (PR Manager & Membership Coordinator/Coach) michelle@cathyspowerskating.com | (408) 624-2682

Michelle Racimo has been on the ice for over 30 years and began coaching power skating and figure skating in 1994.She specializes in developing solid skating skill foundation – with emphasis on skating mechanics, explosive speed development, economy of movement, and edge control. She believes that muscle memory – achieved through a consistent practice standard, and skill-specific cross training – is the fast track to athletic success. Michelle is a USFSA silver medalist and a former junior-ladies competitor. She is an ISI Certified Silver Judge, a member of USFSA, ISI, USA Hockey and a Bronze Certified USA Wrestling Coach. She is certified to the standards of the Coach’s Guide to Excellence. For all private lesson inquires with Michelle contact her at CoachRacimo@gmail.com Michelle manages all communications, announcements, and media relations for www.cathyspowerskating.com Look to her for the latest news, event information, and Power Hour Series dates. Stay in the loop via the Cathy’s PowerSkater App.

Pat trained under Cathy for 12 years. He found a noticeable edge in his game. Private lessons and Power Hour exposure were key factors in his hockey success. Patrick went to 4 CAHA State Championships, was a Captain of 3 consecutive CAHA State Champion teams (midget, 2007 Pacific Div Regional Champ), 2007 Easton Skills competition winner at the USA National Hockey Championships and he was the team leading scorer for 8 out of 12 seasons.

Noah Segall (instructor)  |  ndsegall@gmail.com  |  (408) 205-5803

Noah has been skating with Cathy since he was 8 years old and has been coaching Power Hours and private lessons every summer for the past four years. Through youth hockey he won multiple Norcal, State, and Southwest League Championships, and was the captain of his Junior A hockey team. He has been a volunteer coach for Santa Clara Blackhawks Squirt and Peewee teams that won Norcal Championships and is currently a scout for his previous Junior team. (Available May through August)

Mitchell Richmond (instructor)  |  Norcal champion, State champion, Silverstick regional champion, Many southwest tournaments champion. Participated in multiple skills competitions and all star games. Mitch has been skating with Cathy for over 10 years and participated in CPH since they started. Captain of 2 teams, assistant captain of 1.”

Sherrilynn has 15 years of coaching experience to include- figure skating, hockey power skating and hockey team coaching. She specializes in skill development for beginner and novice skaters. Her extensive figure skating background in USFSA gold test and freestyle, along with her hockey comprehension, makes her an excellent addition Power Hour.