CLIENTS

Testimonial from Luke Rowe:
Sam Cheema’s knowledge of the game of hockey and commitment to training players has been a catalyst for my development. I have been skating with Cheema for over three years and my game has seen improvements in critical areas that were lacking before. He emphasizes fluid skating, deception in movement, quick release shooting, and sound puck protection. The training I have received in those areas has benefited me in so many ways, and came to fruition this year as I had career high points. Not only have my skills increased, but my confidence has seen development as well. He instills confidence by harping on the good things, but is honest and fair when telling you what needs to be corrected. Cheema regularly watches my game film and gives me suggestions and help when I am at school. What sets Cheema apart from most coaches is his commitment to developing players. I am so grateful for the time I have had with Cheema, and I am looking forward to more in the future.

-Luke Rowe

Testimonial from Alec McCrae:
“What sets Cheema apart is his attention to detail, his commitment to his players, and his understanding of the imperative skills needed in today’s game. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Sam for a couple years now and appreciate the patience and time he takes with his players, refining their strengths and honing in on what he sees can set them apart in competition. He is a quintessential professional who values work ethic and players who want to become students of the game. If I can summarize working with Cheema in a quote, it would be “small hinges swing big doors.” He has showed me the importance of how to use the minute details of the game to my favor, consistently figuring out ways to gain a competitive advantage. Im thankful to work with Cheema and recommend his services to all players looking to better themselves and their game.”

-ALEC McCrae

Testimonial from Ian:
Sam isn’t only a coach, but a mentor and a friend. Over the past few years, he has helped me add elements to my game that have enabled me to see improved results in each season played since meeting. Sam has pushed me to excel at each level as I’ve moved up, bolstering my strengths and tightening up some of the weak points in my game accordingly. During the summer, Sam is my go to resource for on and off ice training. Everyday is an opportunity to learn something new, work on becoming more consistently efficient, and getting into better shape. Sam will make you put in the work. That work has allowed me to see year to year improvements in my development in the USHL and now in the ECAC playing NCAA D1. Whenever I have questions or need a second opinion, I don’t hesitate to call Sam. He’s honest because he cares, and more importantly, he’s been there before. He has the experience, the knowledge, and the passion for the game that gives me the confidence to trust his advice, and to simply keep coming back. He has a plan for each skate, workout, and diet and is always more than open to help work on anything I personally feel I need work on. Overall, I have a great amount of trust and respect for Cheema. I credit him for much of the success I’ve found since we met and I highly recommend him to anyone wanting to take strides in this game. And as mentioned before, he’s not just a coach, but also a friend. If you’re looking to push yourself to achieve goals, strive to get better at the game on a day to day basis, and build a great relationship, meeting Sam is a great opportunity and resource to do so. 

- Ian Pierce 

Cheema is genuinely one of the best skills coaches I have ever skated with. Anytime I want to skate he always opens up his busy schedule for me and knows exactly what I need to work on. My skill development has benefited so from him and he is one of the reasons why I am playing Divison 1 hockey currently. Weather it is blue line work, technical skating or game like drills Cheema truly does it all. He goes above and behind many other coaches by showing support for his players on and off the ice through coming to games sending video via text or calling to check in. I have to give so much credit to him because he has made me a better hockey player on the ice. What truly Differentiates Cheema is his compassion for his players. Although he is tough and hard when he needs to be it’s always to benefit his players. Cheema is not only my coach but a real friend of mine. At the end of the day no other coach has invited me to his wedding reached out to get dinner or helped me with job opportunities. Cheema goes above and beyond with his players and that’s the biggest reason why I keep coming back to skate with him every summer. 

-Jack Robilotti

Testimonial from Anthony:

Sam has been an instrumental part of my development since I started working with him in 2020. Throughout my time with Sam, we have worked on skating fundamentals such as advanced edge work, technique, and power. Sam’s drills have pushed me to the limit, and since working with him, I have noticed significant improvements in my skating ability. Sam also focuses heavily on shooting mechanics and shot selection. I have witnessed major improvements in my shot release and accuracy. Throughout the season, Sam constantly breaks down my game film and gives me feedback on positioning and structural adjustments to maximize my opportunities. While Sam has helped me take my game to the next level, his character and dedication are unmatched. Sam motivates me to become a better player every day, and I look forward to working with him for years to come.

“I started working with Sam my junior year of high school and can say without a doubt I would not have made it to the division 1 level without him. Sam understands how to push his players past their comfort zones to help them grow as hockey players and also people. I was definitely not the easiest to coach but Sam saw potential in me and continuously helped me reach my goals. Sam understands what it takes to play at the next level and the skills required to getting a player there. His skates teach transferable skills that help his players succeed in game. His edge work is second to none and has really helped me grow as a skater which is arguably the most important aspect of the game. I cannot thank Sam enough for what he has done for me and I’m lucky to work with him.”

-Bailey Feeney

I play D1 hockey at the Air Force Academy. Before going to the academy I left home at the age of 14 to play hockey and go to high school in Sweden. I’ve always been very into my skills development to give me an advantage out on the ice. While living in Sweden I worked a lot with Daniel Broberg (DB Hockey Factory). With him I would do a lot of different forms of edge and stick work. When coming back to the States in 2019 to play juniors I wanted to keep that going. I ended up meeting Sam who I’ve been with ever since then. Every summer and chance I get when going back home to NJ during break I skate with him. His skates just translate to my game perfectly. I would almost say he’s like the American version of DB Hockey Factory. Sam has helped me improve my edges when being at top speed and creating space for myself. Everything we do is related to todays game trying to give yourself that little extra time on the ice you need to be able to make a play. Sam’s knowledge in the development of the game and how being able to do everything at top speed is what makes him different than most skills coach’s I’ve seen yet. Sam loves what he is doing and personally has gone out of his way for me several times to help me with exactly what I need to get to where I am today. I couldn’t be more happy with Sam and what he has to offer. His knowledge of the game and how to become the best you can be has helped me improve the small technical things in my game like my stick skills at high speeds, edges and shot. All of these things not only have given me more of an edge against the other players on the ice, but also more confidence to make plays out there knowing that I did it with Sam I could do it in again. I am super happy that I have had the opportunity to work with Sam and I can’t wait until next summer when I get to comeback and skate with him again.  

-Liam Hansson

Sam is a coach that truly cares deeply about all of his players. No matter how busy he is with his own work and life, he still continues to stay in touch with each of his athletes’ and keep up with each of our games. When it comes to his athletes’ skill development, he truly pays attention to every little detail. He notices the small details in his athletes’ play that would elevate their play from good to great. He spends time to analyze the skills that his players would need to improve their performance in games.

He is one of the biggest hockey fanatics I have ever met, to the extent where he is thinking and talking about hockey 24/7. He wants the absolute best for every one of his athletes and will do anything to help them develop into the best players that they can be. He wants nothing more than for them to ultimately reach their highest potential as an individual and a hockey player. I admire his relentless passion for the game and how he has used his strong work ethic to his advantage to simultaneously develop players and his business.

On a personal note, transitioning in and out of the United States, he always helped me feel comfortable and welcome on the ice. Whenever I was in New York City I always looked forward to being on the ice with Sam. Sam developed me to be able to play at the Division I level, and I cannot thank him enough for all of his help over the years!

-Millie Siurm

Testimonial from Nadia:
I met Sam 4 years ago at a camp in Sweden and I immediately trusted him. He truly understands the game and he’s truly passionate about hockey and his players. He cares not only about his players as athletes but also as people. He wants the best for them and would do anything it takes to take them where they wanna be, whether it’s college hockey or pro hockey. I am fortunate to be able to train with Cheema most times when he is in Boston or when I come to New York. Throughout the year we talk about my game and improvements we can make also.

He focuses a lot on skills and he has pushed me and still does to become a better hockey player and leader. I’ve learnt so much from him and I’m so excited to work with him again in the future.

Testimonial from Brian Longergan
“My Experience working with Cheema Hockey has been pretty special. I started working with him during covid when everyone else was shut down. After the first skate I knew that I was going to go back. For me it was not just about doing tons of reps but instead we make sure that every rep is done correctly. There is a lot of slowing things down and explaining how to do the move or where to apply it in a game. This really helped me understand what I was doing and made the practice to game transfer really smooth. Cheema Hockey has helped me take my game to the next level and has brought me lots of success. Not only is he a great coach but he’s super easy to talk/reach out to if you ever need anything”.

“This last year was my first summer working with Cheema. I wasn’t sure what to expect but whatever expectations I had Cheema went above and beyond. He made himself available to help when I needed it and became a huge resource for me in general. He didn’t just run through the motions with drills but took time to ask me what I wanted to work on and came up with things specific drills to both challenge, build, and round out my game. Working with him also helped me approach the game from a different perspective whilst adding new tools to the toolbox. My time is the summer working with him was both challenging and encouraging and even now, being away in season, Cheema continues to be a huge support and stays engaged in what is going on in my career. I feel very lucky to have crossed paths and gotten to work with him this last summer and I’m already looking forward to next summer! “

-Jincy Roese-Dunne