Meet the Program Directors

Figure Skating:

Samantha Gormley: Co-Director of Figure Skating
Being a skater for 18 years, Samantha Gormley is a three time United States Figure Skating Gold Medalist in Solo Dance, Standard Dance, and Moves in the Field. She continues to train in the areas of Freestyle and International Dances. This is Samantha’s 8th year of teaching in the learn to skate program at the Iceoplex and the beginning of her second year as the Co-Director of Figure Skating and "Learn to Skate" Programs. In May 2009, Samantha will be graduating from Point Park University with a Bachelors Degree in Sports, Art, and Entertainment Management. Samantha is also a certified multiple format group fitness instructor and personal trainer. If ice skating is not your idea of a good time, check out one of her Spinning classes at Bodytech!

Kathy Cooper: Co-Director of Figure Skating
Kathy Cooper attended Grove City College and has a degree in elementary education. She has been a schoolteacher for 25 years and her love of children and teaching shows every time she enters the ice. She created our Tyke’ s Play and Prep curriculum and often teaches in our Snowplow Sam levels. She especially enjoys introducing people, of any age, to the wonderful sport of ice skating. She is one of our Basic Skills instructors and most often can be found with the first-timers in Basic 1. She combines her interest in teaching correct technique with her desire to make the classes enjoyable. She has been an instructor here for 10 years and has recently been named as Co-Figure Skating Director.

Ice Hockey:

Rich Hopf: Director of Ice Hockey School
Rich Hopf has been a member of the Iceoplex staff for 14 years. He is a USA Hockey Certified Instructor with over 20 years of private and team instruction under his belt, working with beginner through elite level players of all ages. He was a Penguins Camp Instructor and has been the Power Skating Director/ Instructor for Johnstown, Mon Valley, Central Pittsburgh, Southpointe, Canon McMillan, Trinity, and Baldwin Hockey Organizations. He has obtained a Master's Degree in Education and is the founder of the Excel Hockey Training camps.