Sami Mantere (BSM) - Program manager

History:
Originally from Finland, Sami came to Australia as an work placement student from the University of Haaga-Helia for the SAISF. Sami became involved in the  Ice Factor program as a coach, and gradually worked his way up to the position of Head Coach. At the conclusion of 2012, the Ice Factor and Ice ArenA were excited to offer a promotion to Sami to the position of Ice Factor Program Manager, which he gratefully accepted. Sami hit the ground running in his new role, and is pushing the program to new heights with each day that passes.

Ice Hockey Exp:
  • Adelaide Adrenaline (2009-2012)
  • Helsinki Jokerit (1990-2004)

Coaching Exp: 8 Years
  • Coach - Heinolan Kiekko (U-21 National Div. 2)
  • Coach - International Ice Hockey Federation Development Camps
  • Mentor Coach - Ice Hockey Australia Development Camps
  • Head Coach - Adelaide Assassins
  • Assistant Coach - Adelaide Adrenaline (Men)
  • Assistant Coach - Adelaide Adrenaline (women)
  • Coaching Director - Ice Hockey South Australia
  • Coach - Ice Factor Program
  • Head Coach - Ice Factor Program

Qualifications:
  • Level 3 Ice Hockey Coach - International Ice Hockey Federation
  • Bachelor in Sports and Leisure Management - University of Haaga-Helia, Finland

Joseph Matthew - ice factor coach and mentor

History:

"Joey" has a great experience as an ice hockey player and as a coach before getting involved in the Ice Factor Program. Joey spent most of his playing days in the Adelaide Black Hawks Ice Hockey Clubs where he played with ice hockey legends such as Ben and Luke Thilthorpe. After finishing his playing days Joey started to coach South Australian state teams first as an assistant coach and later as a head coach.

After taking few years off from ice hockey, Joey got involved with the Ice Factor Program first as a helper. But what was very evident from the first moments was the connection Joey was able to build with the students both on and off the ice. Short time later Joey signed up to coach Ice Factor teams and the rest is history. Not only does Joey bring a lot of hockey knowledge to the program but is also a great mentor and a team player.

ales kratoska - ice factor coach and mentor

Ales Kratoska played professional ice hockey in Czech Republic. In 2017 Ales came to Adelaide for a visit but decided to stay for longer. We were absolutely stoked to have been able to snap a quality international ice hockey player like Ales to coach in Ice Factor.

In 2018 Ales has been the top scorer for the Adelaide Adrenaline in the Australian Ice Hockey League. But what sets Ales apart from the rest is his humility. The students in the program love Ales and his enthusiasm which also brings us some fantastic results. 

The highlight of Ales' Ice Factor career has without a doubt been participating in the AIHL all stars game here in Adelaide and having a full crowd of Ice Factor students cheer for him in the competitions.