Mentors Make The Difference

At The Sharpening Dude, we believe great skates deserve great coaching. That’s why we proudly support and recommend a select lineup of coaches, programs, and development partners who share our passion for performance, player growth, and doing things the right way. Whether you’re just starting your hockey journey or sharpening elite-level skills, these are the pros we trust to get you there.

Lyon Messier Hockey

Lyon Messier

Lyon Messier is more than a coach — he’s a builder of players. As the son of Hall of Famer Mark Messier, hockey runs deep in his blood, but Lyon has forged a legacy of his own through years of tireless commitment to player development. His coaching is intense yet patient, technical yet intuitive — a rare blend that turns potential into performance.

Across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, Lyon is revered as a transformative figure in youth hockey. Players don’t just get faster or stronger under his guidance — they become smarter, more confident, and more complete. His influence reaches far beyond the ice, shaping athletes who compete with purpose, discipline, and heart.

When it comes to crafting excellence, few do it better. Lyon Messier isn’t just trusted — he’s foundational.

Lyon's Website

Power Edge Pro (PEP) - DMV Region

Run by Fred Singletary | Precision. Pressure. Performance.

Power Edge Pro is the gold standard in reactive countering training — a system trusted by the NHL's elite and used worldwide to build next-level hockey instincts. In the DMV region, PEP is led by Fred Singletary, a respected coach whose deep knowledge of the system and hands-on approach make the training as personal as it is powerful.

PEP training forces players to process pressure in real time, sharpening their ability to read, react, and respond under stress. With high-tempo puck control drills, deceptive edgework, and situational movement, athletes develop faster hands, sharper minds, and explosive skating built for today’s game.

Fred brings energy, integrity, and a deep understanding of player development to every session — making PEP not just a tool, but a transformation.

Explore Program

Alex Grose | GHS

Grose Hockey Skills

Alex Grose is a standout in the DMV hockey community — a coach whose passion for player development is matched only by his technical precision. As the founder of Grose Hockey Skills, Alex specializes in sharpening the tools that matter most: puck control, skating mechanics, situational awareness, and game-speed execution.

Operating out of the Prince William Ice Center, Alex offers private and small-group sessions that are fast-paced, focused, and tailored to each athlete’s needs. His coaching philosophy blends high-tempo drills with real-game scenarios, helping players not only improve their mechanics but also elevate their hockey IQ.

Whether you're a young player building your foundation or an advanced athlete refining your edge, Alex delivers results with energy, clarity, and care. His sessions are more than just training — they’re a launchpad for confidence and competitive growth.

Grose Hockey Skills 🔗

Craig Desjarlais

23Hockey

Craig Desjarlais, a former professional hockey player and NCAA Division I athlete, brings over 25 years of coaching and skill development experience to 23 Hockey. Based in Leesburg, VA, 23 Hockey offers a unique development opportunity for players of all ages, focusing on both physical and mental aspects of the game.

Under Craig's leadership, 23 Hockey provides an all-encompassing model to improve players' skills, confidence, and hockey IQ. The program includes power skating sessions, checking and body contact programs, and personalized training plans tailored to individual goals.

Craig's commitment to player development extends beyond the ice. As the Hockey Director for the Loudoun Knights, he has been instrumental in building a culture that emphasizes positive relationships, continuous improvement, and a passion for the game.

23Hockey's Website

Doug Shepherd

Signature Hockey

Doug Shepherd has dedicated his life to the game of hockey, bringing a wealth of experience from his time as a player, coach, and NHLPA Certified Agent. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and former Assistant Captain of the RPI Men’s Hockey Team, Doug enjoyed a productive career at the Junior A, NCAA Division I, and professional levels.

Following his playing days, Doug transitioned into roles that allowed him to mentor and develop the next generation of hockey talent. He served in player development for the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets and the University of Prince Edward Island Men’s Program, and scouted for the AHL’s Manitoba Moose. Since 2015, Doug has successfully negotiated millions of dollars’ worth of contracts as an NHLPA Certified Player Agent with Achieve Sports Management.

At Signature Hockey, Doug combines his extensive background to offer personalized skating and development programs. His approach emphasizes not only technical skill but also the character and mindset required to excel at the highest levels of the sport.

Signature Hockey

Players. Coaches. Let’s Talk.