U14 Coaching

Janice Yang has led Connecticut Polar Bears teams to multiple New England Regional Championships and National Tournament appearances. She has coached from U12 to U19 and helped many players matriculate to the prep and college levels. 

As a player, Janice competed for Brown University (ECAC) where she led the team in goals her junior year and was tied for second in assists her senior year. She earned ECAC All-Academic honors in 2014 and 2015. Before matriculating to Brown, Janice competed for Choate Rosemary Hall and the Connecticut Polar Bears.

​Janice is entering her tenth season as a coach with the Polar Bears. Including her time as a player, Janice has been involved with the organization for over 20 years.

Kyle Knopp will be entering his 2nd season with the Bears. This past season, Kyle steered the Polar Bears U14 Minor team to secure a 1st place finish in the CHC State Regular Season, while also advancing to the State Championship where they concluded as finalists. Prior to the Bears, Kyle spent two seasons behind the bench as head coach for the Washington Pride U14 Minor team.

Kyle previously coached with ACHA Saginaw Valley State University, and as Video Coach and Hockey Ops for the OHL's Saginaw Spirit as well as the Chesapeake Bay Lightning women's hockey organization and various high school teams in the D.C./Maryland/Virginia area. He has more than 33 years of hockey experience and has played, coached, or worked at every level — including two seasons in the Public Relations Department for the Detroit Red Wings (NHL).

Kyle Knopp will be entering his 2nd season with the Bears. This past season, Kyle steered the Polar Bears U14 Minor team to secure a 1st place finish in the CHC State Regular Season, while also advancing to the State Championship where they concluded as finalists. Prior to the Bears, Kyle spent two seasons behind the bench as head coach for the Washington Pride U14 Minor team.

Kyle previously coached with ACHA Saginaw Valley State University, and as Video Coach and Hockey Ops for the OHL's Saginaw Spirit as well as the Chesapeake Bay Lightning women's hockey organization and various high school teams in the D.C./Maryland/Virginia area. He has more than 33 years of hockey experience and has played, coached, or worked at every level — including two seasons in the Public Relations Department for the Detroit Red Wings (NHL).

Cait Burns has over 5 years of coaching experience and enters her 2nd season with the Bears. Most recently she coached the U14 Major and U14 Minors in the 2023-24 season.

Cait previously served as the head coach for the Immaculate High School girl's club. She has also specialized in skills development for Flite hockey camp.

Cait is a former Polar Bear and competed for the club for over 10 years. She helped bring her teams to multiple Nationals and Regionals tournaments. She also played field hockey for Danbury High School and was a 2x FCIAC First Team Member.

Pat Thompson has been coaching youth hockey for 10 years across all ages and levels. He brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the game.

The CT Native played for Hamden Hall and went on to play college hockey at SCSU in the ACHA DII.

Pat now lives in Milford with his wife Karen and 3 kids, Ryan (2008), Claire (2011) and Nolan (2013) who all play hockey. He also coaches lacrosse with the Milford Mustangs.