COMING SOON. . .
L. E. A. D.
BIO
CHRIS LaCOMBE
DIRECTOR OF HOCKEY
Meet Chris LaCombe, our Director of Hockey. With decades of experience as a CAA Agent in hockey player representation, over 25 years of coaching youth teams, and a deep understanding of hockey families, Chris is a seasoned expert in all aspects of player development and advancement.
At UNRL, Chris brings his extensive knowledge and connections to help our players reach their full potential. As Director of Hockey, he provides personalized guidance and support, helping our players navigate the complex world of hockey advancement and achieve their hockey career goals.His experience and expertise make him an invaluable asset to the UNRL team, and his deep connections in the industry provide our players with unparalleled opportunities for advancement.
With Chris on your side, you can be sure that you are getting the very best in player development. His commitment to excellence, unwavering dedication to his clients, and deep understanding of the hockey industry make him a true leader in the field.
BIO
Meet Kelsey Wattenhofer, Head of School. Kelsey joined UNRL Academy in June 2026 as Head of School, where she provides strategic leadership while fostering academic excellence, student success, and a culture of growth.
Before joining UNRL Academy, Kelsey served as Assistant Director of Academics at Penn State University, supporting the nationally recognized wrestling program, men's volleyball, and field hockey. She previously held leadership roles at the University of North Dakota as Director of Learning Enhancement and at the University of Minnesota as an Assistant Athletic Academic Advisor and Learning Specialist, helping student-athletes excel both academically and personally.
Kelsey earned dual master's degrees in Human Resources and Sports Management from Briar Cliff University and bachelor's degrees in Sports Management and Business Finance from the University of Minnesota Morris, where she was a four-time all-conference student-athlete. She is an active member of the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A), was recognized with the University of North Dakota's Outstanding Professional Academic Advising Award, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Sports Leadership.
Originally from Litchfield, Minnesota, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her Great Dane, Sadie.
KELSEY WATTENHOFER
HEAD OF SCHOOL
BIO
BRENDEN OLSON
HEAD HOCKEY COACH
Meet Brenden Olson, our Head Hockey Coach. Brenden Olson’s love for the game started on the backyard rink his dad built every winter in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Countless hours spent on that ice helped build a career as a versatile forward and defenseman and a well-earned reputation as a leader in college hockey. Having played meaningful minutes on both sides of the puck throughout his career, he brings a complete understanding of the game that few coaches can offer, paired with elite skating ability that has been the foundation of his game at every level. That combination makes him an ideal UNRL Academy Hockey Skills Coach. Born October 18, 2000, he stands 6-1 and 179 lbs, shoots left, and brings a dynamic, well-rounded skill set built through high-level junior, NCAA, and professional competition.
He starred at Eau Claire Memorial High School before excelling in the USHL with the Sioux Falls Stampede (alternate captain, 10-5-15 in 47 games in 2019-20) and the Sioux City Musketeers (alternate captain, 9-7-16 in 53 games in 2020-21), including a Clark Cup championship in 2018-19. At Minnesota State University (Mankato), he played four seasons as a reliable two-way forward and defenseman, appearing in 79 games with 5 goals and 5 assists, while earning CCHA Scholar-Athlete honors and helping the Mavericks reach conference and NCAA tournament play.
After college, Olson took his game overseas to play professionally for HC Nové Zámky in Slovakia, where he took on a full-time defensive role and established himself as the league’s top American import player — experiencing the game from a different side of the ice, and a different side of the ocean.
A Business Management graduate and former Maverick, Olson combines elite skating, strong on-ice fundamentals, high hockey IQ, and proven leadership from his time as alternate captain with a genuine passion for developing young players. Outside the rink, he enjoys guitar, golf, and hunting. His well-rounded background as a versatile player, scholar-athlete, and professional makes him a standout fit at UNRL Academy — where his focus goes beyond skating and puck skills to building the character, discipline, and mindset that help young athletes grow both on and off the ice.
UNRL ACADEMY
(part of UNRL Hockey) is a holistic program for student-athletes that combines best-in-class hockey development with academics, leadership, and character-building. It operates from a state-of-the-art facility at The Pond on Madison in Mankato, MN.
The program develops more than athletes—it creates well-rounded individuals who excel academically, athletically, and personally. Students build strong habits, compete with purpose, study with discipline, and lead with confidence.
CORE PHILOSOPHY
L. E. A. D.
The creation of self-motivated individuals who strive to mobilize people towards a vision through innovation, values, inspiration and communication.
LEADERSHIP
EFFORT
Putting forward a committed and determined best effort academically, athletically and personally.
The acceptance of responsibility towards others and setting out to accomplish the things you said you would do.
ACCOUNTABILITY
DEVELOPMENT
Development is a phrase that refers to carefully thought out activities designed to improve talents, potential, and employability.