Becky Salyards – salyards@rmhsvt.org- Head Coach – Becky enters the 2023-24 season into her 15th season with the Rice Knights. As a graduate of UVM ‘09 played three seasons at University of Minnesota Duluth (2003-2006). Prior to playing college hockey Becky played for the Duluth East ‘02 Girls’ HS Hockey team earning many accolades as captain and scoring leader her Jr. and Sr. years. She also played her PG year at NAHA in Stowe, Vt (2002-2003). Becky was selected to the Minnesota Select Festival for multiple years. She spent three years training with US Olympian Jenny Potter in Minnesota. Becky’s coaching experience stems from working many independent hockey camps/schools. Since 2010 Becky has been on staff for the USA Hockey Girls’ Select 14/15/18U National Development Camps with many roles including team leader, skills coach, Head Coach and camp director over the years. Becky has also been on staff at the New England District Girls Camp, Select 14 Eastern Camp with her main role of the off ice strength and stick skills director and coaching on the ice when available. Other camps and showcases include College Hockey Showcase in Florida, Select CCM invite.
Assistant and Goalie Coach – Taylor Peliter
Taylor Peliter is entering her 4th season with the Rice Prep Girls Hockey program. She has been an essential part to day to day on and off ice practices. Taylor brings a great deal of passion for hockey to our program especially to the goaltenders. We call goalie time with Taylor, “Taylor Time”. Our goalies have grown to love the time with Taylor as she works with them not only with the fundamentals but builds on what each of the goalies need individually. She has also taken on the role of breaking down video after games. Recently Taylor has started working with Girls4hockey program here in Burlington as the head goalie coach for the growing goalie program. Taylor graduated from UVM in 2020, she played club hockey at the New England Hockey Club while attending High School at La Salle.
Assistant Coach– Shannon Nadeau ’17
Shannon graduated from Rice in 2017 and played 3 seasons for the Prep Girls Hockey team then went on to be a standout at UNE and graduated in 2021 with a degree in Nursing. She currently is a Registered Nurse at the University of Vermont Medical Center. She will also be joining our team at some practices and will be on the bench for some games.
Assistant Coach– Kyra Yu ’17
Kyra graduated from Rice in 2017 and played for 2 seasons for the Prep Girls Hockey team and then went on to be a very impactful player for the Nor’easters at UNE. She’s was a scoring threat each time she touched the ice. After graduating in 2021 Kyra returned back to Vermont and works at Champlain College as the Event Operations Coordinator. She will be attending some practices and games as her schedule allows.
Skills Coach – Jessica Koizumi-jessicakoizumi@gmail.com
Jessica’s hockey background is extensive, both as a player and coach. Zumi as most call her, graduated from Minnesota Duluth in 2009 and has been playing professionally or coaching ice hockey professionally ever since. Recently she was the Associate Head Coach at the University of Vermont for the Women’s hockey team for 6 seasons. Currently Zumi is working as a College Hockey Advisor (WCHR), working at Elev802 and for Girls4hockey locally here in Vermont. Zumi will be running some of our on ice skill sessions.
