Exciting Coaching Announcement for the 2025–2026 Lady Sabercats!
The Castle View Sabercats Hockey Program is thrilled to announce two incredible additions to our coaching staff for the upcoming season! Please join us in welcoming Head Coach Eleni Rannis and Assistant Coach Emily Burke to the 2025–2026 Lady Sabercats Girls Varsity Team!
These outstanding leaders bring a fun, energetic coaching style, a passion for skills development, and a wealth of competitive experience that will inspire and elevate our players both on and off the ice.
🎯 Meet Head Coach Eleni Rannis
Coach Rannis has been immersed in hockey since the age of 8, competing at the AA and AAA levels with the Anaheim Lady Ducks and currently playing in a high-level A women’s league. Since beginning her coaching journey in 2016, Eleni has coached 10U, 14U, and 19U players, most recently serving as Head Coach of the 14U RoughRiders, where she focused on skill-building, confidence, and teamwork.
Her coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the inspiration she received from her own father and mentor, bringing a high level of care, dedication, and impact to every player she coaches. In addition to being a Level 2 USA Hockey official, Eleni currently works at the Colorado Avalanche practice facility — and yes, she drives the Zamboni! Her love for the game and commitment to growing youth hockey are unmatched.
💪 Meet Assistant Coach Emily Burke
Coach Burke brings over 20 years of hockey experience to the Sabercats bench, including a decorated AA and AAA youth career and five seasons at the NCAA level with SUNY Potsdam. A natural athlete and leader, Emily has combined her knowledge of Exercise Science with years of coaching, focusing on strength, skill development, and hockey IQ.
After college, she served as a strength and conditioning coach at Colorado School of Mines, working with high-performing collegiate athletes across sports. She continued her involvement in women's hockey, coaching players with a focus on confidence, strategy, and physical development.
Off the ice, Emily is also the proud owner of a successful dog training business, specializing in working with highly reactive and aggressive dogs. Her patience, adaptability, and ability to read behavior make her a uniquely gifted coach who brings calm, focus, and positive energy wherever she goes.
✨ We are incredibly excited to have Coaches Rannis and Burke lead the Lady Sabercats this season. Their combined passion, experience, and commitment to player development will be a huge asset to our program and a source of inspiration for our athletes.
Let’s give them a warm Sabercat welcome as we gear up for an amazing 2025–2026 season! 💛🖤