Team

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At Stalwart Hockey, our leadership team is built on experience, passion, and a shared mission — to raise the standard of player development both on and off the ice. Each of our directors brings a unique perspective shaped by their own playing careers at the junior, collegiate, and professional levels.

Founder and Head Goalie Coach Vinnie Purpura, Director of Forward Development Chad Hillebrand, and Director of Defensemen Development Gordie Whalen lead Stalwart’s three core pillars of development — goaltending, forwards, and defense. Together, they’re committed to helping athletes master the technical details, mental discipline, and daily habits required to compete at the highest level.

Whether it’s in the crease, up front, or on the blue line, Stalwart Hockey’s mission is the same: to develop complete players with purpose, confidence, and resilience.

Built by Players. Designed for Development.

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  • Founder & Director of Goalie Development

    Professional Goaltender — Reading Royals, ECHL

    Vinnie Purpura is the founder and head goalie coach of Stalwart Hockey. A native of Lemont, Illinois, Vinnie has played at every level of the game — from junior hockey in the NAHL and USHL, to NCAA Division I with Boston University and Long Island University, and now professionally in the ECHL.

    Still an active goaltender, Vinnie built Stalwart Hockey on the belief that development goes far beyond the ice. His mission is to help goalies build complete habits — physically, mentally, and emotionally — so they can perform with confidence, consistency, and purpose.

    At Stalwart, Vinnie leads all goaltending development, focusing on technique refinement, game reads, and professional-level preparation that equips goalies to succeed at the next level.

  • Associate Director of Goaltending

    Professional Goaltender - Mont Blanc, France

    Nick Grabko is a Goaltending Coach with Stalwart Hockey. A native of Channahon, Illinois , Nick played junior hockey in the NAHL and USHL. He then played NCAA Division 1 at Bentley University, and later transferred to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. Following his college career, he logged pro appearances with the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads and Toledo Walleye as well as an AHL loan to the Rockford IceHogs. Most recently, he signed to play for Mont-Blanc in France’s Division 2 league.

    Nick brings a modern technical foundation and pro-level experience to his coaching. He focuses on refining movement efficiency, composure under pressure, reading plays, and making the complex look simple. His goal is to help goalies develop the consistency and confidence needed to perform at the highest levels.

  • Director of Forward Development

    Professional Forward — Toledo Walleye, ECHL

    Chad Hillebrand, a Chicagoland native, serves as the Director of Forward Development at Stalwart Hockey. He played junior hockey in the NAHL and USHL before a four-year NCAA Division I career at Western Michigan University, where he served as an assistant captain and was recognized for his leadership and two-way play.

    Now competing professionally with the Toledo Walleye (ECHL), Chad brings firsthand knowledge of what it takes to thrive at every level.

    At Stalwart, his mission is to develop complete forwards — players who think the game, play with pace, and impact both ends of the ice. His approach emphasizes detail, situational awareness, and professional habits that elevate overall performance.

  • Director of Defensemen Development

    Professional Defenseman — Topeka Scarecrows, FPHL

    Gordie Whalen, from Niles, Illinois, brings calmness, intelligence, and precision to Stalwart Hockey’s defensive development program. He played junior hockey with the Chippewa Steel (NAHL) before moving on to play NCAA Division III hockey at Wisconsin–River Falls.

    Throughout his playing career, Gordie became known for his composure with the puck and his ability to read and control the game from the back end.

    At Stalwart, his mission is to shape defensemen who can dictate play — making smart reads, managing transitions, and defending with purpose. His focus is on helping players combine technical skill with confidence and poise under pressure.