Leadership Team
Program Director: Brianne McLaughlin
Brianne McLaughlin brings one of the most decorated résumés in the history of women’s hockey to her role as Program Director of the Cleveland Flames. A native of Elyria, Ohio, Brianne played Division I hockey at Robert Morris University, where she set an NCAA record with 3,809 career saves — a mark that still stands. She went on to represent Team USA in back-to-back Olympic Games (2010 and 2014), earning Silver Medals both times, and captured back-to-back World Championship gold in 2011 and 2013. She closed out her playing career in the NWHL with the Buffalo Beauts, winning the Isobel Cup and earning game MVP honors with a 74-save performance.
After retiring as a player, Brianne spent a decade running her own goalie training facility in Pittsburgh before returning to Robert Morris University as goalie coach, where she became the first female coach in men’s Division I hockey history. She continues to serve on the USA Hockey National Team staff.
Now back home in Northeast Ohio, Brianne channels a lifetime of elite play, barrier-breaking, and championship coaching into building the Cleveland Flames into a program that challenges, supports, and inspires girls to reach their full potential — on and off the ice.
Email: director@clevelandflames.com
Associate Director: Shannon Szabados
Shannon Szabados is one of the most accomplished and groundbreaking goaltenders in the history of women’s hockey. A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Shannon honed her craft at men’s college programs at Grant MacEwan University and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, where she set records for shutouts and goals against average before leading NAIT to an ACAC Championship.
On the international stage, Shannon’s career stands alone. She is a three-time Olympic medalist — gold in 2010 and 2014, silver in 2018 — a World Champion, and the only goaltender in women’s hockey history to backstop her country to two Olympic gold medal wins. She was named Best Goaltender at both the 2010 and 2018 Olympics and recognized by the IIHF as Goaltender of the Decade for 2010–2020. After Sochi, she made history again by becoming the first woman to play — and record a shutout — in a men’s professional hockey league in North America.
As Associate Director of the Cleveland Flames, Shannon brings Olympic pedigree, a relentless barrier-breaking spirit, and an extraordinary ability to teach the game with precision and clarity — making her an unmatched mentor and example for every young player in this program.
Email: Shannon@ohiohockeyproject.com
Director of Development: Charlie Cook
Charlie Cook brings over a decade of professional hockey experience and a passion for player development to the Cleveland Flames. A native of Port Huron, Michigan, Charlie played his college hockey at Cornell University, where he earned NCAA East Second All-American honors and an ECAC Championship before signing with the Philadelphia Phantoms of the AHL, where he was part of a Calder Cup Championship team.
From there, Charlie built an impressive professional career that took him across some of Europe’s most competitive leagues, including Finland’s Liiga, Germany’s DEL, and Sweden’s Allsvenskan. Over ten years as a pro, he gained a breadth of experience that few development coaches can match — competing at the highest levels of the game on two continents.
What sets Charlie apart is what he does with that experience on the ice. Known for his positive, confidence-driven approach, Charlie has a natural ability to connect with players and help them unlock their potential. His philosophy is simple and powerful: trust your training.
As a father of daughters, Charlie’s commitment to the Cleveland Flames runs deeper than hockey development — it’s personal. He is deeply passionate about growing the women’s game and creating an environment where every girl who laces up has every opportunity to thrive.
Email: Charlie@ohiohockeyproject.com
Director of Program Strategy: Russ Sinkewich
Russ Sinkewich is the heartbeat of Cleveland hockey. Born and raised in Westlake, Ohio, Russ has spent his entire career as a passionate ambassador for the sport and the city — playing at every level Cleveland has to offer, from the CSHL and AAA youth hockey with the Cleveland Americans, to St. Edward High School, Division I hockey at Bowling Green State University, and a seven-year professional career that included time with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL.
A graduate of BGSU with a degree in Sport Management and a minor in Business Entrepreneurship, Russ brings nearly two decades of experience in player development, skill coaching, and program-building to the Cleveland Flames. As founder and head coach of the Ohio Hockey Project, he has built one of Northeast Ohio’s most respected youth hockey development organizations from the ground up.
As a father of a daughter and a lifelong advocate for the game, Russ brings a deep personal passion for growing women’s hockey in Northeast Ohio — and with the Cleveland Flames, he plans to build a platform for girls in the area to play at an elite level.
Email: Russ@ohiohockeyproject.com