Mikhail Grabovski, a former NHL standout - with a career spanning the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, New York Islanders, and the Belarusian National team, brings his relentless passion and vast experience to Nitro Hockey.

Drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 2004, Grabovski won the Calder Cup for Montreal's AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs. He led all NHL Eastern Conference rookies in scoring during his first full season for the Toronto Maples, ultimately playing over 500 games in the NHL.

After retiring, Mikhail coached with Dynamo Minsk in the KHL, and led the Belarus National Team to victory, winning the Channel One Cup, as GM. Now, he dedicates himself to developing young talent through his efforts in youth hockey development with the U8 Northern Saints and Markham Waxers U14 AAA.

"Since the beginning of my hockey career, I have always been very interested in the coaching process. It can be a very creative - a skill I used a lot as a player, creating new plays or drills for my line. The study of performance on and off the ice has always fascinated me. I have years of research compiled in my notebooks from every season of my career. I have brought the best lessons from a long list of amazing coaches, and continue to question and iterate on their work."

Despite his stature as one of the smaller players on the ice during his playing days, Grabovski's skill, tenacity, and strategic mindset have made him not only a fan favorite but also a trusted mentor for those seeking to excel in the sport. Dedicated to shaping the next generation of hockey players, every Nitro session is powered by his passion, attention to detail, and commitment to driving player growth. He doesn’t just teach skills, he inspires resilience, sharpens minds and builds a foundation of excellence that players carry with them on and off the ice. At Nitro Hockey, Grabovski’s hands on approach transforms potential into performance.

Nikolay Kulemin brings over a decade of NHL experience and a championship-winning career to Nitro Hockey, offering players a rare opportunity to learn from one of the game’s most consistent and respected pros. Known for his relentless work ethic, calm demeanor, and patient, detail-driven approach, Kulemin blends world-class playing experience with a deep passion for teaching the next generation.

Kulemin began his career with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, winning the Russian Super League championship in 2007 and earning League MVP honors that same year. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kulemin quickly established himself as a versatile, dependable forward, highlighted by his 30-goal season in 2010-11 — a rare feat for a two-way player. His NHL career spanned nearly 700 games with the Leafs and Islanders, where his combination of work ethic, defensive awareness, and offensive touch made him a trusted presence in any situation.

On the international stage, Kulemin represented Russia at the highest levels, earning World Championship gold medals in 2012 and 2014, along with a silver medal in 2015. His ability to contribute in all three zones — from shutting down top lines to delivering in key offensive moments — earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans worldwide.

"My approach has always been simple — show up every day ready to work, stay patient, and focus on the small details that separate good players from great ones. That’s what I want to pass on to every player I work with."

At Nitro Hockey, Coach Kulemin’s championship mindset, professional approach, and quiet intensity set the tone for every session. Players learn not just how to play the game, but how to think it, prepare for it, and compete with purpose — lessons forged over a career at the sport’s highest level.

Ilya Spektor brings a wealth of international playing and coaching experience to Nitro Hockey, combining deep technical knowledge with a passion for player development. With over 22 years of hockey experience across Russia, the United States, and Israel, Ilya’s journey from elite player to sought-after coach has been defined by dedication, adaptability, and a relentless drive to help players unlock their potential.

A champion both on and off the ice, Ilya’s playing career saw him crowned a 2014-15 NA3EHL Champion in Junior A hockey, followed by back-to-back World Championship (D2B) appearances from 2021 to 2023. Most recently, he added IEHL Champion (2021-23) and Israel Champion (2023-24) to his resume — achievements that speak to both his leadership and competitive spirit.

Armed with a BA in Physical Education in Sport, as well as coaching and fitness diplomas, Ilya combines formal education with over 10 years of hands-on coaching experience, spanning youth development to national teams. His coaching success includes leading U12 and U15 teams to gold medals in Sweden in 2023, serving as Head Coach for Israel’s U16 National Team, and Assistant Coach for Israel’s U18 National Team.

"Coaching is a balance of science and creativity. I’m always studying performance — how players move, how they think, how they adapt under pressure — and I believe that developing strong habits early is the key to long-term success. Every player has their own path, and my role is to guide, challenge, and support them at every step."

At Nitro Hockey, Coach Ilya’s global perspective, attention to detail, and ability to connect with players of all backgrounds make him an invaluable part of the development team. His approach isn’t just about improving skills — it’s about building adaptable, confident players ready to thrive in any environment.