sharpen your edge.
shape the game.
The Core Seven Framework™ helps elite coaches master the human side of hockey—connecting authentically with players, uniting teams when it matters most, and shaping cultures that transform talent into championships.
don't talk about it.
be about it.
in your gut you know
Every season brings the same challenges.
Your messages don’t always land the way you intend them to, players tune out or shut down under pressure, a room that feels divided when you need it unified, captains who lead by example but won't drive the bus - the list goes on.
The game has evolved. Your leadership needs to evolve too.
Today's players respond differently. What motivated previous generations often falls flat now and you’re not the only coach who feels it. What if the solution isn't working harder—but leading differently?
the 7 zones of high impact leadership
Each zone builds on the others. Master them together, and your influence becomes unstoppable.
C7 framework™
For high impact leadership — a proven system that transforms how you lead, connect, and influence.
C7 index™
Reveals exactly where you stand as a leader and shows you the fastest path to where you want to be.
Leadership development that gets hockey
Three levels. One system. One clear edge.
tier 1
INDIVIDUAL FOCUS
The Coach’s Edge
Master your influence from the inside out.
tier 2
STAFF ALIGNMENT
Align & Amplify
One Voice. One Mission. Locked in.
tier 3
TEAM EDGE
The Championship Culture Blueprint
The deepest dive. The highest return.
Trusted by Coaches and Players Across the Game
“Kelly helped me understand the different ways people communicate and really lean into my own style. She has given me a simple system to confidently connect with my Assistant Coaches and players.”
- Mark O'Leary
Head Coach, Moosejaw Warriors, WHL
"Kelly Smales is one of the kindest, most trustworthy people I have in my life. She is easy to talk to and truly cares about you as a person. I became a better player having her in my corner.”
- Tyler Doig
Revolution Sport Conditioning, Owner AHL, ECHL, Italy-A, OHL
“During my hockey career, I lived with Kelly and Cam. I am fortunate to have received Kelly’s guidance and counsel over the years. I attribute much of my professional success to our honest conversations. She is a fantastic listener and gives excellent feedback. I can trust Kelly with anything.”
-Mike Caruso
Professional Hockey Player, NHL, AHL, ECHL, Austria, EIHL
I've been in your
corner since 2004
I'm kelly
I bring a unique perspective of hockey leadership through the eyes of being a billet “mom” for ten years and a billet coordinator for 7 years—serving as the confidential liaison between coaches, players, parents, and billets in junior hockey.
Specializing in leadership presence, communication, connection, and team dynamics, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. I understand the pressure you face. The stress of wondering if you're getting through. The weight of knowing your job depends on results—but real results come from people, not just plays.
that’s why i built the core seven Framework™
After working with corporate leaders and studying what separates good coaches from great ones, I developed a system that helps you master the one thing that matters most: your influence as a leader.
The Core Seven Framework™ brings structure and system to the human side of hockey leadership. It's a practical approach designed specifically for elite hockey coaches who need tools that work in today’s world of competitive hockey.
You’ve earned your success. You know great coaches don’t just lead — they grow. Core Seven helps you amplify your influence and unlock your team's full potential.
Don’t talk about it. BE about it.™
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