InsideEdge Hockey
InsideEdge Hockey is a group of advisors dedicated to helping hockey players reach their full
potential. InsideEdge works with players to navigate the process from high school to juniors and college. We offer a variety of services, including:
• Advising: We help hockey players find the right path to their hockey goals.
• Marketing: We help hockey players build their brand for junior and college teams.
• Personal Development: We provide hockey players with the tools and advice they
need to succeed on and off the ice.
We assist with advice and direction for players taking college credit classes. We also assist in guiding you with the NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse.
Our team of experienced professionals has a deep understanding of the hockey industry.
We are passionate about helping hockey players achieve their dreams, and we are committed to providing the best possible service.
InsideEdge Hockey
InsideEdge Hockey is a group of advisors dedicated to helping hockey players reach their full
potential. InsideEdge works with players to navigate the process from high school to juniors and college. We offer a variety of services, including:
• Advising: We help hockey players find the right path to their hockey goals.
• Marketing: We help hockey players build their brand for junior and college teams.
• Personal Development: We provide hockey players with the tools and advice they
need to succeed on and off the ice.
We assist with advice and direction for players taking college credit classes. We also assist in guiding you with the NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse.
Our team of experienced professionals has a deep understanding of the hockey industry.
We are passionate about helping hockey players achieve their dreams, and we are committed to providing the best possible service.
Our Mission
At InsideEdge, we believe in the following values:
• Excellence: We strive to provide the highest level of service to our clients.
• Integrity: We are committed to honesty and ethical behavior.
• Teamwork: We believe that we can achieve more together than we can apart.
• Passion: We are passionate about hockey and helping hockey players succeed.
Goals
Our goals at InsideEdge are to:
• Help hockey players reach their full potential.
• Provide the best possible service to our clients.
• Build a strong reputation in the hockey industry.
• Make a positive impact on the lives of hockey players.
We believe that InsideEdge can make a difference in the lives of hockey players. We are committed to providing the best possible service and helping hockey players reach their full potential.
Tony Michel
Founder & Player Representative
Minneapolis-St. Paul and Brainerd Lakes Area
Tony established InsideEdge Hockey as a vehicle to assist hockey players achieve their hockey potential. With long lasting relationships in hockey, Tony believes his team of representatives can work together to provide players options in their hockey journey.
Prior to advising hockey players, Tony was President of Pinnacle Financial Group. PFG provided accounts receivable services internationally with 4 call centers in the US and a near shore facility in St. Lucia. During this time, Tony was co-founder of the Waconia Hockey Association and was instrumental in seeing the Waconia Ice Arena and Victoria Field House come to fruition. Tony has been an on-ice official working youth, High School, Junior, and NCAA hockey games. He has served as a coach and board member in several hockey organizations. Tony is also Co-Founder of Da Beauty League. DaBL is a summer hockey league played by mostly NHL, high level amateur pro and high level D1 players at Braemar Arena in Edina, MN.
Patrick “Packy” Munson
Player Representative
Patrick “Packy” Munson joins InsideEdge Hockey following a playing career that included Junior, Division 1, and Professional hockey. He was a part of Championship teams with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in 2014 and the Denver Pioneers in 2017. Post playing career, Munson worked in junior hockey as both a General Manager and was an Assistant Coach on the 2023 Minnesota Wilderness Robertson Cup team. Packy’s brings a vast and wide range of hockey knowledge and experience and wants to continue his passion in helping players reach their full potential and playing at the highest level.
Cory Thorson
Player Representative
Cory just finished up his eighth season as an assistant coach for SJU (Saint John’s University – Collegeville, MN) in 2023-24. A 2014 graduate of St. Cloud State University, Thorson played four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey with the Huskies and scored 57 points (28g/29a) in 131 games. He was a member of the NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament team as the Huskies reached the NCAA Frozen Four in 2013. A native of Crystal, Minn., and a graduate of Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, Thorson totaled 110 points (57g/53a) in 129 games over two seasons with the Owatonna Express of the North American Hockey League before enrolling at SCSU. He was a nominee for the NAHL Player of the Year award in 2010.
Cory was the founder of the North Metro Star’s AAA program (Blaine, MN) from 2018-2022 where he coached 2008-2012 age group players. He is currently a Director for the Central Minnesota Star’s AAA Program (St. Cloud, MN) and has been with the program since 2023.
Cory currently resides in the St. Cloud area.
Brock Kautz
Player Representative
Trevor Stewart
Player Representative
Danny Kristo
Player Representative
Born and raised in Eden Prairie, MN, Danny Kristo carved a path to hockey prominence early on. Through the US National Team Development Program (2006-2008), Kristo laid the groundwork for a dynamic career that would see him drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft (2nd Round, 56th Overall).
Kristo chose to deepen his skills and education at the University of North Dakota (2009-2013), where he made an immediate impact by winning the WCHA Rookie of the Year and CHN Freshman of the Year in 2010. His college tenure was further distinguished by becoming a Hobey Baker finalist, tying for NCAA Point Leader, and earning All-American honors in 2013.
Internationally, Kristo has represented the United States with distinction, becoming an IIHF Bronze Medalist at the U18s, a Gold Medalist at the U20s, and again a Bronze Medalist at the Men’s World Championship.
In professional play, Kristo showcased his scoring ability in the AHL (2013-2017), hitting the 20-goal mark in three seasons. He then took his talents to Europe, spending seven years competing in elite leagues such as the KHL, SHL, Swiss A, Czech Republic Extra Liga, and EIHL, further enriching his playing experience and skill set.
Angela Zevnik Girtz
Player Representative
• Current on ice instructor and co-owner of Forte (2020-present)
Elite hockey training and opportunities
• Former assistant coach/video coach with the Minnesota Whitecaps (2022-2023)
• Former assistant coach with the Chinese National Program (2019-2020)
• Former assistant coach at Breck School (2014-2018)
2018 State Champions
• Over 10 years of coaching experience, including youth, high school, and international
• Former collegiate athlete at Saint Anselm College (2008-2012)
ECAC Women’s Open Champion; Team Captain
ECAC All Conference Team; Leadership Committee
Most Improved Player Award
Other Hockey Related Experience:
• Upper Midwest HS – Elite League Hockey Coach and Evaluator (2014-2020)
• OS Hockey on ice and bench instructor (2014-2020)
• High Performance (HP) Evaluator (2016)
Sydney Baldwin
Player Representative
Growing up in Minnesota, Sydney played youth and high school hockey in Minnetonka, MN before going on to play at the University of Minnesota from 2014-2018. With Minnetonka, Syd was a three time AAA High school hockey state champion and recognized as Ms. Hockey in 2014. During her time with the Gophers, she was a two time NCAA Women’s Hockey National Champion. As a captain of the Gophers during her senior season, she was recognized as the WCHA player of the year & defensive player of the year and was named an AHCA 2018 first team All-American in 2018. Throughout her collegiate experience, she coached various levels and programs during the off-season
Following her senior season, Sydney went on to play hockey for the Vienna Sabre’s in the EWHL and later on became an assistant coach with the Chinese National Olympic Women’s Hockey team and subsequently coached three season at St. Catherines in St.Paul. Sydney finished out her professional career playing several seasons with the Minnesota Whitecaps and most recently attended the Nashville Predators Player Development Camp in July 2023. Throughout her playing and coaching careers, Sydney has found a passion for influencing and developing female hockey players and supporting them in their journey to the next level.
Evan Janssen
Player Representative
Hal Tearse
Player Representative
Hal’s D1 hockey career was sidelined after an injury, but it resulted in what would become a lifelong passion: coaching. A coaching opportunity was offered to him and that was the beginning of a five-decade coaching career that spans NCAA college, USHL, Tier 2 Juniors, high school boys, girls U15 and high school, and youth hockey at all levels. His teams have participated in five national tournaments and six state tournaments, winning several of those tournaments. Hal has also coached in USA Hockey development camps at the regional and national levels as well as the National Sports Festival pre-Olympic evaluation program before professional players were allowed to play in the Olympics. Many of Hal’s players have gone on to D1, D3 and professional careers. He also has had many former players connect after their playing careers for advice on areas of coaching and business world opportunities.
During his eight-year role as Coach-in-Chief for Minnesota Hockey, Hal pioneered the use of video to incorporate into coach education programs in Minnesota and worldwide. Hal has also authored over one hundred articles about coaching, player development and coaching education that have been published worldwide.
While Hal has vast experience among all the levels of hockey, his numerous years as a junior coach provides insight of what it takes to play at that level — giving him the ability to help high school players find the right fit to advance their playing career. Hal has deep resources for development programs to address the specific needs of a player so they can reach their full potential.
Garrett Daly
Player Representative
Sam Fuss
Player Representative
Sam grew up in Edina, MN and played his high school hockey there as well where he was fortunate enough to win a state championship in 2014. After High School Sam went on to play junior hockey for the Minot Minotauros in the NAHL and the Cedar Rapids Roughriders in the USHL. He committed to play D1 hockey at Niagara University after his time in Cedar Rapids, but after a semester decided to return to junior hockey where he finished his junior career with Minot.
Tony Michel
President & Player Representative
Minneapolis-St. Paul and Brainerd Lakes Area
Tony established InsideEdge Hockey as a vehicle to assist hockey players achieve their hockey potential. With long lasting relationships in hockey, Tony believes his team of representatives can work together to provide players options in their hockey journey.
Prior to advising hockey players, Tony was President of Pinnacle Financial Group. PFG provided accounts receivable services internationally with 4 call centers in the US and a near shore facility in St. Lucia. During this time, Tony was co-founder of the Waconia Hockey Association and was instrumental in seeing the Waconia Ice Arena and Victoria Field House come to fruition. Tony has been an on-ice official working youth, High School, Junior, and NCAA hockey games. He has served as a coach and board member in several hockey organizations. Tony is also Co-Founder of Da Beauty League. DaBL is a summer hockey league played by mostly NHL, high level amateur pro and high level D1 players at Braemar Arena in Edina, MN.
Patrick “Packy” Munson
Player Representative
Patrick “Packy” Munson joins InsideEdge Hockey following a playing career that included Junior, Division 1, and Professional hockey. He was a part of Championship teams with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in 2014 and the Denver Pioneers in 2017. Post playing career, Munson worked in junior hockey as both a General Manager and was an Assistant Coach on the 2023 Minnesota Wilderness Robertson Cup team. Packy’s brings a vast and wide range of hockey knowledge and experience and wants to continue his passion in helping players reach their full potential and playing at the highest level.
Cory Thorson
Player Representative
Cory just finished up his eighth season as an assistant coach for SJU (Saint John’s University – Collegeville, MN) in 2023-24. A 2014 graduate of St. Cloud State University, Thorson played four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey with the Huskies and scored 57 points (28g/29a) in 131 games. He was a member of the NCAA Midwest Regional All-Tournament team as the Huskies reached the NCAA Frozen Four in 2013. A native of Crystal, Minn., and a graduate of Robbinsdale Armstrong High School, Thorson totaled 110 points (57g/53a) in 129 games over two seasons with the Owatonna Express of the North American Hockey League before enrolling at SCSU. He was a nominee for the NAHL Player of the Year award in 2010.
Cory was the founder of the North Metro Star’s AAA program (Blaine, MN) from 2018-2022 where he coached 2008-2012 age group players. He is currently a Director for the Central Minnesota Star’s AAA Program (St. Cloud, MN) and has been with the program since 2023.
Cory currently resides in the St. Cloud area.
Brock Kautz
Player Representative
Trevor Stewart
Player Representative
Danny Kristo
Player Representative
Born and raised in Eden Prairie, MN, Danny Kristo carved a path to hockey prominence early on. Through the US National Team Development Program (2006-2008), Kristo laid the groundwork for a dynamic career that would see him drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft (2nd Round, 56th Overall).
Kristo chose to deepen his skills and education at the University of North Dakota (2009-2013), where he made an immediate impact by winning the WCHA Rookie of the Year and CHN Freshman of the Year in 2010. His college tenure was further distinguished by becoming a Hobey Baker finalist, tying for NCAA Point Leader, and earning All-American honors in 2013.
Internationally, Kristo has represented the United States with distinction, becoming an IIHF Bronze Medalist at the U18s, a Gold Medalist at the U20s, and again a Bronze Medalist at the Men’s World Championship.
In professional play, Kristo showcased his scoring ability in the AHL (2013-2017), hitting the 20-goal mark in three seasons. He then took his talents to Europe, spending seven years competing in elite leagues such as the KHL, SHL, Swiss A, Czech Republic Extra Liga, and EIHL, further enriching his playing experience and skill set.
Angela Zevnik Girtz
Player Representative
• Current on ice instructor and co-owner of Forte (2020-present)
Elite hockey training and opportunities
• Former assistant coach/video coach with the Minnesota Whitecaps (2022-2023)
• Former assistant coach with the Chinese National Program (2019-2020)
• Former assistant coach at Breck School (2014-2018)
2018 State Champions
• Over 10 years of coaching experience, including youth, high school, and international
• Former collegiate athlete at Saint Anselm College (2008-2012)
ECAC Women’s Open Champion; Team Captain
ECAC All Conference Team; Leadership Committee
Most Improved Player Award
Other Hockey Related Experience:
• Upper Midwest HS – Elite League Hockey Coach and Evaluator (2014-2020)
• OS Hockey on ice and bench instructor (2014-2020)
• High Performance (HP) Evaluator (2016)
Sydney Baldwin
Player Representative
Growing up in Minnesota, Sydney played youth and high school hockey in Minnetonka, MN before going on to play at the University of Minnesota from 2014-2018. With Minnetonka, Syd was a three time AAA High school hockey state champion and recognized as Ms. Hockey in 2014. During her time with the Gophers, she was a two time NCAA Women’s Hockey National Champion. As a captain of the Gophers during her senior season, she was recognized as the WCHA player of the year & defensive player of the year and was named an AHCA 2018 first team All-American in 2018. Throughout her collegiate experience, she coached various levels and programs during the off-season
Following her senior season, Sydney went on to play hockey for the Vienna Sabre’s in the EWHL and later on became an assistant coach with the Chinese National Olympic Women’s Hockey team and subsequently coached three season at St. Catherines in St.Paul. Sydney finished out her professional career playing several seasons with the Minnesota Whitecaps and most recently attended the Nashville Predators Player Development Camp in July 2023. Throughout her playing and coaching careers, Sydney has found a passion for influencing and developing female hockey players and supporting them in their journey to the next level.
Evan Janssen
Player Representative
Hal Tearse
Player Representative
Hal’s D1 hockey career was sidelined after an injury, but it resulted in what would become a lifelong passion: coaching. A coaching opportunity was offered to him and that was the beginning of a five-decade coaching career that spans NCAA college, USHL, Tier 2 Juniors, high school boys, girls U15 and high school, and youth hockey at all levels. His teams have participated in five national tournaments and six state tournaments, winning several of those tournaments. Hal has also coached in USA Hockey development camps at the regional and national levels as well as the National Sports Festival pre-Olympic evaluation program before professional players were allowed to play in the Olympics. Many of Hal’s players have gone on to D1, D3 and professional careers. He also has had many former players connect after their playing careers for advice on areas of coaching and business world opportunities.
During his eight-year role as Coach-in-Chief for Minnesota Hockey, Hal pioneered the use of video to incorporate into coach education programs in Minnesota and worldwide. Hal has also authored over one hundred articles about coaching, player development and coaching education that have been published worldwide.
While Hal has vast experience among all the levels of hockey, his numerous years as a junior coach provides insight of what it takes to play at that level — giving him the ability to help high school players find the right fit to advance their playing career. Hal has deep resources for development programs to address the specific needs of a player so they can reach their full potential.
Garrett Daly
Player Representative
Sam Fuss
Player Representative
Sam grew up in Edina, MN and played his high school hockey there as well where he was fortunate enough to win a state championship in 2014. After High School Sam went on to play junior hockey for the Minot Minotauros in the NAHL and the Cedar Rapids Roughriders in the USHL. He committed to play D1 hockey at Niagara University after his time in Cedar Rapids, but after a semester decided to return to junior hockey where he finished his junior career with Minot.