Dogramaci, Michaud Excited to Participate in Coyotes Coaching Internship

Sera Dogramaci and Alfie Michaud may hail from very different backgrounds, but this week's rookie development camp at the Ice Den in Scottsdale offers them an experience they'll take in as colleagues.

Dogramaci and Michaud were both selected as participants in the Coyotes' third-annual Coaching Internship Program, and will spend the week shadowing the coaching staff, led by André Tourigny, taking part in daily coaching and player meetings, and assisting the staff with on-ice drills. They will also each serve as assistant coaches and be on the benches for the Coyotes Black & White scrimmage on Friday, July 7.

Previous participants include Kelsey Koelzer and Kori Cheverie (2022), and Nathaniel Brooks and Duante' Abercrombie (2021). Brooks was hired by the Coyotes as a skill development coach prior to the 2022-23 NHL season.

"This is something we've done, it's the third year running, and it gives coaches a chance to come in and see what it's like to be with an NHL organization," General Manager Bill Armstrong said. "I love the impact they can have when they go back to their teams and their communities and just pass along that knowledge."

Dogramaci serves as Ice Hockey Australia's Goaltender Development Manager, where she both coaches and serves as a mentor for goalies of all levels. She said hockey continues to be in its infancy in Australia, and even the higher-ranking positions serve as volunteers.

She learned of the opportunity from Coyotes High Performance Director Devan McConnell and said she's excited to take what she learns this week to help grow the game even further in Australia.

"This is such an honor and I'm so grateful for the opportunity," Dogramaci said. "We have nothing at this level in Australia, so for me, it's just amazing to be here and soak it all up and see what I can take back and make realistic at home."

Michaud also comes from the goaltending ranks, and has accumulated decades of experience in various capacities between the pipes. He played two games with the Vancouver Canucks during the 1999-00 season, and also spent time in the AHL, IHL, and ECHL following three seasons at the University of Maine (NCAA).

He now acts as an assistant coach with the Black Bears, a team he helped to a national title in 1999.

"It's a great honor for sure," Michaud said. "I can't thank the Coyotes enough for this opportunity, and just to come here and try to soak in as much as I can, learn, and hopefully be able to take something back to our club and help our program."

The Selkirk, Manitoba native is also the first-ever member of Canada's First Nation to participate in the internship program, and said he's looking forward to sharing his knowledge to help grow the game even further.

Tourigny said Arizona's internship program is mutually beneficial, and he and his staff are excited to welcome Michaud and Dogramaci to the team.

"We want to make it as comfortable as possible for them," he said. "We want them to feel at home. So far it's been really good. Great networking, talking with those people, and they've been part of the discussion, so I think it's pretty cool."

Both Michaud and Dogramaci have said the week is already off to a great start, and they're looking forward to everything that's in store as camp progresses on.

"I'm so excited to be around great coaches, great people, and a great organization," Michaud said. "I'm here to learn as much as I can and take it back, and hopefully help our club."