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Meet the Coaches
Join Our Hockey Community Today
Bringing the WORLD of HOCKEY to YOU!
Welcome to European Hockey Tours! Founded by Zac Pearson, our mission is to combine the thrill of hockey with the excitement of travel, creating unforgettable experiences for youth players. With incredible destinations like Stockholm, Gothenburg, Opola, and Krakow, you’ll explore the heart of European hockey culture. Our dedicated team, including a full-time travel agent and local tour guides, ensures every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying the adventure that awaits!
Girls Coach Madison Paydos
We are thrilled to welcome Madison Paydos as our Head Coach for the summer. Madison is entering her fourth season coaching in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council with Vermont Academy, where she has played a key role in developing competitive and well-rounded student-athletes. Madison began her coaching career at her alma mater, Utica University, serving as an assistant. Prior to coaching at Utica, she competed at the NCAA Division III level as both a defender and forward, showcasing her versatility and leadership on the ice. Before her NCAA career, Madison played prep hockey for Vermont Academy, where she skated alongside current PWHL star Chloe Aurard (Boston Fleet) and 2025 #1 PWHL draft pick Kristýna Kaltounková. With a true passion for coaching and mentoring young athletes, Madison believes that one of the best ways to experience a culture is by fully immersing yourself in it. She views playing internationally as a unique opportunity to build new connections, grow as an athlete, and embrace new experiences. Madison is incredibly excited to be joining our staff this summer and looks forward to working with the athletes who will be part of this program!
Boys Coach Zac Pearson
Zac Pearson was born in White Lake, Mi and now resides in Decatur, Illinois where he lives with his three kids. Zac has 30 years of hockey experience in a variety of leagues. Zac grew up playing AAA in Detroit for Little Caesars, where he then left for the USHL Cedar Rapids Roughriders. After one year in the USHL Zac went to get a Division 1 scholarship to Ferris State University in the CCHA where he played four years on the varsity program and received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Zac went on to play 6 years of pro hockey in various leagues. After 6 years of playing professionally Zac received an opportunity to coach, which he gladly accepted. Zac Coached Junior A and also in the professional ranks of the CHL and the SPHL, where to this day he is the only player, Head Coach, and Asst. Coach in the SPHL all in the same season. Zac is now the owner of the Decatur Blaze of the USPHL Premier and Elite Teams, where he also coaches. Zac’s vast network and knowledge has allowed him to help many kids improve their hockey skills and get to the next level in their playing careers. Coach Pearson's love of Hockey and Travel inspired him to start European Hockey Tours 5 years ago and he has been traveling since. Having taken over 200 Players on their "Trips of a Lifetime" he hopes that you and your family are the next to take advantage of the amazing opportunity.
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