Sep 13, 2025 | Martin Steele | 61 views
Skills development program for the 2025/26 season
The new skills development program for the 2025/26 season will focus on skating fundamentals for U7 & U9.
Skating Fundamentals U7
We start from the beginning. The focus isn’t puck handling or speed. We will focus on balance with both feet, singularly and together. We will teach them to get up and down efficiently. An introduction to true edge work ultimately leads to an efficient and confident stride. No pucks will be used with this age group. This is where we want to build their skating foundations, eliminate bad habits and crutches, and truly develop a strong base. Slow, repetitive, and proper so we can steer them on the right path. The main goal for this U7 group is to build a base of balance and confidence.
Skating Fundamentals U9
There will be a strong focus on edge work and an introduction to speed. Generating speed through proper edge work without wasting unnecessary energy. Using our edges to maintain body position against an opponent. Transition work will be part of these sessions as well. With the focus on not losing speed and becoming more fluent with their momentum. In the later sessions we will introduce pucks and again, focus on efficiency. The difference between advancing the puck and over handling the puck. The more the hands move, the less the feet move. The main goal for this U9 group is to have them moving fluidly and no longer thinking about their feet.
Skates will take place every other Tuesday @ 4pm - Erickson Arena, and will run from October to February. Cost is $80 for all 10 skates.
Please email [email protected] to register.
Group 1
Oct 1, 15, 29 • Nov 12, 26 • Dec 10 • Jan. 7, 21 • Feb. 4, 18
Group 2
Oct 8, 22 • Nov. 5, 19 • Dec 3, 17 • Jan 14, 28 • Feb 11, 25