Sometimes a player may need more then hockey camps to really understand how he or she can improve their game. Individualized attention can benefit many players because of less distractions, constant direction and motivation from an experienced instructor.
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HPD Testimonials
Read what Coaches, Parents, Students have to say about Hockey Player Development: Camps, On your ice training, Private lessons, Clinics, and Team Practices run by HPD.
IRON CROSS: Hockey Player Development version of the iron cross demonstrated here by Nick Parillo. This drill can be done using the same pattern with or without the puck. Also forward to backward and just backward with or without a puck can be administered using this same pattern. This drill is a great drill to quicken feet as well as concentrate on form. Staying low around turns with your stick always in front of you is essential in acceleration out of these turns. More bend with inside leg or (leg closes to pile on) translates into better extension out of turn and equals more acceleration throughout this drill.
Iain Duncan & Nick Parillo 8 Cone Warmup
"I trust Hockey Player Development training techniques with my son Adam."
Nicklas Lidstrom # 5 Captain Detroit Red Wings
"Nick and his staff at Hockey Player Development do a very good job training and working with the kids. They are committed hockey professionals who possess a solid grasp of the important teaching principles and develop a great rapport with their students. I like the environnment they create of hardwork, learning, competition and fun on and off the ice."
Dan MacKinnon Director of Player Personnel Pittsburgh Penguins
HPD Featured Clinic of the month: Overspeed Clinic runs eight consecutive weeks total throughout June and July. One hour of dryland precedes every practice. The Overspeed clinic is designed for elite players wanting to get an edge for the upcoming season.
Proven NHL training methods will be used on ice. Mandatory workout program will be implemented for off clinic days.
Coaches have Hockey Player Development come and run your teams practice!!
If your team is looking to get an edge this season we can help.
The plan is simple.......
Just Contact us with some ideas on what your team has been lacking this season, give us a day and time of your desired practice session.
Hockey Player Developments experienced staff will set up and run a team practice on that day and time.
A Note From HPD (10/10/2011):
Shooting Tips by Player Development's former NHL player Iain Duncan
- Quickness of a shot's release plays a huge factor in goal scoring, and the 1 time shot is the epitome of quick release - To take a 1 time shot, the player must first move feet to position the body for the shot - This is done by opening up when on the off-wing side. Position the body so that puck approach is between the shooter's skates, ideally just inside the front foot - Slide the bottom hand down the stick shaft and firm up the grip - The player brings the stick blade back 12 to 24 inches - Timing is the key to this shot: at the appropriate moment, the stick blade is brought down and forward making contact with the ice 3 to 6 inches behind the puck - Rotate the hips and shoulder toward the target - Use a push/pull action with the arms as you strike the puck and snap the wrists forward on contact - Follow through with stick pointing at the intended target
A Note From Nick Parillo (1/31/2011):
1/31/2011
Hi everyone hope your hockey seasons are going well....
Equipment issues?
I get a lot of questions from hockey parents from time to time regarding various equipment issues. So I have decided to summarize and list to the best of my knowledge all the basic equipment needed in hopes to help out with the purchasing process of new or used equipment. As you will find out quickly buying hockey equipment is unfortunately not a one time expense. As your child grows and new “larger” equipment is required you will find prices dramatically increase in size as well. Also to add to this expense, advances in equipment and other advertized so called “safety features” enable companies to raise prices and monopolize on supply and demand in the industry. Endorsements made to professional athletes have a significant effect on this industries demand. For instance once a company gives a star NHL player endorsement money to use a new stick, shortly after your player will be asking for that same one! Your kids unknowingly will make these companies rich, the companies know it and even you know it but it still happens! The other day I was in the pro-shop looking for a stick for my son when he says “dad this is the same kind Crosby uses” just what that company was planning on.... and of course I bought him the $100+ junior stick. I wanted to tell him “son its not the stick” but you and I both have been in this situation and I bet if your not guilty for it yet, you will be eventually.
Well enough of the obvious lets get down to the specifics and a checklist that I have created for all you new hockey parents looking to make your child's hockey experience not only fun but safe as well....
Skates – Probably without a doubt the most important piece of equipment for your hockey player. Buying used skates is an option but very debatable. Many people will tell you never buy used skates for your child, not only will the boot be molded to the last persons foot, the radius of hollow on the steel of the skate will be catered to that players style of game. For players just starting out used skates might be an option, but I will have to recommend new skates for players past the introductory levels of the game. The boot itself should fit comfortably but not loose which would allow skin to rub on the inside of the skate causing painful blisters. Also skate size is different then shoe size a typical brand name skate will fit on average two shoe sizes less. For instance I wear a 10R for a shoe size and fit into a 7 1/2R skate size. After purchasing your skates you will be given the option of “baking” your skates. This is usually a good idea, most stores have skate ovens that warm your new skate up in order to mold the leather to your foot. Ultimately this makes the breaking in process less of an issue, on average it takes 3-4 good skating sessions to really start to feel comfortable in your new skates. I touched a bit earlier on skate blade Radius of Hollow that I will abbreviate ROH. ROH determines the bite angle of each blade edge, which in turn determines the performance characteristics of the blade. For instance a 3/8” ROH will cut the ice much more than a 1” ROH. I recommend most beginners to start with a 5/8” or 3/4” ROH. When the player gets older it is then a personal preference, however the most common choice of ROH is 1/2” which happens to be the most common used in the NHL. Finally, tightening of your players skate is an important and tedious job but the end result ankle support is worth the back ache. Too many times have I seen a child come out on the ice with his or her ankles bent in. This game is hard enough to learn without having to try and balance without the support of a properly tied skate. Trust me besides the given support from a quality skate this can make a big difference in utilizing and learning to properly use your edges on the ice. Wax laces seem to help for those parents that might have trouble getting those little ones skates tight enough. With that being said the other extreme “skates that are too tight” can result in damaging tendons located against the upper tongue of the skate. When this happens what we call “skate bite” can occur which is a very painful aggravation of the tendon and sometimes requires a gel pad to fit in between injured area and skate. As you can see a proper balance needs to be met between tight, loose and personal preference before hitting the ice with those skates. The best way to meet this compromise is to simply ask your player before he hits the ice “do they feel tight enough?”or “are they too tight?”.
Athletic Cup- Not much to say here except this piece of equipment is not only for boys but girls should definitely wear as well.
Garter Belt- This item fits around players waist and helps to keep those hockey socks up. Adjustment is required to make sure socks are firmly kept high enough up over shin pads.
Shin Guards- These items are used to protect shin from sticks and pucks, they should fit from knee to ankle. I prefer to tape these in place even if velcro straps are included.
Pants- Provided protection from hips down to top or mid-line of knee.
Shoulder Pads- Provide protection for your shoulders, upper arms, chest, upper back and collar bone. Parents this is undoubtedly an important piece of equipment but at times I see parents go over board with this item. Shoulder pads that are too big can result in restriction of movement and ultimately injury because of not properly fitting over areas that need protection. Obviously on the other extreme lets stay away from weak and flimsy fitting shoulder pads that cannot give the proper protection needed. Please seek the advice from a knowledgeable source at the pro-shop if in doubt for this piece of equipment.
Elbow Pads- This piece of equipment should protect the area between the top of the elbow pad to the top of the glove. Again, it is important for proper sizing – especially as the skater grows.
Gloves- For proper protection the glove should extend to the lower portion of elbow pads protecting the lower arm and wrists. A moderate amount of room should be left at the fingertips to allow growth and movement. Gloves that fit too tight can not only result in injury but can prohibit proper movement with stick.
Helmet- USA hockey has stringent rules and regulations for proper fitting helmets. This is one piece of equipment never to cut corners with. Please ask for pro-shop assistance with any questions regarding proper fit, straps and masks.
Neck Guard- USA hockey regulations require neck guards. This piece of equipment can prevent severe injuries to the neck. It guards primarily against stick blades and skate blades. During a hockey game or practice I would recommend your player wear this at all times.
Mouth Guard- USA hockey regulations require a mouth guard to be worn at all times. Mouth guards can be attached to the mask portion of the helmet.
Sticks- A major personal preference item. Weight, flex, curve, and grip are all stick components that you must take into consideration when purchasing. For beginners I suggest you pick a stick with a near straight blade. This will require you to use more wrist when controlling the puck, young players do not need big curves since they do not have the acquired wrist strength or skill to use them yet. Also, for beginners the standard length of a stick with your skates on should extend from the toe of the blade touching the ground to your chin. With street shoes on the “butt end” of the stick should extend to the players nose.
