Hockey Skill Center

The Hockey Skill Center is where athletes will work on developing foot speed, strength and flexibility with tools such as slide boards, agility ladders, BOSU balls and other hockey specific training tools. There are three different off-ice training areas within the Hockey Skill Center; the synthetic ice, a plyometric training area and the Skating Treadmill.

The synthetic ice is designed for players to work on shooting, passing, stick handling and skating. It offers the ability to mimic on-ice training using off-ice skills. Players are able to turn, stop, and start as they would on a regular ice surface. With a speed lane for explosive stride development, two specialized goalie stations for individual and small group drills, three shooting stations and a specialized stick handling area, the synthetic ice is an exceptional hockey training tool.

Plyometrics play a considerable part of the training at The Hockey Academy. A specialized plyometric area allows players the ability to work solely on agility, balance and power. To develop agility and quickness, quick feet drills are implemented through the use of agility ladders and small cones. There are stability balls and BOSU balls to perform core strengthening exercises and to work on balance. Complimented by the effective use of large hurdles and plyo boxes, slide boards are frequently used to develop leg-generated power for a more explosive stride.

The Skating Treadmill that accompanies off-ice training is ideal for all levels of skaters.  It is designed to improve stride frequency, stride length and develop overall endurance. With its controlled atmosphere, athletes easily receive constant individual instruction, feedback and evaluation from Hockey Academy trainers and coaches.