Learn to Play/In-House Hockey Programs
The Connecticut Clippers offer a Learn-To-Play-Hockey program designed for children ages 4-14 years old. Ideally, this program is designed for kids who have completed the required levels in a Learn-To-Skate (for hockey) program, also offered at Champions Skating Center. Learn-To-Play skaters should be able to remain upright and balanced while standing stationary, and be able to perform a basic skating stride with minimal falling down. They should be able to skate forward at a quick pace and be able to perform a control turn to change direction from both sides.The focus of the program is on developing sound fundamental skating skills for playing the game of ice-hockey. Kids will continue to build on their skating abilities, learning the basics of forward and backward skating, crossing over, pivoting, and developing a stronger skating style. Participants will also begin to learn the basics of puck control - stick handling, passing, and shooting.
There are three to four successive eight-week sessions that run throughout the year - typically from September through November, November through January, January through March, and possibly March through May.
For those who wish to begin playing formal ice hockey games in established leagues and organizations, the recommendation, especially at the early ages, is to participate in the Learn-To-Play-Hockey program and complete all sessions before moving to the In-House Hockey program.
As repetition is key for muscle memory and proper skating development, it is highly recommended that participants stay in the program for the duration of all sessions before moving on to the In-House-Hockey program. It is better to master some of the essential skating skills, rather than to rush from the program to start playing in games without sufficient skating skills.
Once a player develops the balance and agility necessary for skating, it's time to move to the In-House Hockey program, where players continue to perform drills necessary for balance and agility, coupled with drills designed to increase speed and power. Players then move onto puck-handling, passing, and shooting drills to be combined with their skating abilities. As the In-House sessions progress, players will begin to play in cross-ice games, and eventually full-ice hockey competition, where they begin to learn the rules of the game.
From this point, ideally at the ages of 6-8, players can try out for travel hockey at the Mite level. Depending on skill and ability, players will be placed on either an “A” or “B” team to play within their level of competition throughout the state.
LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY
Click here for a Learn to Play Information sheet!This program is designed for all youngsters, regardless of age. Fundamental skating and hockey skills are taught in a fun learning environment . The program will be held for one hour , one weeknight per week. Four sessions will be offered, beginning in September and ending in March.
The objectives of the program are:
· Provide an enjoyable introduction and experience in ice hockey.
· Provide a healthy atmosphere for fun and learning.
· Teach the basic fundamentals of playing hockey.
· Encourage the players to enjoy, learn AND continue to play hockey.
Cost: $125.00 per 8 week session
» Click here for the 2007-08 Schedule
IN-HOUSE PROGRAM
Click here for an In-House Information sheet!This program is designed as an extension of Learn to Play, geared toward all skaters, regardless of age, who have completed a Learn to Play program and are ready for the next level. The program will offer three hours of ice per week, consisting of one practice sheet on a weekday evening, while a second hour, on the weekend, will rotate a practice /game schedule. Practice will have a 2:1 ratio to games. Each skater will be assigned to a team. This will begin in September and end in March.
The objectives of the program are:
· Emphasize the fundamentals of ice hockey.
· Continue to develop skating, passing, receiving and shooting skills.
· Introduce players to objectives of the game of ice hockey.
· Emphasize sharing and cooperation by assignment to a team.
· Build confidence through positive reinforcement.
Cost: $275.00 per 8 week session
» Click here for the 2007-08 Schedule
COACHING STAFF
“Coach Richie” Persico was born and raised in the greater New Haven area, where he played most of his youth hockey. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT in 1981, and then Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 1986. He has served 21 years on the Meriden Police Department. Rich has been officiating ice hockey games for the past fifteen years. He has achieved level 4 status as a USA Hockey official, qualifying him to officiate all youth hockey levels from mites to elite midgets, and juniors. He is also a member of the National Ice Hockey Officials Association, where he officiates high school and prep school games. For the past seven seasons, Rich has been involved with area Learn-To-Skate, Learn-To-Play, and In-House hockey programs. He was the head coach for the Middlesex Squirt B1 and B2 Teams for the 2006-07 season. He is currently coaching the 2007-08 Clippers' Mite Minor team, and has recently been named as the Director of Mite Player Development. Rich will be heading the Learn-To-Play Hockey and In-House Hockey programs to prepare players for travel hockey. His coaching philosophy is to develop kids to the best of their abilities with an emphasis on skills development in a fun, yet disciplined environment. When it comes to kids and learning the game of hockey…”Give 'em thrills by developing skills.”
“Coach Randi” Demers was raised in northern Connecticut, where he played all of his youth hockey. He graduated from Suffield High School in Suffield, CT in 1983 and then received his BA from the University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT. He has worked in the Criminal Justice field for almost 20 years, currently employed with the CT Department of Correction. His coaching career began in San Diego, CA where he coached his older son's in-line Mite hockey team. From there, he achieved his USA hockey Level 4 coaching certificate enabling him to coach youth-age hockey players at the Mite level to adult-age hockey players at the Midget & Junior level. For the past three seasons, Randi has coached the Space Coast Hurricane Mite Rec-Select team from Rockeldge, FLA; served as Assistant coach for two seasons, then moved to Head coach for the third season that ended with his family relocation back to CT. Since his arrival with the Clippers organization in the fall of 2007, Randi has provided assistance with the Learn-to-skate, Learn-to-play and In-house hockey programs and recently was named the Assistant Director of Mite Player Development. Randi's coaching philosophy is simple: provide an enjoyable introduction and experience in ice hockey, teach the basic “fun”damental skills, stress participation, fun and skill development and lastly, provide a safe, yet disciplined environment so that kids ALWAYS return to the rink with a smile.
For registration information for either of these two programs, or any questions regarding the programs, please email:
» Coach Richie Persico - Director of Mite Player Development :: 860.632.8916 ext 27
» Coach Randi Demers
