player tips

Our recent article “The Early Bird Gets the Worm” started the breakaway on our 30th Anniversary of Summer Hockey Schools.

This season we are super excited to once again offer our Early Bird Special and best pricing of the year for all of our summer hockey camp locations. From Alaska to Vermont and Michigan to Rhode Island, all dates and locations are on sale!

With three decades of experience training youth hockey players, we are more ready than ever to hit the ice for the summer of 2024. Whether you are looking to improve your stride or speed, shot or stickhandling, our talented coaching staff is ready to help you take your game to the next level.

With the holiday season approaching we invite you to give the gift of development by capitalizing on our 10% off special.

To get in the game, check out our website for locations, dates and details by clicking here.

Thank you for reading and please feel free to email us at info@gchockey.com with any questions. We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and happiest New Year!

It’s no secret that coaches like the players who show up early to games. However, coaches love the players that show up early to practice. Like in life, the early bird gets the worm, and in hockey, they also get the advantage!

It’s no secret that the best players are usually also the first to the arena. They are also the first on the ice and the last to leave. Why is this? Because preparation is a huge part of success.

Preparation can be defined as the action or process of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration. In sports this is huge. On the flip side of this, we also know the players that are always in a rush on their way into the rink, frantically putting on their gear, hastily tying their skates only to make it onto the ice just as the practice or game is starting. They never have time to catch up.

Performance & Preparation

Performance is directly correlated to preparation. The player with the most accurate shot also owns the shooting tarp with most puck marks.  The player with the best stride is also the one who has worked hardest on power skating.

Are you fully prepared for the season ahead? Are you evaluating your performance and taking notes on areas of your game to improve on? If you are, then we’ve got a great opportunity for you to attend one of our 30th Anniversary Camps!

Our summer of 2024 hockey camp Early Bird Special is designed for those players who want to get a jump start on their development over the summer! And for parents who want to take advantage of the best pricing of the year!

For a limited time, our camps have special pricing for all dates and locations. We want to reward those who are ‘up and at it’ and want to take their game to the next level.  For dates, details and a spot in camp for a great price, check out our summer hockey school page.

Thanks for reading and we look forward to seeing you at the rink soon!

As youth hockey seasons begin across the United States, players are working their way into roles and responsibilities on the team. One of the biggest early season decisions is selecting a captain for the team. Are you captain material?

The definition of a leader is “the power or ability to lead other people”. Characteristics of a leader are similar, whether in sport, business or virtually any discipline. A leader is someone who inspires and motivates. They are humble, intuitive, dedicated and often times the hardest workers.

When hockey teams vote on who deserves the honor of wearing the “C”, teammates and coaches make their decision based on ability to lead. This should not be a popularity contest or an honor simply given to the best player on the team.

So what does it really mean to be a team captain?
A captain and leader:

* Is respectful of teammates as well as the game of hockey. 

* Has a deep desire to win, to work hard and to inspire others to work just as hard.

* Is honest and trustworthy.

* Sets good examples in the good times, and well as during the challenging moments of the season.  

There are plenty of examples in everyday life of what defines leaders and captains, as well as unfortunate situations that do not define leadership. For youth hockey players and captains, it’s important to remember that captaincy is a special honor, and one to be taken seriously on behalf of both teammates and coaches who look to their captain for leadership. Remember that the role of the captain and leader also extends beyond the ice, into the locker room and into daily life.

The following is one of our favorite quotes regarding leadership:

 “The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.”

Thanks for reading and we hope you are have a great start to the season and of course, that you elect a great captain – and leader – for your team!