Dedicated to Skills in Hockey...

"Skill Development The Key to Success in Hockey"

Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky developed their "hockey sense" and puck-handling skills in unrestricted environments, where kids were allowed to experiment and repeatedly practice creative Hockey skills. Playing on the Pond allowed them to develop ice hockey skills because they were able to play a more "skilled game," emphasizing puck possession, puck skills and lateral skating ability.

Young Europeans spend less time on games and more time on developing skills, both stick-skills and skating skills. They separate in to small groups of 6-12 players and practice specific skills until it becomes second nature. Repetition, repetition, repetition done in a fun, creative way is why Finland and Sweden are developing some of the most skilled players in the world. The goal of "Micro Ice" training sessions is to provide the same opportunity for kids in this area, while having fun.

Remember practice does not make perfect, only a "perfect practice makes perfect" and will provide the skill work you can only achieve at Micro Ice. Today there is frequent reference to the New Hockey Rules, which will promote a game where "Hockey Skills" are consistently demonstrated and rewarded. This is evident from youth to NHL Hockey games. Micro Ice promotes the "New Age Hockey" by providing the opportunity for both young and older players to develop the necessary skills to play successfully in "New Age Hockey" games.

Questions and Answers on Micro Ice Hockey Training.

1. Why is Micro Ice appropriate for young hockey players?
   Answer: It is age appropriate, baseball has little league fields, soccer has mini fields and adjustable nets, basketball has reduced height and 3 on 3 with half courts. Why would hockey be any different than other sports, which are much bigger?

2. Where did the idea of Micro Ice come from?
   Answer: The New Age Hockey player is promoted after a European style of hockey that teaches skill development with high speed skating. Sweden and Finland have been teaching these skills in small groups and areas for years.
3. Can you get a solid ice skating workout on Micro Ice?
   Answer: Not only does the smaller ice surface facilitate quick decisions with the puck, but with the high skating pace as you master specific skills, you achieve an intense workout.
4. Does the smaller skating area contribute to your skill development?
   Answer: Yes, because ice hockey is really played in a series of small areas with limited space. The player who can improve his skills in this area will have a much greater success on the larger ice surface. Example: Baseball hitters train in batting cages, where they can get EXPERT training with high numbers of repetitions. The smaller surface forces you to get out of your comfort zone, which leads to raised skill level and improved quickness in shots and moves.
5. How would you compare “synthetic” (fake) ice to the real ice experience of Micro Ice?
   Answer: Ice Hockey is played on real ice, not synthetic or fake ice. You simply can not develop the speed or gain a real ice experience on fake ice. The movement is to slow and you cannot do the edge work necessary to improve your puck handling skills.“If it is not real ice, it is not real”

Jay Pandolfo - New Jersey Devils

Jay has skated in over 700 NHL games during his 12 years with the New Jersey Devils. He is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion and a NCAA National Champion with the Boston University Terriers. Jay was nominated for the Frank J Selke trophy (best defensive forward) for his role in New Jersey Devils' successful 2006/2007 season.

Scott Gomez - Montreal Canadiens

Drafted 27th overall in the 1998 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils, Scott Gomez is a two-time Stanley Cup champion, an NHL All-Star and a Calder Trophy winner as the leagues best rookie in 1999-2000 season. Scott has also represented the United States in the World Cup and twice in the World Junior Championships.