SKILL DEVELOPMENT

The main focus for each program at Varsity Hockey is skill Development. Developing skills correctly with speed, precision, strength, balance, and athleticism is our ultimate goal. Each program is developed and created in a way that will produce excellent habits. For our skills sessions we want to create excellent practice habits that can be carried over into competition. This doesn’t mean players will not fail, as a matter of fact players and parents should expect to fail, but they will learn from their failures. This statement is important for skill development. Failing is okay, and actually is encouraged when it comes to developing skills. When we fail we need to correct our technique and try again. Some times we need to slow the skill down to complete it correctly, and once we successfully produce the intended task, we will increase the speed and difficulty, then we will repeat over and over again.

Varsity Hockey also offer programs at ScotiaBank Pond in Toronto. Click here to find out more.



 SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS (April Training)

  •  DEFENSIVE Skills Clinics (OPEN Program - 7:1 Ratio)

    This Defensive Skills Clinic is an OPEN program that is designed to develop the defensive game skills for ALL CALIBER level players who want to improve their Defensive game performance.

    The skill training will include a focused effort on how to react to forechecking pressure, gap control, rushing with the puck, and understand the defensive game that will be applied to in-game situations.

    The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will focus on the following areas of skill development:

    Quick Feet and Agility
    Backward Acceleration
    Pivoting to Each Side
    Lateral Movement & Mobility
    Transition and Escapes
    Angling and Cornering
    Defensive Shooting Drills
    Puck Handling & Breakout Passes

    Defensive Skills Program Availability:
    Defensive Skills – 4 Saturday’s
    April 5, 12, 19, 26

    Defensive Skills Program Details
    ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2018/17/16 Born Players: 9:00 am FULL!!!
    ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2015 & Earlier Born Players: 11:00 am FULL!!!

    160 + HST

    DEFENSIVE Skills Clinics - From Apr 5, 2025 to Apr 26, 2025
    CALL 905-874-8418


    •  OFFENSIVE Skills Clinics (OPEN Program - 7:1 Ratio)

      This Offensive Skills Clinic is an OPEN program that is designed to develop the offensive game skills for ALL CALIBER level players who want to improve their Offensive game performance.

      The skill training will include a focused effort on working in confined areas along with learning how to deke and fake at high speeds and that will be applied to in-game situations.

      The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will focus on the following areas of skill development:

      Shooting Quickly and Under Pressure
      Shooting While in Stride
      Shooting Skills of Wrist Shots, Slap Shots, Snap Shots and One Timers

      Stick Handling in Traffic
      Puck Control and Evasive Puck Handling
      Give and Go Passing
      Battle and Compete Drills

      Offensive Skills Program Availability:
      Offensive Skills – 4 Saturday’s
      April 5, 12, 19, 26

      Offensive Skills Program Details
      ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2018/17/16 Born Players: 10:00 am FULL!!!
      ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2015 & Earlier Born Players: 12:00 pm (6 Spots Available)

      160 + HST

      OFFENSIVE Skills Clinics - From Apr 5, 2025 to Apr 26, 2025
      REGISTER


      •  April Pre-Tryout Skills Program (OPEN Program - 7:1 Ratio)

        The Pre Tryout Clinics are designed to prepare players for the team tryout selection process

        A great way for players to get Team Tryout ready with 1.5 hours of On-ice drills every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evening.

        The class ‘Lesson Plan’ will focus on the following areas of skill development:

        Power Skating
        Stride Mechanics
        Acceleration
        Balance and Edges
        Tight Turns
        Crossovers
        Backwards Skating

        Puck Skills
        Puck Control
        Speed with the Puck
        Creative Stick Handling
        Dekeing

        Compete Drills
        Competitive Drills
        Game Situations
        Confined Space Battle Drills.

        This week will provide players with a great opportunity to fine tune their in game performance skills.

        Dates: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
        Week 1: April 8, 9, 11
        Week 2: April 15, 16, 18
        Week 3: April 22, 23, 25

        ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2017 & Older Skaters – 7:30 – 9:00 pm

        Times and dates are subject to change depending on registration.

        180 + HST

        April Pre-Tryout Classes Week 1 - From Apr 8, 2025 to Apr 11, 2025
        CALL 905-874-8418
        April Pre-Tryout Classes Week 2 - From Apr 15, 2025 to Apr 18, 2025
        CALL 905-874-8418
        April Pre-Tryout Classes Week 3 - From Apr 22, 2025 to Apr 25, 2025
        REGISTER


        •  Power Skating & Edges Program

          This unique new program will be run by Figure Skating instructor Acacia. The focus of this program will be to improve skating technique, speed and power. The focus on edge control will improve efficiency in skating and will help become an over more powerful and efficient skater.

          Cost: $200 + Tax

          Dates: 4 Weeks
          April – 5, 12, 19, 26

          2018, 2017, 2016 Born Skaters: 1:00 – 2:00 pm FULL!!!
          2015 & Older Born Skaters: 2:00 – 3:00 pm FULL!!!
          2018, 2017, 2016 Born Skaters: 3:00 – 4:00 pm FULL!!!

          200 + HST

          Power Skating & Edges - From Apr 5, 2025 to Apr 26, 2025
          CALL 905-874-8418


         SKATING CLINICS (Spring/Summer Training)

        •  Power Skating Clinics (OPEN Program - 7:1 Ratio) Saturdays

          This Power Skating Clinic is an OPEN program that is designed to develop skating skills for ALL CALIBER level players and will focus on training proper mechanics towards combining the speed and power that will be applied to in-game situations

          The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will include the following areas of development:
          • Edge Control and Balance
          • Stride Mechanics and Speed
          • Generating Speed out of Turns and Crossovers
          • Transitional Skating and Agility

          Clinics can be registered in 7 week long programs and will be delivered from a 50 minute Lesson Plan to provide skill specific repetition necessary for technical improvement.

          POWER SKATING DATES & TIMES
          The training sessions are booked on Pre-Scheduled Dates and Times once per week for a 50-minute on-ice session over a 7-Week Training Cycle.

          Dates:
          Program 1 – 7 Saturdays
          May 3, 10, 24, 31 (No Class May 17 – Victoria Day Weekend)
          June 7, 14, 21

          Program 1 Availability:
          ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2019/18/17/16 Born Skaters – 8:00 am (7 Spots Available)
          ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2015 & Older Born Skaters – 10:00 am (11 Spots Available)

          The Spring/Summer Clinic schedule spans over 14 weeks of the off-season and can be registered in TWO (2) separate 7-Week Training Cycles.

          275 + HST

          Program 1 - From May 3, 2025 to Jun 21, 2025
          REGISTER
          Program 2 - From Jul 5, 2025 to Aug 23, 2025
          REGISTER


          •  Creative Puck Handling Clinics (OPEN Program - 7:1 Ratio) Saturdays

            This Creative Puck Handling Clinic is an OPEN program that is designed to develop puck handling skills for ALL CALIBER level players and will focus on training proper mechanics towards combining the speed and skill that will be applied to in-game situations

            The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will include the following areas of development:
            • Stationary Stick Handling
            • Speed With the Puck
            • Evasive Moves and Dekes
            • Puck Control and Puck Protection

            Clinics can be registered in 7 week long programs and will be delivered from a 50 minute Lesson Plan to provide skill specific repetition necessary for technical improvement.

            CREATIVE PUCK HANDLING DATES & TIMES
            The training sessions are booked on Pre-Scheduled Dates and Times once per week for a 50-minute on-ice session over an 7-Week Training Cycle.

            Dates:
            Program 1 – 7 Saturdays
            May 3, 10, 24, 31 (No Class May 17 – Victoria Day Weekend)
            June 7, 14, 21

            Program 1 Availability:
            ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2019/18/17/16 Born Skaters – 9:00 am (5 Spots Available)
            ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2015 & Older Born Skaters – 11:00 am (10 Spots Available)

            The Spring/Summer Clinic schedule spans over 14 weeks of the off-season and can be registered in TWO (2) separate 7-Week Training Cycles.

            275 + HST

            Program 1 - From May 3, 2025 to Jun 21, 2025
            REGISTER
            Program 2 - From Jul 5, 2025 to Aug 23, 2025
            REGISTER


            •  Rep Skills (REP Program - 6:1 Ratio) Saturdays

              This Power Skating & Skills Clinic is a REP program that is designed to develop skating and puck handling skills for ADVANCED level players and will focus on training proper mechanics towards combining the speed and skill that will be applied to in-game situations.

              The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will include the following areas of development:

              • First Step Speed and Explosive Acceleration
              • Agility & Quickness
              • Power, Speed and Dynamic Balance
              • Stopping & Crossovers for Speed with the Puck
              • Dynamic Puck Handling with Maximum Skating Efficiency and Edge Control

              Clinics can be registered in 7 week long programs and will be delivered from an 50 minute Lesson Plan to provide skill specific repetition necessary for technical improvement.

              POWER SKATING & SKILLS DATES & TIMES
              The training sessions are booked on Pre-Scheduled Date and Time once per week for an 50-minute on-ice session over an 7-Week Training Cycle.

              Dates:
              Program 1 – 7 Saturdays
              May 3, 10, 24, 31 (No Class May 17 – Victoria Day Weekend)
              June 7, 14, 21

              Program 1 Availability:
              Rep Level Players: 2016 & Older Born Skaters – 12:00 pm (4 Spots Available) 

              The Spring/Summer Clinic schedule spans over 14 weeks of the off-season and can be registered in TWO (2) separate 7-Week Training Cycles.

              290 + HST

              Program 1 - From May 3, 2025 to Jun 21, 2025
              REGISTER
              Program 2 - From Jul 5, 2025 to Aug 23, 2025
              REGISTER


              •  Power Skating & Edges Program

                This unique new program will be run by Figure Skating instructor Acacia. The focus of this program will be to improve skating technique, speed and power. The focus on edge control will improve efficiency in skating and will help become an over more powerful and efficient skater.

                Cost: $300 + Tax

                Dates: 6 Weeks
                May 3, 10, 24, 31 (No Class May 17 – Victoria Day Weekend)
                June 7, 14

                2018, 2017 Born Skaters: 1:00 – 2:00 pm FULL!!!
                2016, 2015 Born Skaters: 2:00 – 3:00 pm (4 Spots Available)
                2014 & Older Born Skaters: 3:00 – 4:00 pm (2 Spots Available)

                300 + HST

                Power Skating & Edges - From May 3, 2025 to Jun 14, 2025
                REGISTER


                •  Learn to Play Clinics (BEGINNER Program - 5:1 Ratio) Sundays

                  This Learn to Play Clinic is a BEGINNER program that is designed to introduce skating and puck handling skills to NOVICE Level players who are just starting hockey and will be delivered in a fun and encouraging training environment.

                  The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will include the following areas of development:

                  • Fundamental Skating Skills
                  • Basic Puck Handling Skills
                  • Mini-Hockey games

                  Clinics can be registered in a 14 week long program and will be delivered from a 1 hour Lesson Plan to provide a fun and safe environment.

                  LEARN TO PLAY CLINIC DATES & TIMES
                  The training sessions are booked on Pre-Scheduled Date and Time once per week for a 50-minute on-ice session over a 14-Week Training Cycle.

                  Spring/Summer Program – 14 Sundays
                  May 4, 11, 25 (No Class May 18 – Victoria Day Weekend)
                  June 1, 8, 15, 22 (No Class June 29 – Canada Day Weekend)
                  July 6, 13, 20, 27
                  August 10, 17, 24 (No Class August 3 – Civic Holiday)

                  Beginner Level Player: 4, 5, 6 Years Old – Sundays: 1:00 pm

                  435 + HST

                  Learn to Play Clinics (1:00 pm) - From May 4, 2025 to Aug 24, 2025
                  REGISTER


                 SHOOTING CLINICS (Spring/Summer Training)

                •  Shooting Clinics - Saturday Program (Group Circuit- 7:2 Ratio)

                  The Shooting Clinics are designed to develop the shooting skills that will improve a player’s mechanics and balance required to efficiently and effectively release a shot with accuracy.

                  The program syllabus will address the fundamentals of specific Shooting Techniques along with stick handling & deking necessary prior to release. These basic skills will be improved through correct repetition of the mechanics within a circuit training format.

                  The weekly ‘Lesson Plan’ will include the following areas of development:

                  Shooting Techniques
                  • Wrist shot
                  • Slap shot
                  • Snap shot
                  • Backhand shot
                  • Quick Release

                  Stick Handling & Deking
                  • Wrist agility
                  • Hand Speed
                  • Puck to Body position
                  • Weight Shift for Balance

                  Clinics can be registered in 7 week long programs and will be delivered from a 50 minute Lesson Plan to provide skill specific repetition necessary for technical improvement.

                  SHOOTING CLINIC DATES & TIMES
                  The training sessions are booked on Pre-Scheduled Date and Time once per week for a 50-minute on-ice session over an 7-Week Training Cycle.

                  Dates:
                  Program 1 – 7 Saturdays

                  May 3, 10, 24, 31 (No Class May 17 – Victoria Day Weekend)
                  June 7, 14, 21

                  Program 1 Availability:
                  ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2019/18/17 Born Skaters – 9:00 am (2 Spots Available)
                  ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2016/15 Born Skaters – 10:00 am (2 Spots Available)
                  ALL CALIBER Level Players: 2014 & Older Born Skaters – 11:00 am FULL!!!

                  The Spring/Summer Clinic schedule spans over 14 weeks of the off season and can be registered in TWO (2) separate 7-Week Training Cycles.

                  315 + HST

                  Shooting Program 1 - From May 3, 2025 to Jun 21, 2025
                  REGISTER
                  Shooting Program 2 - From Jul 5, 2025 to Aug 23, 2025
                  REGISTER


                  •  PRIVATE SHOOTING Lessons (1:1 Ratio)

                    The PRIVATE SHOOTING sessions program is a One-on-One session that would initially involve all aspects of the student’s shooting skills to assess the mechanics and balance required to efficiently and effectively release a shot with accuracy.

                    The progression of the lessons would be designed based on the development needs demonstrated by the student with the objective of improving specific Shooting Techniques along with Stick Handling & Deking skills necessary prior to release.

                    The Private Shooting lesson would address development needs in the following areas:

                    Shooting Techniques

                    Wrist shot
                    Slap shot
                    Snap shot
                    Backhand shot
                    Quick Release

                    Stick Handling & Deking

                    Wrist agility
                    Hand Speed
                    Puck to Body position
                    Weight Shift for Balance

                    BOOKING INFORMATION

                    Sessions can be customized in 1 Hour or 30 minute sessions

                    Sessions can be registered in 5 or 10 Private Lesson packages or on a Pay-As-You-Go booking.

                    Sessions are booked based on availability of ice and instructor.

                    Contact our experienced staff to inquire about booking your private session and package rates





                    •  SEMI-PRIVATE SHOOTING Lessons (2:1 Ratio)

                      The PRIVATE SHOOTING sessions program is a One-on-One session that would initially involve all aspects of the student’s shooting skills to assess the mechanics and balance required to efficiently and effectively release a shot with accuracy.

                      The progression of the lessons would be designed based on the development needs demonstrated by the student with the objective of improving specific Shooting Techniques along with Stick Handling & Deking skills necessary prior to release.

                      The Private Shooting lesson would address development needs in the following areas:

                      Shooting Techniques

                      Wrist Shot

                      Slap Shot

                      Snap Shot

                      Backhand Shot

                      Quick Release Shots

                      Stick Handling & Deking

                      Wrist agility

                      Hand speed

                      Puck to Body position

                      Weight Shift for Balance

                      BOOKING INFORMATION

                      Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                      Sessions can be registered in 5 or 10 Private Lesson packages or on a Pay-As-You-Go booking.

                      Sessions are booked based on availability of ice and instructor.

                      Contact our experienced staff to inquire about booking your private session and package rates





                     Port Credit Skating & Skills Program

                    •  Port Credit Skating & Skills Program

                      This Port Credit Skating & Skills Program is only for members registered in the Port Credit Minor Hockey Association for this season.

                      The purpose of this program is for players to work on all of their skills and further develop their power skating, puck skills and shooting ability.

                      Each class players will have the opportunity to work on their skating and edge control. We will work on all different types of skating as the year progresses. When breaking up into smaller groups, players will have the opportunity to work in a smaller group setting with the instructor to further develop their puck skills and their shooting skills.

                      PROGRAM TRAINING DATES & TIMES:
                      2017, 2016 Born Skaters: 8:15 – 9:45 AM (8 Sessions)
                      October: 19,
                      November: 2, 23,
                      December: 21,
                      January: 18,
                      February: 1, 15,
                      March: 1

                      2015, 2014, 2013 Born Skaters: 8:15 – 9:45 AM (8 Sessions)
                      October: 26,
                      November: 16,
                      December: 14,
                      January: 4, 25,
                      February: 8, 22,
                      March: 8

                      Location: Paramount Fine Foods Centre
                      5500 Rose Cherry Place

                      PLAYERS BORN IN: 2017/2016: 8:15 – 9:45 AM (24 Spots Available)
                      PLAYERS BORN IN: 2015/2014/2013/2012: 8:15 – 9:45 AM (24 Spots Available)

                      300 + HST

                      Port Credit Skating & Skills (2017/16 Group) - From Oct 19, 2024 to Mar 1, 2025
                      REGISTER
                      Port Credit Skating & Skills (2015/14/13/12 Group) - From Oct 26, 2024 to Mar 8, 2025
                      REGISTER


                     PRIVATE SESSIONS

                    •  PRIVATE Lessons (1:1 Ratio)

                      The PRIVATE sessions program is One-on-One instruction that will provide close personal training.

                      Initial lessons would challenge all aspects of the student’s current skill level with the objective of identifying and improving observed weaknesses.

                      The progression of the lessons would be designed based on the development needs demonstrated by the student in the specific areas of Skating, Stick Handling and Shooting skills that will improve the skill execution and bring consistency to their in game performance

                      BOOKING INFORMATION

                      Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                      Private session bookings can also be made for Rink 2 (Shooting Pad) at a reduced price.

                      Private Lessons can be registered in 5 or 10 Private Lesson packages or on a Pay-As-You-Go booking.

                      Shooting Sessions are booked based on availability of ice and instructor.

                      Contact our experience staff to inquire about booking your private session and package rates

                      Pricing
                      Rink 1
                      $220 for 1 Hour with 1 Skater
                      $120 for 30 Mins with 1 Skater

                      Rink 2
                      $175 for 1 Hour with 1 Skater
                      $100 for 30 Mins with 1 Skater

                      Discount Options
                      Rink 1
                      Package of 5: $1,025
                      Package of 10: $1,850

                      Rink 2
                      Package of 5: $800
                      Package of 10: $1,550





                      •  SEMI-PRIVATE Lessons (2:1 Ratio)

                        The SEMI-PRIVATE sessions program is One-on-Two instruction that will provide close personal training.

                        Initial lessons would challenge all aspects of the student’s current skill level with the objective of identifying and improving observed weaknesses.

                        The progression of the lessons would be designed based on the development needs demonstrated by the student in the specific areas of Skating, Stick Handling and Shooting skills that will improve the skill execution and bring consistency to their in game performance

                        BOOKING INFORMATION

                        Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                        Private session bookings can also be made for Rink 2 (Shooting Pad) at a reduced price.

                        The customer will be required to provide 2 (two) players for the private sessions and they should ideally be similar in ability

                        Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                        Private Lessons can be registered in 5 or 10 Private Lesson packages or on a Pay-As-You-Go booking.

                        Shooting Sessions are booked based on availability of ice and instructor.

                        Contact our experience staff to inquire about booking your private session and package rates

                        Discount Options

                        Rink 1
                        Package of 5: $500 Each Player
                        Package of 10: $950 Each Player

                        Rink 2
                        Package of 5: $425 Each Player
                        Package of 10: $800 Each Player





                        •  GROUP-PRIVATE Lessons (Small Group Ratio)

                          The GROUP-PRIVATE sessions program is Small Group instruction that will provide fundamental skill development.

                          Lesson plans will be designed based on the development needs in the specific areas of Skating, Stick Handling and Shooting skills that will improve the skill execution and bring consistency to their in game performance

                          GROUP-PRIVATE SYLLABUS

                          First Step Speed and Explosive Acceleration
                          Agility & Quickness
                          Power, Speed and Dynamic Balance
                          Stopping & Crossovers for Speed with the Puck
                          Dynamic Puck Handling with Maximum Skating Efficiency and Edge Control

                          BOOKING INFORMATION

                          Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                          Private session bookings can also be made for Rink 2 (Shooting Pad) at a reduced price with a maximum of 5 players.

                          Sessions can be customized in 60 min or 30 minute sessions

                          Group Private Sessions are booked based on availability of ice and instructor.

                          Contact our experience staff to inquire about booking your private session and package rates

                          Group Rates

                          Rink 1
                          2 Skaters: $115 Each Player
                          3 Skaters: $85 Each Player
                          4 Skaters: $65 Each Player
                          5 Skaters: $55 Each Player
                          6 Skaters: $50 Each Player

                          Rink 2
                          2 Skaters: $90 Each Player
                          3 Skaters: $65 Each Player
                          4 Skaters: $55 Each Player
                          5 Skaters: $45 Each Player
                          6 Skaters: $40 Each Player





                         GOALIE PROGRAMS