Welcome to the

Michigan Jr. Wolverines

The Michigan Jr. Wolverines Youth Hockey Team is a travel hockey team. The team was developed to provide our players and goalies an all exclusive model within the team environment. Our coaches and staff provide professional instruction and leadership, with the support of health advisors and physical therapist. Our coaches and staff provide valuable development to all players/coaches through their hybrid teaching methods and utilizing exclusive staff within the team. All players and goalies have access to their own team doctor, coaching staff, skills & skating coaches, physical therapists, nutrionists and tutors. Players find accelerated development and compete in domestic matches.

Michigan Mockup

SPRING AND SUMMER INFORMATION

SPRING/SUMMER DETAILS

Location: Arctic Edge, Canton, MI

Dates: May-August 2024

Ages/Gender: Boys, 6 years old to 14 years old.

Levels: A, AA, AAA

Attendee’s: All programming is limited to 20 players on the ice. Others will be added to our waitlist.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Costs: Packages available for 1 weekend, 2 weekend, 4 weekends

Ice Time: 4 hours of ice time per weekend in the evening

Dry Land: Friday’s: 4:45-5:45PM, Saturday’s: 3:15-4:15PM

Coaches: Professional CDT and former professional Coaches

Tournaments: Minimum of 2 showcases

View Program Packages
jrwolverinesschedule

Michigan Program

DEVELOPMENT VALUE

Through the previous years, our unique hybrid model of training, incorporating European style training has been proven as many of our players move on to the next level of hockey year after year. Spring season is a pivotal part of this, and assists players/goalies in accelerating their personal development. Our Spring/Summer skates provide our players/goalies with the following;

  • Former European National team coaches
  • Former NHL veteran coaches
  • Off ice training; coordination, speed, agility, strength, mobility and more
  • Skill specific coaches (shooting, goalie, skating, skills)
  • Our weekly athletes are assessed on day one with our on ice coaches and off ice coaches and team, laying out goals for the season
  • Bi-monthly assessment (long term athletes)
  • Use of our personalized technology, HockeyFIT
  • Access to our entire support team; dryland coaches, nutritionists, sports psychologist, scouts, advisors, doctors, trainers and more.

Off Ice

TRAINING & RECOVERY

Our company takes immense pride in our off-ice training program tailored specifically for youth hockey players. We prioritize a comprehensive approach that integrates physical conditioning, skill development, and mental resilience. Through a combination of strength and agility exercises, tailored nutrition plans, and specialized drills designed to improve skating, shooting, and puck-handling skills, we aim to equip young athletes with the tools they need to excel on the ice. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of mental toughness and sportsmanship, offering workshops on goal-setting, visualization, and teamwork. Our experienced coaches provide personalized attention, guidance, and support, fostering an environment where young players can thrive, grow, and ultimately reach their full potential both on and off the ice.

Off site and virtual training is provided by Caitlin Hogan, Team USA Olympian, and former women’s hockey player.

DEVELOPING YOUTH HOCKEY PLAYER

Developing hockey players from a young age requires a well-structured and age-appropriate approach that addresses physical, technical, tactical, and mental aspects of the game. Here’s a guide on how to develop young hockey players:

Fundamental Skills Development: Focus on teaching basic skills such as skating, puck handling, passing, and shooting. Use fun and engaging drills and games to make learning enjoyable for young players. Emphasize proper technique and form from the beginning to build a strong foundation. Small-Area Games: Incorporate small-area games to enhance players’ decision-making, agility, and puck control in tight spaces. Small-sided games encourage more touches on the puck and active participation, promoting skill development. Age-Appropriate Training: Tailor training sessions to the physical and cognitive development of each age group. Introduce age-specific strength and conditioning exercises that focus on developing overall athleticism Positive Environment: Foster a positive and supportive atmosphere where players feel encouraged to take risks and learn from mistakes. Provide constructive feedback that highlights both successes and areas for improvement. Game Understanding: Introduce basic game concepts and positioning to help players understand the flow of the game. Gradually increase the complexity of tactical instruction as players advance in age and skill level. Teamwork and Communication: Emphasize the importance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration on and off the ice. Encourage players to develop good sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, and officials. Age-Specific Competition: Structure competitions and leagues based on age groups to ensure fair and appropriate competition. Avoid placing young players in situations where the age or skill gap is too significant. Diverse Playing Experiences: Expose players to different playing environments, such as indoor and outdoor rinks, to develop adaptability. Encourage participation in various hockey formats, including 3-on-3 and 4-on-4 games. Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) Model: Adopt a Long-Term Player Development model that considers the physical, mental, and emotional development of players at different stages. Provide age-specific training guidelines and benchmarks for coaches, parents, and players. Qualified Coaching Staff: Ensure that coaches working with young players are appropriately certified and trained in coaching youth hockey. Create opportunities for coaches to participate in coaching education programs and stay updated on best practices. Parental Involvement: Encourage positive parental involvement and communication. Educate parents on the importance of patience, support, and a long-term perspective in youth player development. Fun and Enjoyment: Prioritize fun and enjoyment in the learning process to keep young players engaged in the sport. Organize events, camps, and activities that promote a love for the game.

Remember, the development process is a journey, and patience is key. Creating a positive and supportive environment while focusing on holistic player development will contribute to the long-term success of young hockey players.

SPRING & SUMMER COACHES & SUPPORTIVE TEAM