Hockey development programs
SWAT Hockey’s development model provides additional development opportunities and programs for all players within the organization, from players in U-7 through U-13. The programs are subsidized by SWAT to ensure that there are opportunities for all players who wish to develop their skills.
Hockey Fundamentals with Paul Manning and S2 Super Skills with Serdachny Powerskating will be the skill providers for the 2023/2024 season. Skate times will be organized by skill level for optimal program delivery. Enrolment will be on a first-come, first-served basis; more information on available programs - including how to register - is listed under 2023/2024 development programs.
U-13
- Tier 1 teams will be provided with team-based development programming by external service providers and additional practice ice for coach-led development.
- Tier 2 will have an additional practice. A mandatory cash call will apply to cover costs.
U-11
- HADP and tier 1 teams will be provided with team-based development programming by external service providers and additional practice ice for coach-led development.
- Tier 2 will have an additional practice. A mandatory cash call will apply to cover costs.
U-9
- Tier 1 and tier 2 teams will be provided with additional ice for team-based development programming by external service providers. A mandatory cash call will apply to cover costs.
SWAT will also provide goaltending instruction for U-9, U-11 and U-13.
2023/2024 development programs
Registration for all of the below-listed programs is now closed.
The following programs are only open to players in U-9 tier 3 to 6, U-11 tier 2 to 5 and U-13 tier 2 to 6. This is because some teams have service-based programming as part of their teams’ development (noted above).
In conjunction with Serdachny Powerskating & Hockey, we are excited to announce Super Skills program S2 is coming for the upcoming season. This unique and highly effective developmental program is specifically designed for hockey players who want to elevate their skating and skill levels.
SWAT SUPER SKILLS S2 is the ultimate skill-development program for players wanting to elevate their game. The fall/winter program focuses on progressive skating and hockey skill development. The program teaches and emphasizes individualized high performance skating and skill development.
Topics covered include: proper technique, form, speed and skill as they apply specifically to the game of hockey.
All on-ice sessions will be taught by professionals, lead by Serdachny Powerskating & Hockey’s Professional Skating & Hockey Skill Development coaches.
This program has limited space and will fill quickly. Registration is limited and waiting lists will be kept once programs are filled to capacity.
S2 Super Skills Schedule ($549)
- U-9/U-11: 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays at Kinsmen
- Start: first week of October
- End: late February
- Break over Christmas
- U-11/U-13: 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays at Kinsmen
- Start: first week of October
- End: late February
- Break over Christmas
This program is not a learn-to-skate program. Players must have basic hockey and skating skills to participate.
Fundamentals Hockey player development is a progressive, full-season program that allows young players to be engaged within a development structure based on the following philosophy:
- Emphasizes FUN! Skills and skating development should be fun but it should also emphasize the importance of focus and hard work. Improvement is more important than ability.
- Utilizes multiple training aids and development approaches. Use of attack triangles, bank boards, target nets and sweet hands devices give kids different outlets to improve their abilities.
- Focus on dynamic hockey development. All players benefit from time spent on completing two skills simultaneously. Whether it is making plays in traffic or puck handling at high speeds, young players must have an opportunity to work through drills dedicated to these dynamics to improve.
- Maximizes use of ice time and efficiently incorporates all areas of the ice for skill development. Small group circuit work ensures that players are getting maximum repetitions and constantly engaged.
The focus of the program will begin with stride fundamentals. Each session will cover and revisit core skating principles (edge work, stopping, acceleration, tight turns, balance, power generation, etc.) As the season progresses, players will execute more dynamic drills, incorporating puck skills with skating. Near the end of the season, players will be tasked with performing the drills at higher speeds and intensity to develop decision making abilities at pace.
As players move through each session, they will have the opportunity to work in small groups with kids of similar ability. Generally, players will power skate as a group and then break into smaller groups to focus on skills work. Each week will focus on different skills so that at the end of the year, players have had a chance to execute all of the core skills in a variety of ways.
This program has limited space and will fill quickly. Registration is limited and waiting lists will be kept once programs are filled to capacity. Sessions will take place at Terwillegar Recreation Centre starting the week of Oct. 4.
Hockey Fundamentals ($425)
- U-7 skill development sessions: 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays at Terwillegar Recreation Centre
- Start: first week of October
- End: late February
- Break over Christmas
- U-9 skill development sessions: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays at Terwillegar Recreation Centre Rink C
- Start: first week of October
- End: late February
- Break over Christmas
- U-11 skill development sessions: 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. on Mondays at Terwillegar Recreation Centre Rink C
- Start: first week of October
- End: late February
- Break over Christmas
Goalie skill development
The Level Up training sessions will be at the Level Up training facility located at 5 Carleton Drive in St. Albert St. Albert (just off the Anthony Henday on Campbell Road).
- Mondays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. (four spots available)
- Tuesday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. (four spots available)
- Wednesdays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. (four spots available)
Goalie mini camps are a way for U-9 players to try playing goal, gain some experience, or prepare to be a full-time goalie in U-11. They are shorter versions of the Level Up training described above.
- Sessions are held at the Level Up training facility located in St. Albert, just off the Anthony Henday on Campbell Road.
- The mini camps are between four and six sessions at varying times.
- Each session is one hour in length.
- Every session will have a ratio of one coach per two goalies.
- Goalie equipment is provided by SWAT through the player’s team. Coordinate with your coach to get it from the team, and back again.
- Goalies may not register for multiple camps, but they will be placed on a waiting list in case the sessions do not fill up.
Ian Gordon’s professional experience will aid goaltenders in their save selection, positioning and mental preparedness. For more information, please visit iangordongoaltending.com.
For Ian Gordon Goaltending, there are 16 training positions open to registration for our SWAT U-11 and U-13 goaltenders from all tiers.
Ian Gordon Goaltending ($500)
- Thursdays at Confederation Arena from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
- There will be 18 sessions.
- Sessions begin early in October, 2023 and run through to late February, 2024. There will be no sessions around Christmas.
- Only open to U-11 and U-13 goalies