Minnesota Hockey announced today it will be offering checking clinics at three locations this spring. The clinics will provide players with an affordable opportunity for professional instruction on the skills of body contact and body checking. Each of the sessions will help players develop their confidence in physical situations, improve their all around performance and reduce the likelihood of injury.

“Body-checking is an important hockey skill, and for most, the technique takes many years to master,” said Guy Gosselin, USA Hockey ADM Regional Manager for Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota. “Teaching the foundational skills of proper body contact in a controlled environment, while providing positive feedback, dramatically reduces the chances of injury while also assisting in skill acquisition. Ultimately, it creates better hockey players.”

Minnesota Hockey’s checking clinics are primarily designed for players entering their first year of Bantam hockey, but all Peewee and Bantam players are eligible to participate. The clinics will be held in April and May at arenas in Brooklyn Park, St. Cloud and Woodbury.

“There are several key components that comprise proper body contact: body position, angling, timing, gap control, stick-on-stick,” said Gosselin. “These are things that players must continue to practice at all levels. Just like any other skill, players must continually work on their motor skills and technique to refine their body-checking abilities.”

Minnesota Hockey is excited to provide these clinics in a continued effort to make the game of hockey safer and more fun for all participants. While new rules have changed the ages where body checking is allowed and reduced the frequency of inappropriate or aggressive hits, players that are comfortable and confident in physical situations will always have a more enjoyable experience playing hockey. They are also more likely to perform at a high level and less likely to suffer injuries.

 “Properly preparing yourself to play this game requires confidence,” said Terry Evavold, Vice President of Hockey Operations for Minnesota Hockey.  “These clinics will help your player develop skills and body contact confidence.”

The checking clinics will use station based practices that facilitate the development of body contact and checking skills by maximizing repetitions with proper technique.  Minnesota Hockey will provide certified ADM instructors to teach important concepts such as angling, positioning, contact confidence, proper stick checks, safety and awareness.

Each clinic will be limited to the first 32 participants to register.  The fee for the clinic is $90.  Follow the link below to register. 

All Spring Checking Clinics are now full. Please contact Mike Terwilliger if you are interested in being placed on a waiting list.  Minnesota Hockey will be offering additional sessions in late August and/or early September.