The Grizzlies will offer the following programs:

• Open Skate and Skate & Shoot Schedule
• Kindergarten Hockey League (Fall 2007 / Winter 2008)
• Player Development Program (Spring 2008)  Schedule
• 3 v 3 Leagues (Spring / Summer 2007)
• Summer Development and FUN Camps (Summer 2007)
• Year round "Just for FUN" Hockey Leagues
  (Beginner and Advanced)
• Fall Clinics
• Holiday / Vacation Camps

Available ice for sale. Registration forms for the Grizzly Programs can be found here.

The Grizzlies will offer a variety of unique programs at all skill levels which will be designed to improve skills, but more importantly, instill a love of the game with an emphasis on FUN! There are many excellent development programs out there, and the Grizzlies are not looking to replace any of them. I have my own ideas and concepts that I have put together from working with good hockey people. Things that my family has done to make this game a valuable part of our lives and this is my chance to pass what I have learned on to you. The Grizzlies are not linked to any one youth organization, only to the ideas of making the game fun, and developing skills. I cannot do this alone, so I will be soliciting the help of top quality hockey people from different areas who share the same philosophies as me. The Grizzlies will be a place where proven techniques will be combined with great coaches and low player to coach ratios to provide a unique opportunity to learn and have FUN.

GRIZZLIES ARE UNIQUE!!

The Grizzlies will be unique for a variety of reasons:

1. Coaches – We will have a variety of coaches with excellent hockey backgrounds running our clinics and programs. They will be hands on with the players, and with our low player to coach ratio (7:1), they will be able to personally work with each player.
2. Facility – The Grizzlies’ home base is Village Sports in Fairport. I opened this facility in 2002 to promote active lifestyles in kids. The facility has a 90’ x 80’ Astro Turf Surface, Basketball Shooting Area, Adventure Challenge Obstacle Course, Meeting Rooms, Snack Bar, and a new 120’ x 60’ Ice Rink we call “The Pond”. The Pond is ľ of a full size rink but has the same shape and look. I put in this training rink to simulate the ponds and backyard rinks that were so much fun, and such a big part of my kid’s and their friend’s development. 14 to 16 players with 2 coaches is a perfect number for training and is a perfect fit on this rink. 3 v 3 games will also be a regular part of all our programs as well as our “Learn Through Play” concept.
3. Learn Through Play – As my boys advanced through Junior and College Hockey, I started asking parents where they thought their kids developed their skills and love for the game. 100% of the parents responded with some type of pond hockey story. Whether it was on the Pond, Backyard Rink, Canal behind the house, keys to the rink after it was closed, etc, their kids had the most fun and skill development “just playing” with friends. They would tell me of the numerous games played and created during these sessions. I know this was also the case with my own kids. A major component of our program will be this “learn through play” idea. We will sprinkle in some instruction with lots of awesome small ice games designed to develop creativity and skill. I have seen this approach work for years. Today’s players are not given the chance to be creative. Practices are too structured, and they don’t play on the backyard rinks, so as a result they do not develop to their full potential, and very often are tired and bored of the sport right when it should be the most fun. Our program is going to be FUN!

The Grizzly Bear represents all the physical and mental traits we hope to develop in our players: Physical -- Strength, Power, deceiving Speed and Agility. Mental -- Toughness, Fearless in battle, and a great defender of family (or teammates). Athletes with these traits ultimately become the top players and leaders in their sport. We constantly reinforce these basic traits while helping our players master the skills necessary to compete at the highest levels. Besides, the Grizzly Bear is cool looking!

We'd be happy to answer any questions you have. Please send an email to info@rochestergrizzlies.com.