As they continue to wait and see what will happen for the 2020-21 season, the Prince George Cougars are offering their resources to train athletes during COVID-19.
The team announced today (Sept. 10) a new series of hockey schools starting Sept. 25 for local minor players to not only keep them busy through the pandemic, but to develop their skill levels in a time when competition is put on hold.
Taking place on designated Pro-D days on School District 57’s (SD57) calendar, the Cats’ coaching staff are set to pass down their knowledge to the next generation through one-hour sessions at Kin 2 Arena, including Head Coach and General Manager Mark Lamb.
“During these challenging times, we as an organization felt it was important to offer our support to the local and regional minor hockey community,” said the 1990 Stanley Cup champion with the Edmonton Oilers.
“I’m proud that our coaching staff is taking up a leadership role in helping develop our local minor hockey players. We are excited to provide ice sessions not only tailored to the elite level player but also those recreational level players who are looking for a great experience.”
According to the Cougars, sessions will cater to two specific groups: elite level players, aged nine to 12, and recreational level players, aged nine and 10.
Elite level participants will receive skill-development training for each position; forward, defence and goaltending, while recreational players are set to play three-on-three scrimmages.
Space will be limited to no more than 18 skaters per session.
The Pro-D Hockey School daily schedule is as follows:
Elite Level Ice Sessions
- 8 to 9 a.m.
- Defence specific training = 14 skaters, six goalies
- 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
- Forward specific training = 16 skaters, four goalies
- 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Forward specific training = 18 skaters, two goalies
Rec Level Ice Sessions
* Players divided into two teams, nine skaters aside
- 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
- 18 skaters, two goalies
- 2 to 3 p.m.
- 18 skaters, two goalies
The first school is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25; the cost is $35 for elite-level players and $30 for rec-level.
For more information, you can visit the Prince George Cougars’ website.
Coach Lamb will be joined by Associate Coach Jason Smith, Goaltending Coach Taylor Dakers and Director of Player Development Steve O’Rourke.
