2021 SPRING TRAINING
PDF Schedule - Click HERE
Spring training will soon be underway and registration for 2021 is now open! We will continue the program with an emphasis on tryout preparation including practice with the small area battle drills. The program will be split between individual skill development, small area battle drills and scrimmages. Each head coach will be given a curriculum which includes skating skills, puck fundamentals, introductory and enhanced checking (age appropriate) and team play. Activities will include stickhandling, passing, shooting and team concepts. Small area battle drills and scrimmages will be used to reinforce the learned skills in a game environment.
NEW THIS YEAR: We will be incorporating the Power Edge Pro (PEP) program into our spring Sessions. PEP uses Reactive Countering Training which forces players to develop evasive skating techniques, increase reaction time, and respond faster to create more opportunities. The Swords is proud to be able to offer the PEP program to all of its teams including our spring training program this year.
This year our tryouts will again include an additional on-ice session of small area battle drills for ALL skaters. Battle drills may include 1v1, 2v2, 1v2, 2v1, dump & chase and puck control with pressure scenarios. These drills will be focused on during spring so our skaters are ready for the new season.
Our spring training will be held over six weeks. Coaches will be working with the skaters to get them ready for the week of tryouts that all players will attend. Tryout drills will be practiced during the spring training program. We have worked hard to select quality coaches and put together a curriculum where every child can become a better hockey player and prepared for the 2021-2022 Tryouts.
We are excited to offer a significant discount to those skaters that register early for our spring program. Please be sure to read all the details so you don't miss out.
Program Format
Sessions will meet twice a week for 65 minutes on ice (one time during the week and one time on Saturday morning) beginning Tuesday, March 16 and concluding Saturday, April 24. There will be a week off before our 2021-22 tryouts starting on May 5. Additional tryout details will be sent at a later date.
Checking Basics & Technique Clinic
We will be holding a checking clinic to all age-appropriate spring participants and is mandatory for first time Bantam players (2008) and any player 2007 birth year or older who is a first-time hockey player. Goalie attendance is optional. The clinic provides an excellent environment for the players to transition into this important skill. The clinic will be held on Monday, April 5. Information is included in the appropriate (BT and higher) registrations.
Goalie Price Reduction
Goalies have a separate registration as we reduce the price for goalies. We will accept goalies on a first-come basis. The fee for our goalies is $200 if registered by the early registration deadline and $250 thereafter.
U8/Mite Spring Program
The Swords has reviewed our ADM program and while we feel it is very important for kids at this age to participate in a variety of sports program, we also realize the value of having the players not lose their current skill level. We also appreciate the higher costs of participating in hockey. We have brainstormed and developed a new program for our U8 players. We will be adding a once-a-week ADM style program for U8 players (both current and new). The program will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 7:15pm at Sports Plus-CAN for 10 weeks (March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 11, 18). The cost of this program is $200 with early registration (prior to Feb. 14).
For the U8 group this year all players that register and pay for spring training will have $100 of Spring payment credited to their 2021-2022 fees.
Age Levels
USA Hockey age levels for 2021-22 will be used in the Spring Program.
U8/Mite (2013-2015 birth years)
U10/Squirt (2011-2012 birth years)
U12/Pee Wee (2009-2010 birth years)
U14/Bantam (2007-2008 birth years)
U18/High School (2003-06; 2007 Freshman). Note: if a 2007 player is a rising freshman for the 2021-22 school year, they can participate in the HS or the BT session.
Registration
Online registration is by session so please be sure you are registering for the correct session. To register please go to Swordshockey.com and click on register online on the left hand side of the Swords home page.
Coach Staff
U8/Mite (2013-2015) Mike Falk, Matt Francis & Staff
U10/Squirt (2011 and 2012) Kevin Brennan, Rod Rayner & Staff
U12/Peewee (2009 and 2010) TBD & Staff
U14/Bantam (2007) Danny McDonald & Staff
U14/Bantam (2008) Ron Sochocki & Staff
U18/High School Greg Drach, Danny McDonald & Staff
(2003-2006) and 2007 rising freshman
Important Dates
February 14: End of early registration discount
March 14: Registration cutoff
March 16: Season begins
Spring Fees Based on Full Registration AND Payment ON or BEFORE:
Early Registration by 2/14/21
U8/Mite $200 (REDUCED FROM $250)
U10/Squirt & U12/Pee Wee $250 (REDUCED FROM $300)
U14/Bantam $300 (REDUCED FROM $350)
U18/High School $325 (REDUCED FROM $375)
Goalies $200 (REDUCED FROM $250)
CLICK HERE to see dates/times of sessions