Whalers' Hockey Schools offer cool option for end-of-summer fun

July 29, 2010, 5:15 p.m.

  With a about a month left before the start of school, maybe you’re a parent looking for some quality time – something the whole family can get involved with.

  The Plymouth Whalers and Compuware Arena have an option:

  IT’S COOL TO STAY IN SCHOOL:  Beginning on Mon. Aug. 2, Whalers Hockey Schools start with an emphasis on fun with plenty of instruction to give players a jump start to the upcoming season.  Run by Plymouth associate coach Joe Stefan and staffed by Whaler players, there’s something for all age group and skill levels:

5-Day Camps: August 2nd – 6^th

Beginner and Mini-Mites: 9am - 12pm

  This five day school is for players that have little or no organized hockey experience; previous skating lessons required. Skills learned include forward and backward skating, stopping, basic stick handling, proper shooting and passing techniques, and scrimmage. Full equipment is required. The camp consists of 1.5 hours on ice and 1.5 hours off ice per day.

Mites, Squirts, and Pee Wees: 9am - 12pm

  This five day school is designed to reinforce proper skating, while working on proper stick-handling techniques. Skills learned include forward and backward skating, stopping, basic stick handling, proper shooting and passing techniques, and scrimmage. The camp consists of 1.5 hours on ice and 1.5 hours off ice per day.

Elite/Travel Mites, Squirts, and Pee Wees: 9am - 12pm

  This five day school is geared for the accelerated player looking for a combination of on-ice as well as off-ice drills and training. Professional instructors will conduct a high intensity on-ice workout followed by dry-land conditioning. The camp consists of 1.5 hours on ice and 1.5 hours off ice per day.

Price per 5-day camp: $225

All-Day Camp: August 9th – 13th

All-Day Camp for Ages 6 - 13: 9am - 4pm

  This five day school will balance on-ice instruction with off-ice development. The focus will be power skating, stick handling, shooting, passing and game situations. Off-ice instruction will include working on balance and coordination. The school will enhance conditioning and utilize athletic games to promote teamwork. Skills taught include stick handling, proper shooting and passing techniques, starts, stops, edges, crossovers, pivots, agility and speed training. For Pee-Wees, there will be instruction on proper body contact and angling techniques. The camp consists of 3 hours on ice, 3 hours off ice, and a lunch break per day.

Price: $375

3-Day Camp: August 16th – 18^th

3-Day Camp for Ages 6-12: 9am - 12pm

  This session will serve as a tune-up for all players getting ready for fall try-outs and draft skates. The school focuses on power skating, agility, balance, stops and starts, stick handling, and game situations. The camp consists of 1.5 hours on ice and 1.5 hours off ice per day.

Price: $125

High School Camp: August 16th – 20th

High School Camp for Ages 13 - 18: 1pm - 4pm

  A challenging camp designed to enhance the players' overall skill set. Players will be able to utilize the Whalers' training facility including the weight room and locker room. Instructors include the Whalers' coaching staff and the Whalers' Athletic Therapist, Dennis MacDonald, who will conduct physical testing and design an off-ice conditioning program for all participants. The camp consists of 2 hours on ice and 1 hour off ice per day.

Price: $225

  Family Discount - Receive a $25 discount for each additional camp and/or family member that registers for a clinic.

  Team Discount - Register 6-9 players and receive $25 off each player. Register 10 or more and receive $50 off each player.

  For more information, call Natalie Shaver at (734) 453-8400 or go online to:

http://www.plymouthwhalers.com/camps_and_clinics.html