The Turek Development 4 on 4 League will be hitting the ice this summer for AAA caliber minor hockey players, Jr caliber and Professionals who want to be elite hockey players on an invite only basis.  This is not summer hockey, an evaluation or a scouted league.  This is a progressive, development program for players who want to improve and get to the next level by learning puck possession, creativity and hockey IQ while being allowed to try new things and allow for mistakes.  
                                                                                                                                                     
Development - This summer we will offer the ultimate in hockey development.  Sessions will start 1 hour and 15min before the game.  Every other week each session will consist of a pro style practice with OHL Central Scouting’s Paul Beraldo focusing on learning strategies, decision making and skills on how to play the game.  The other weeks will be with Kelly Reed focusing on skating, skills and shooting.  Kelly works with all our area NHL players like Ryan Ellis and Darnell Nurse.  Click HERE for a demo.  Other staff will include pro and junior players as well as former Niagara Ice Dogs assistant coach and current Ridley College head coach Mike McCourt, f and ex Toronto Maple Leaf, Jeremy Williams.  For goalies, we will have a goaltending instructor present at all development sessions or games.
Goaltenders- The rules make the league ideal for goaltender development.  Goaltenders will have a minimum of 30 scoring chances against every game.  We encourage playing the puck and with the “play on” style, there is no time to worry about goals allowed.  We will have a goaltending instructor present at all development sessions or games.


COACHING STAFF- we have a great cast of coaches who have been selected to give sound advice and make every week a positive experience. There is no benching, berating and politics whatsoever.  Coaches are there to teach and construct and the majority of our coaches are former pro players and current Jr. coaches.  Click HERE to view our coaching staff in all leagues.

Teaching Strategies

• Playing without the puck: Most of the game is played without the puck, so positioning, anticipation and timing are very important.  Anticipate where the puck will end up, not where it is.
• NO Dumping the Puck!!  Make a play, be creative. Play a possession type of game rather than a dump and chase.  Chip and chase as a last resort.  Also, on the rush, come out together as a group rather than using the long pass.  Delays are very effective. Rimming and off the glass and out are far down the list as viable options. Make a hockey play.
• Activation- we want all players involved in the offence regardless of their position.   Every player should have multiple scoring chances per game creating a confidence that carries into the season.
• Shooting, where to shoot? Physics of shooting. Shooting in stride.  Quick release.  Last year we had Ryan Ellis from the Nashville  Predators as our shooting instructor to teach our players.
• Defenseman are encouraged to join the rush, lead the rush and jump in the play in the offensive zone.  Improve your mobility.  Don’t stand around on the offensive blue line.  Jump into the play, find an open spot back door or switch with your partner to try and break the opposing team down.  D to D and go or hinge back are very effective.
• Goaltenders are encouraged to play the puck.  Also, on average, goalies face a minimum of 30 scoring chances per game. 

RULES

• There are two, 23 minute periods with a 4 minute warm up.  Last 2 minutes of the game will be stop time if within 2 goals.  Goalies stay in the same goal for the entire game. We don’t change ends because of the long change for the skaters and we want short shifts. 
• We use a “play on” style when goaltenders freeze the puck.  The offensive team backs up to the ringette line and the goalie plays the puck behind the net for a breakout.  The referees know the rules and are very vocal telling the players what to do.  Less face-offs means more actual hockey played.
• Off sides are a loss of possession and will be called.
• Intentional or scoring chance penalties will result in a live penalty shot from the blue line with back checkers starting at the defensive blue line allowing the game to continue.  Accidental penalties will result in loss of possession and subject player has to change.  There will be no outnumbered situations on penalties (power plays) as it disrupts the flow.  Players who take 3 penalties will be sent off.  Play hard, but play smart.
• NO Body Checking! Pinning or pinching off is fine, it’s very important to get your workout in the following day without being injured from a hit the night before.  Zero tolerance for fighting as well. 
• After a goal is scored, players on the offensive team will back up to the blue line and allow for set up breakout.
• Coaches are there to help out, but to also get a first-hand look at the players and their personalities.  Listen and respect.

Sincerely,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               teamturekhockey@gmail.com