Skills training
What is skills training?
Skills training includes small group skates that incorporate drills that resemble game-like situations and a high level of competition. All of the work we do focuses on skills our players will use in a game, especially the little habits and details which help make a positive difference in games. A large group of our skates throughout the summer are going to be forward and defense specific where we work on each position's individual details. We emphasize forcing players to make decisions and learn to read plays. We do not use any sort of tools/obstacles on the ice as you will never find those in a game!
A typical practice will include 45-50 minutes of skill work and 10-15 minutes of small area games to get players to compete.
In 2026 we will have 3 Boys Groups.
Group 1: Players who played bantams during the 25/26 season. 2011 and 2012 Birth Years
Group 2: Players who played HS during the 25/26 season. 2008-2010 Birth Years
Group 3: Players who played Juniors during the 25/26 season. 2007 and older Birth Years
Skills skates are invite only*
When are skill skates?
Players will be able to skate in their respective groups in two separate sessions throughout 2026.
Session 1: Spring Program
- The spring program will start up the first week of April and run through the last week of May. Skates will be held once a week on Tuesday evenings. There will be a total of 8 skates. All of the skates are held at Inver Grove VMCC. The spring program is a great way to get back into individual skill work after the end of the season. We will begin introducing concepts which will be continuously worked on throughout the summer. Spots are limited.
Session 2: Summer Program
- The summer program will start up in the first week of June and go through the end of August. (No skates the week of July 4th). For this summer we have added additional skates and each group will have between 30-32 hours on the ice. Each group will skate 2-3 times a week. All of the skates will be held at Inver Grove VMCC or the Rosemount Ice Arena.
This summer we will emphasize working on increased awareness, decision making, learning to manage the puck and make plays.
Our older groups will also begin working on a Forward/Defense split to focus on position specific details. Spots are limited.
Where are these skates held?
All skates, both spring and summer sessions, will be held at the following arenas: Veterans arena in IGH, Doug Woog Arena in South St. Paul, and the Rosemount Ice Arena.
For more information regarding availability or pricing email bluegerhockeygroup@gmail.com