SPRINGFIELD-The Springfield Jr. Blues are proud to announce the launch of the Junior Blues Hockey Academy. The only program of its kind in the Springfield area, the JBHA aims to provide youth hockey players, from mite through midget, advanced training and instruction at an affordable price. All instruction will be organized and implemented by Ryan Hardy, the Head Coach of the Junior Blues.
“When I took the job here with the Blues, I had expressed a sincere interest in working to grow the game of hockey in Springfield,” said Hardy. “I have worked closely with our President, Rick Maiocco, as well as board members from the Springfield Youth Hockey Association, to put a program together which, we believe, will enhance the level of play here in Springfield exponentially.”
The Junior Blues Hockey Academy will have several different offerings. From mites through bantams, the JHBA will have a 16-week program alternating skills sessions with a cross-ice, 3 on 3 league. The focus of the 16-week program will be individual skill development with special attention paid to improving tangible skills such as skating, shooting, passing, body-checking (age-appropriate) and stick-handling. Coach Hardy believes the value in both the skills sessions and 3 on 3 league will prove to be the perfect combination for young hockey players. “The skills sessions will allow myself and my staff the opportunity to teach the players all of the fundamental skills required to play this game correctly,” explains Hardy. “At the same time, the 3 on 3 league allows the players maximum puck touches and forces them to make plays in a confined area at a high tempo.” The 16-week program is available to SYHA families for only $250/player. The cost for non-SYHA players is $375/player.
On top of the offerings from mites through bantams, the Junior Blues Hockey Academy will offer classes for house league players, as well as high school players.
For more information, please check out the JBHA tab at jrblues.com, or e-mail Coach Hardy at ryan.hardy@jrblues.com.
