Skip to content

Shuswap Hockey School hits the ice for defensive skills sessions

Silverbacks show young players some dekes and dangles
12993924_web1_18809-SAA-Hockey-School3
A group of hockey players discusses the fundamentals of good defensive play with Silverbacks head coach Scott Atkinson Aug. 2. (Jodi Brak/Salmon Arm Observer)

In the game of hockey, as in almost every sport, the difference between a championship victory and a heart-breaking defeat often rides on the back of good defensive play.

Developing a rock-solid defence was the focus of one of the latest Shuswap Elite Hockey School sessions hosted at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm Aug. 2.

The hockey school, formerly run by Salmon Arm Minor Hockey but recently taken under the umbrella of the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, teaches players young and old, veteran or beginner, the finer points of various core hockey skills. Each session focuses on a different skill set and runs players through various drills and practice scenarios to drive those skills home.

Related: Silverbacks buy hockey school

Being able to play well defensively and preventing opponents from getting into the zone is something good players and teams do well, which is why the Shuswap Elite Hockey School puts a focus on those skills.

Silverbacks head coach Scott Atkinson, along with various players with the junior A Silverbacks, hit the ice at the Shaw Centre with the latest group of skaters eager to learn defensive fundamentals.

The Shuswap Elite Hockey School will be running skills sessions up until Aug. 24.

Registration for each week is open until Sunday. For more information, visit www.shuswapelitehockey.com.

Related: Salmon Arm Minor Hockey partners with Silverbacks


 

@Jodi_Brak117
jodi.brak@saobserver.net

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

12993924_web1_18809-SAA-Hockey-School
Skaters run through a drill where they fake looping around the net before dragging their heel to cut a swift, sharp turn during Shuswap Elite Hockey School sessions Aug. 2. The drill is designed to teach players how to make their opponent commit to chasing one direction so they can move the puck safely in the opposite. (Jodi Brak/Salmon Arm Observer)