Watching the NHL Playoffs compared to the regular season, it’s very obvious that the players are competing at an entirely different level. The speed and quickness of the game is greater. The intensity is higher. It makes you wonder, how do the best players in the world take an ‘A game’ to a whole new level?

There is a quote about leadership and coaching that says if you can raise the level of effort and performance in those around you, you are officially a leader. When it comes to coaching hockey players, especially elite hockey players, finding a way to connect with each player and understanding how to get the most out of them is a key ingredient in the recipe for success.

But when it comes to finding that next level it begins and ends with the individual player. The great Vince Lombardi once said that if you’ll not settle for anything less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your lives.

When you watch playoff hockey, these players are not settling for anything less than their best. They lay it on the line for every race to the puck, every shot on goal and every pass. The battles in front of the net and in the corners are their own individual cage matches.

When you break down the game and analyze the amazing individual talent level, it might be compared to an engine in a machine. If the engine is built properly – in the case of hockey players, developed and trained properly – and also cared for properly, there will be a time when you can run that engine at the highest RPM’s and push it to maximum performance.

Youth hockey players who spend the time training and working on skills are doing just that, they are preparing themselves – their engine – for the periods of time (the playoffs) when they are going to need to rely on optimizing their performance at the highest level.

As the run for the Stanley Cup continues, it should serve as inspiration to take your own game to the next level, to shift your engine into the next gear. There is great quote about commitment that says you’re either IN or you’re OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between.

We invite you to join us at one of our hockey schools this summer and with our training, find your very own next level!

Thanks for reading and we’ll see you at the rink!

Watching Alexander Ovechkin recently break Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL goal scoring record was history in the making. And epic.

Watching Rory McIlroy battle through years of self-doubt at the Masters, and then agonize through final round double bogeys was again, history in the making. And to watch him finally adorn the green jacket, epic.

During his winning remarks McIlroy turned to his daughter and said:

Never give up on your dreams. Never, ever give up on your dreams. Keep coming back, keep working hard, and if you put your mind to it, you can do anything.

Those sage words of advice are also, epic.

We’ve talked in previous articles about the importance of dedication, hard work and perseverance. Whether it’s Ovi or Rory, records and wins are earned far away from the spotlight during summer months training, being the first one at the rink and the last one to leave, and everything inbetween.

We are looking forward to an epic summer training hockey players at locations across 13 states. We invite you to claim a spot in the starting lineup. There is limited space remaining at select locations which you can view by clicking here.

Thanks for reading and this summer, be epic!

When it comes to summer and off-season training for youth hockey players, it’s super important to choose the right training method. While there are plenty of options, after 35 years of running successful hockey schools, we invite you to train the CARTER method this summer, and to train with the best!

What exactly is the CARTER method?

Control

Our hockey camps educate all players on the importance of body control. We have designed a sequence of drills to help players understand and enhance body movements to improve overall balance and body posture. 

Agility

Our unique training methods focus on quick lateral movements and foot work. With proper body control and weight distribution, players will develop evasive techniques, making them more effective hockey players. 

Reflex

Hockey is a read and react game. Reflexes and split second decisions affect the game. Increasing your hockey skills (skating, stick handling, shooting, checking and edge control) helps to improve all aspects of the game. Through the CARTER method we raise the level of play and quicken your reflexes.

Technique

We teach and improve hockey techniques under controlled situations and through repetition. We then incorporate speed once the proper techniques have been mastered. 

Edge

Edges are challenged and enhanced throughout the week using control and overspeed drills. Edges are incorporated into the skating stride through power skating and dynamic skating.

Retention

Individual Skill Development. All of Greg Carter’s European Hockey School Training Camps work on total skill development through the use of European training equipment, parallel bars, and carousels. 

Want to learn more and take your game to the next level? While many of our summer 2025 hockey camps are sold out, we have limited space available at select locations.

To check dates and locations, click HERE.

Thanks for reading!

When the final buzzer sounds on your season the focus turns to “What’s next” . . . “How do I improve my game?” While most players share this thought, it’s the players that actually follow through, set goals and work hard tha hit the ice next season as a better player.

So the question is, how are you going to make the most of your off season training?

Here are 5 tips to take your game to the next level: 

1. Start with a plan. This seems simple and obvious, but a plan isn’t a plan unless goals are identified and written down. Think back to last season and the difficulties that you had, identify areas of improvement and create a plan that will improve skills in areas that need the most work. Many players work on areas in which they are already strong. The great players spend time focusing on their weaknesses.
2. Choose a program. There are many options on how and where to train. Do your homework, and research opportunities that are reputable and offer training and skill development in the areas that align with your goals and objectives. Once you make this important commitment, you will be once step closer to your off season goals.
3. It’s summer, enjoy it! Off season training should be mixed in with a good balance of traditional summer activities. Hockey players that create a mix of training and fun are more likely to reduce injuries and also will stay with the program for a longer period of time.
4. Dedicate yourself. When it does come time for training, whether it’s before going to the beach or after a round of golf, focus on what you need to improve on. Put yourself back into the place you were last season and think about the areas of your game that frustrated you. Listen to your instructors and coaches and skate each drill with the same intensity that you play the game. Dedicate yourself to the moment!
5. Split the summer into 3 periods. June, July and August come and go very quickly. If you split your training and define goals for each month, it will allow you to focus and access your progress on a monthly basis. Players that we have trained at our summer hockey schools have told us they will identify 3 key areas of focus, and while they train all summer with them in mind, they may spend more time in June in shooting for example, and then shift the focus of July to power skating, and then August is all about stickhandling.

The goal of your off season training should be to improve your skills, increase your love of the game and to hit the ice this fall as a better hockey player than you left it in the spring. Good luck in all of your training and we hope to see you on the ice at one of our summer hockey schools located in 13 states this summer!

Hockey talent is evaluated on many skills including stickhandling, shooting and skating.  There are also the intangibles including work ethic, coachability, hockey smarts and confidence.

Often the fine line separating talent comes down to confidence, not only individually, but also as a team. With confidence comes poise and composure, and the ability to perform on the biggest stage under the most pressure. You have heard players and teams described as having ‘ice in their veins’. This characterization is earned, through talent, experience and perseverance.

Recently a team was down 3-2 late in the game and with their goalie pulled and their ‘go-to’ players on the ice, they tactically moved the puck around the offensive zone with precision. They didn’t force anything, but instead, waited for just the right opportunity to put the puck on net, and tying the game.

With the clock running down the final few seconds, the top scorer wound up with the puck and just like that, the game was tied. Less than 30 seconds into overtime that same team scored the game winner. Sure, this included a little puck luck, but it was clear to everyone in the building, including the opposition, that this team believed without a doubt that they would tie the game. The players on the ice believed wholeheartedly that they were destined to tie, and ultimately win the game.

Not only did the team have the confidence, but individually, the players knew that they had the skill and the will to win. The players knew that all of the hard work and practice time spent shooting extra pucks, working on powerskating, stickhandling and shooting was going to pay off. They absolutely believed that they could achieve.

As the playoffs approach for this 2025 season, do you believe that you will achieve? Both individually and as a team? And once that final buzzer sounds signaling the end of the season, do you believe that you can set goals, work hard this summer and hit the ice next season as a bigger, stronger, more skilled hockey player?

We invite you to take your game to the next level at one of our hockey schools located in 13 states this summer.  We know that with some great instruction, hard work and dedication, we can help make you a believer, and an achiever!

Thanks for reading and good luck the rest of your 2025 hockey season!

Watching the great number 8 chase the all-time NHL goal scoring record held by “The Great One” Wayne Gretzky is historic.

Only 20 goals separate Alex Ovechkin (875 goals as of Jan. 27) from Gretzky’s once untouchable record of 894.

While a youth hockey player can only dream of being as great as “The Great One” and “The Great 8,” being high skill in any area of the game, at any level, is something all hockey players should strive for!

We’ve talked in past articles about great goal scorers and tips on scoring more goals. Whether it’s skating, passing, shooting or scoring, being great at a fundamental skill takes hard work and dedication.

Setting goals is the first step in mastering a skill. All great skaters spend more time on their power skating than average skaters. All great passers spend more time practicing passing than good passers. All great goal scorers shoot more pucks than the good ones.

As we watch Ovi chase the highest level of greatness, set your own goals on how you are going to go from good to great. Whether it’s increasing your goals from 10 to 15, assists from 25 to 30, or becoming a better skater, being great at a skill is . . . GREAT! Being great and more than one skill is double GREAT!

Thanks for reading and consider attending one of our summer hockey schools to help reach your greatness! With locations in 13 states, our talented staff is ready to help take your game to the next level!

When choosing a summer hockey camp, consider this sage advice from Rip at the Dutton Ranch to the young boy Carter. What does it have to do with youth hockey? Actually, quite a bit.

The best hockey teams have talent, they are selfless and play as a team, they have a burning desire to win and above all, they possess a super strong work ethic.

Several of our Pro Tips articles have focused on Doing The Little Things that end up making a big difference. To Beat You I’m Going To Out Work You is great advice about staying focused and to never quit learning, developing skills and working hard. Said another way, the best players aren’t ever satisfied and always have an appetite for more. 

Whether hitting the ice for the first practice after making the team or scoring a big goal to get to the championship game, the best players understand that once ‘they have arrived’ that is when the work really begins. Great players don’t think they deserve anything. Great players are never satisfied. Nothing is given and everything is earned.

Some of the best players that I have coached over the years are also the players that are the most excited when they make the team. And not just because they made the team, but more importantly, because they are one step closer to becoming a better player. These are the players that show up everyday, work hard on skill development and never take their position on the team for granted.

Perhaps it is said best by these two great quotes from hockey players:

Jack LaFontaine, a former NCAA hockey player who signed a rare, mid-season contract to leave the college ranks to play professionally. “I just got a ticket to the dance, so now it’s time to come work even harder.“

When NHL’er Nate Prosser announced his retirement, he said of playing in the top league in the world “Every day was a tryout.”

Just like Rip told Carter, if you want to last, don’t think you ever deserve it.

Thanks for reading and we invite you to train with us this summer at one of our summer hockey school’s located in 13 states. Our Pro Staff will provide instruction using The CARTER Method to help players reach their full potential. 

If you are a player that is never satisfied and always looking to get better, we’ve got a great training program for you! 

Picking out the perfect summer hockey camp can be as fun as picking out the perfect gift!

Our summer 2025 hockey camps are located in 13 states and include the skill development training that youth hockey players need to take their game to the next level. Check out our 2025 locations and take advantage of our Early Bird Special, just in time for the Holidays!

Summer Hockey Camps in Alaska

We absolutely love our summer hockey camps in Alaska at the McDonald Center in Eagle River, UAA Seawolf Sports Complex in Anchorage and the Patty Ice Arena in Fairbanks. In addition to providing excellent on-ice instruction these locations have provided some memorable off-ice experiences – including wildlife encounters – and more! For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey Camps in Connecticut

Summer Hockey School at South Windsor Ice Arena in South Windsor, CT is one of our most popular camps! For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey Camps in Illinois

We have four summer hockey schools in Illinois including Addison Arena in Addison, North Shore Ice Arena in Northbrook, American Heartland Arena in Lincolnwood and Canlan Ice Sports in Romeoville, Illinois. For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey Camps in Massachusetts

Our home state! We have something for everyone when it comes to summer hockey in Massachusetts, including: Ed Burns ice Arena in Arlington, NESV in Attleboro, Raymond Bourque Arena in Beverly, Canton Ice House in Canton, Valley Sports Arena in Concord, Pirelli Veterans Arena in Franklin, Valley Forum Haverhill in Haverhill, Pilgrim Skating Center in Hingham, Hyannis Community Center in Hyannis, The Bog Ice Arena in Kingston, New England Sports Center in Marlboro, Essex Sports Center in Middleton, Chase Arena in Natick, Hockeytown USA in Saugus and O’Brien Arena in Woburn! For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey School in Michigan

This summer we’ll be at the Lakeshore Sports Centre in Muskegon! For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey School in Missouri

Join us at the Maryville University Hockey Center in Chesterfield! For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey School in New Hampshire

The Tri-Town Ice Arena in Hooksett is an awesome host for our summer hockey camp in New Hampshire! For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey School in New Jersey

We have a great option for summer hockey camp in New Jersey at the Jersey Shore Arena in Wall Township, NJ! For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey School in New York

Tim Horton’s IcePlex in Rochester and Three Rivers Athletic Complex in Baldwinsville are home to our 2025 summer hockey camp in New York! For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey Camp in Pennsylvania

We have two options for training and summer hockey school in Pennsylvania including Hatfield Ice in Colmar and the Steel Ice Center in Bethlehem. For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey School in Rhode Island

Boss Ice Arena in Kingston is the host for youth hockey players looking to take their game to the next level at summer hockey camp in Rhode Island! For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey School in Vermont

We love our camps in Vermont at Cairns Arena in South Burlington, Spartan Arena in Rutland and Union Arena in Woodstock! For more information click here. 

Summer Hockey Camp in Virginia

The Chilled Ponds Arena in Chesapeake is home to our summer hockey school in Virginia! For more information click here. 

We invite you to train with us at one of our summer hockey camps in 2025 and through the holiday season, we are offering a 10% Early Bird discount! Have a safe and happy Holiday Season!

Thanksgiving is our annual time to reflect on the hockey season, and more specifically, all of the reasons why we all love the greatest sport in the world. Here are just a few – of the many – reasons we love hockey.

Coaches

It’s obvious that coaches play a key role in the development of hockey players. If you are fortunate enough to have a great coach, make sure they know how much you appreciate them! It takes a lot of time, energy and dedication to coach youth hockey teams, and what you see on the ice from a coach is only part of the story. There is a lot of practice preparation that goes into that one hour practice session and game strategy. Oftentimes the coaches are the first at the rink and last to leave. To this day, I can still remember my favorite coaches and the important skills they taught me!

Equipment

Skates, gloves, and sticks are nothing short of amazing, especially sticks! Once a player is strong enough to benefit from the flex, the ability to develop a crazy hard shot is just a matter of putting in the time shooting pucks.

Parents

Hockey parents are the greatest sports parents ever. From rising long before dawn and standing in a freezing cold ice arena to the hundreds and thousands of miles each put on the car each season, the dedication of hockey parents is awesome!

Opportunities 

There are more opportunities than ever for hockey players to develop their skills. From regular season hockey teams to in-season weekly skill camps and clinics. There are plenty of AAA teams, and of course summer hockey camps and summer hockey schools. Skill development is a marathon, not a sprint, and there are so many great opportunities for players to master the fundamental skills required to reach their full potential

The Game of Hockey

Perhaps that best thing to be thankful for is the also the most simplistic, the basic fact that kids have the opportunity to play the greatest sport in the world! Hockey has brought so much excitement, joy and happiness, taught so many life lessons, developed so many friendships and brought so many people together in such a positive way.

Enjoy the season, fight through the adversity and always remember that hockey is a sport to be enjoyed, win or lose!