I have a really nice off ice hockey training set up.  My parents worked on the garage last summer, while I was away at a hockey clinic.  What an awesome surprise to return to!  The training room is full of HockeyShot.com products.  So, I did a quick video of some of their products and how I use them to train.

Over the years, I’ve attend many power skating classes and clinics.  I have also worked privately with Holly Harrington, Brock Ballard, Mike Hensdell and the Phoenix Coyotes Power Skating Coach Mark Ciaccio.  Currently, I am working with Todd Collins and Boris Dorozhenko at Arcadia Ice, they are coaching a High Performance Power Skating and Dynamic Skills & Drills class a few times a week. Skating is the most important part of hockey, so start working on it immediately and then continue working on it!

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. -Kevin Durant

Every few weeks and definitely after every hockey tournament; I take all of my gear to the washing machine for a deep clean.  I load the machine with the leg pads, arm pads, chest protector, gloves & breezers (hockey pants), I use a non-scented mild soap and start the machine.  It helps if  you strap down all the velcro on your pads, or they will become a big attached bundle.  I wash my vinyl hockey bag separately, the washing machine works for both cloth & vinyl bags.  When they are finished, I take them back to the rack to dry.  We live in Arizona, so my gear dries fast in the garage.  Make sure you plan ahead, so your gear has time to dry completely.  I have also put my gear in the dryer, it did not damage the machine or hockey gear at all.  Also make sure you wipe down the inside & outside of your helmet & cage with a mild soap & water and don’t forget to wipe down your hockey sticks too.

Hockey Drying Rack

A hockey player should get in the habit of emptying their entire hockey bag every night, spray down the gear and wash the wet hockey clothes.  It only takes a few minutes to do and then you won’t have to worry about a bateria & odor on your gear, which can cause disease & illness that spreads from player to player!  The older you get and the bigger the gear, you may have to do a few loads to wash it all.  Set up a drying rack in your garage or basement to hold your gear.  In the long run, caring for you gear after each use will keep the dangerous bacteria off the gear and you on the ice doing what you love.

The New Year’s Clinic was sold out.  There were a lot of returning players, and a few new ones.  The gang got together for dinner at Sidelines Grill, on the first night of the clinic to get to know one another.

My friend Josh came in from Texas to attend the clinic.  Josh is currently playing for the Texas Brahmas PeeWee team.  His family made the 16 hour drive to Arizona, because Josh has worked with Eddie in Boston prior to their move.  We had a great time running drills together.

Hill Hockey will return to Polar Ice Chandler again this Summer, June 3rd – 6th. Sign up early, space is limited to only 40 skaters.  Here is the HHC brochure for details.  Look forward to seeing you there!

Murph & Josh with HHC Staff