March 2023

The Off Season should focus on skill development

Seasons are starting to come to an end and everyone is already thinking about what to do in the spring and summer months. While doing more tournaments and showcases are certainly fun, players will not improve their skills by just playing more games. Professionals in the off season are not playing more games, they use that time for skill development and to improve their strength. Younger players should be doing the exact same thing!!! 

During the season, very few coaches actually work on individual player skill development as there are so many other things they need to focus and work on to develop the team. The off-season is when players should be looking to improve their individual skills to improve for next season. Skating is the essence of the game and should be worked on by every player at every level. Improving your speed, power, edge control and efficiency will only make you a better player.

Pro Stride instructors and assistants will be focused on making players faster, quicker, more explosive and efficient skaters. We will expertly break down players skating so they learn to do each push correctly and then build it back up to a completed skating maneuver. We take great pride in making sure every player we work with improves while having fun. 

We cannot wait to see you at one of ours program soon. 

REGISTER NOW as our programs will fill up fast.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT PRO STRIDE SO THEY CAN IMPROVE THEIR SPEED TOO!!!

Check our website for more locations in your area

ERIK KALLIO

Director & Lead Instructor

Coach Erik has been a professional skating coach for 18+ years. He has trained with top experts within the field and he has developed a unique approach to delivering his message to players in a way they can understand and implement immediately. Erik has worked with NHL, NCAA college, Junior hockey and youth players.



ANGELO SERSE

Director & Lead Instructor

Coach Angelo has been a professional skating coach for 16+ years and has an intense focus on developing players to be better skaters. He connects with players in a way that makes them want to learn and perfect everything he teaches. Angelo has an extensive resume training NHL players, NCAA Division 1 & 3, Junior hockey and youth players.

DJ WALSH

Lead Instructor

Coach DJ has been a professional skating coach for over 8 years and has developed a unique talent in helping players improve all aspects of their skating. He is able to clearly communicate with players of any age so they understand the concepts being taught and why they are vital for a hockey player. DJ has worked with NCAA Division 1 & 3, Junior hockey and youth players.

ALEX RING

Lead Instructor

Coach Alex has been a professional skating coach for over 4 years. Alex started training with Erik and Angelo starting at 7 years old and continued taking programs for 10 years before starting to assist them on the ice. Alex developed such a passion for helping other players improve he wanted to train to be a Lead Instructor. After years of apprenticeship under Erik and Angelo he became a Lead Instructor.

KARL WRIGHT

Lead Instructor

Coach Karl has been a professional skating coach for over 4 years. He started training with Erik when he was 7 years old. After training as a player for over 10 years, Karl started being an on-ice assistant. After years of being an assistant Karl transitioned into learning how to be a Lead Instructor. Karl has a natural ability to clearly communicate and connect with players of all ages and ability levels so they want to learn from him. His passion to make players better skaters so they become better players in games is what makes him such a special and talented coach. 

ON-ICE ASSISTANTS

All of our assistants are current or former high school or college players. All assistants have been trained by Coach Erik or Coach Angelo for years, whether it be in clinics or private lessons. On-Ice assistants are used as demonstrators as well as helping players individually to fix their mistakes.

ACHIEVEMENT TESTING SYSTEM

The Achievement Testing Program gives players a goal to complete all tests. In order to pass each test, players must execute every maneuver to the Pro Stride standards. If a player is not able to complete one or more portions of the test correctly, the instructor will go over with the player what they want them to work on so they can hopefully pass at their next program. If a player does not pass a test it is not meant to discourage them, it is meant to show them what they can continue to work on to improve their skating.

Players that pass a test will receive the corresponding patch for that test. Once players pass and collect all the patches they can test to be the Elite Skater. Players that pass the Elite Skater test will receive an Elite Skater hoodie sweatshirt along with their patch. This sweatshirt cannot be purchased, it can only be earned.

VIDEO ANALYSIS

One of the most valuable training tools for players working on their skating is the ability to see themselves skating. This allows them to see what they are doing correctly and what they can continue to improve upon in their skating.

Pro Stride offers in depth video analysis to allow players to see every aspect of their skating. We use coaching apps that allow us to watch videos in slow motion, pause, highlight, and draw on the video all while giving voice over coaching. We will then provide advice on what drills players can work on to improve aspects of their skating highlighted in the analysis.

We offer video analysis to a maximum of 5 players per group. The video will be taken the last day of the program and then the analysis will be emailed 5 - 7 days after the end of the program.

Each analysis will look at a players forward stride, backward stride, forward crossovers, & stops/starts. The cost is $40 per analysis.