Ice Hockey Camps for Defensemen

Each position in ice hockey is charged with a specific task aimed at helping the team win. Forwards generally are the offensive playmakers, making the passes and taking the shots that result in goals. The goaltender attempts to keep the opponent from scoring. Then there are the defensemen, who block shots, dish out body checks and protect their forwards from being hit by the opponent's "bruisers." Specialty hockey camps help defensemen become better at their craft.

  1. Pro Ambitions Hockey Camps

    • The Pro Ambitions Hockey Camp instructs defensemen from ages 6 to 18 on what it takes to become an elite player. The camp was started in 1990 and is run by Jeff Serowik, who was chosen in the fifth round of the 1985 National Hockey League draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs and played 28 games in the league. Serowik helps players develop a variety of skills, including footwork, agility and skating speed. Players perform drills that emphasize both the defensive and offensive responsibilities their position entails, including clearing space in front of their net and making strong first passes to begin offensive plays. Serowik's camp travels to a limited number of towns and cities in the U.S., usually between June and August. It also provides private lessons in the Boston area at The Pro Ambtitions Ponds in Norwood, and in Middleton, Massachusetts.

      Pro Ambitions Hockey Inc.
      P.O. Box 565
      Dover, MA 02030
      508-497-1089
      proambitions.com

    D-Rules Hockey

    • Calgary-based D-Rules Hockey operates annual defenseman camps throughout the summer. Designed for players ages 10 to 16, the camp splits players into age groups and develops existing skills and introduces new ones. Players are videotaped, and their performances are evaluated by coaches. Skaters are encouraged to review the course's off-ice, Internet-based sessions and are required to learn one session completely before moving on to the next one. Enrolled players and their parents also can engage in discussions about concepts through online message boards. The camp follows the following steps in its teaching process: 1) off-ice academic requirement; 2) video of proper execution; 3) on-ice training; 4) shaping; 5) practice.

      D-Rules Hockey
      Stu Peppard Arena
      5300 19 Street SW
      Calgary, AB T3E1K2
      druleshockey.com

    Simply Defense

    • Simply Defense is located in Port Huron, Michigan, and operates Easter, summer and Christmas camps that combine daily on-ice instruction with classroom lessons. The holiday programs operate over two days, while the summer session is a four-day camp. Simply Defense "methodically breaks down the skills and responsibilities of the modern-day defenseman and introduces them to our students step by step," according to the organization's website. The program's founder, Jeff Blum, spent five years as a defenseman in the International Hockey League and the United Hockey League. Clinics are offered at several rinks in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Ohio

      Simply Defense
      4087 Elaine
      Port Huron, MI 48060
      810-985-4529
      simplydefense.com