News | 7/26/2012 1:16:23 PM | ROCHESTER AMERICANS

Amerks Development Coach Chris Taylor

The Rochester Americans’ 2012 Summer Hockey Camps are set to open on Monday, August 6 at the Sports Centre at MCC. Registration for the month-long camps, which offer on-ice hockey instruction from professional coaches and players for kids ages 5-14 at all different skill levels, is currently underway.
 
Amerks Assistant Coach Chadd Cassidy, who spent the previous five seasons as a coach with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) and won multiple medals in international competition, and Amerks Development Coach Chris Taylor, one of the top scorers in franchise history who retired from a 19-year professional playing career following the 2010-11 season, will serve as the head instructors for this year’s camp and be joined by a host of other staff members and instructors. Joining Cassidy for the first week of instruction is Rochester native Derek Whitmore, who made his NHL debut last season for the Buffalo Sabres and scored a career-high 28 goals in 75 games with the Amerks in 2011-12.
 
The Amerks Summer Hockey Camp offers children an experience that no other camp can – the opportunity to meet, interact and learn the game of hockey from current and former Amerks playing in the American Hockey League and National Hockey League. The instructors will emphasize skill development while taking time to teach players and will help campers learn to enjoy the game through a variety of fun and challenging drills that can also be applied to game situations.

The fun-filled week features a variety of both on and off-ice activities, specifically aimed at providing an all-around experience for campers. While the game’s basic fundamentals of skating, passing and shooting are always at the focal point, the program also offers a heightened awareness on the importance of proper technique and power-skating as well.

Away from the ice, students are taught the value of strength and conditioning through various team-related exercises designed to promote a healthy, active lifestyle outside of hockey. Additionally, campers participate in several team-building exercises that encourage teamwork, leadership and problem-solving. They also learn systems and strategic play through the means of extensive study and observation of video analysis, seeing first-hand how the game is played by professionals.

The Full Day Camps are open to players ages 7-14 while the Half Day Camps are open to ages 5-8. Below are the dates and locations for the Full and Half Day Amerks Summer Camps:

Full Day Camp, Aug 6-10, Sports Centre at MCC
 
Full Day Camp, Aug 13-17, Webster Ice Arena
 
Full Day Camp, Aug 20-24, Lakeshore Hockey Arena
 
Full Day Camp, Aug 27-31, Thomas Creek Ice Arena
 
Half Day Camp, Aug 6-10, Sports Centre at MCC
 
Half Day Camp, Aug 27-31, Thomas Creek Ice Arena
 
For more information or to register now, visit www.rochesteryouthcamps.com.