It's that time of year again and we've got our minds on the Christmas 'entertainment' Sting Hockey Style!  On Friday 30th December 2011 the Sting will be holding one of their now famous Hockey Clinics at the Lammas Leisure Centre, Sutton-in-Ashfield and if last year's events are anything to go by, the kids will be in for a real teat, even if a lot of hard work will be required!

The PCM branded hockey clinic was introduced by Sutton Sting a year ago and was designed to reinforce the coaching methods being used by the Sting's own junior team coaches.  Supported by current professional players the PCM clinic provided an emphasis on fundamental and core skills and used both on ice and off ice sessions to develop basic techniques that are required in all hockey players regardless of the skill level or experience or indeed age of the player participating.

With more than 150 kids having benefitted from the PCM Clinc's Sutton Sting's head coach Rob Saunders knows that he has a winning formula and he is keen to see it repeated as much as possible.  He said, "The Clinic was an idea that we had been working on for a number of years and once SLM gave us the go-ahead we just pulled-out all of the stops to put on the best event we could.  Danny, Clarkey and Jonna came in to help us and we created a real buzz around the Lammas and around the Club.  The Pro boys made lots of new friends that day and they inspired our kids to greater things which saw our U10 and U12 teams go on to achieve great things last season."  He went on, "Our older kids learned new stuff too as well as being able to get on the ice alongside some of the best players in the British game, which is always a thrill."

The PCM hockey clinic is brand new and is intended to offer each player the best opportunity to fully develop the fundamental skills that are necessary in all good hockey players.  Our  PCM clinic is designed to enhance and develop hockey skills using the latest professional coaching methods delivered by the best coaches with support by professional players.  It is widely accepted that players honing their skills at hockey clinics see dramatic improvements in their game and can leave the clinic with a significant advantage.  Our Clinic is designed to be fun while challenging and suits all kids from 7 to 15 years regardless of ability.

The format of the Clinic has been devised in conjunction with three of the UK’s best ice hockey players of their generation.  Jonathan Phillips, David Clarke and Danny Meyers are all current Elite League players at the very top of their profession and all have dedicated their time to ensuring the success of the PCM Clinic.  Here’s what they had to say:

Jonathan Phillips of the Sheffield Steelers

"For a while now Danny, Clarkey and me have been admiring the set up, work ethic and most importantly fun, that goes on at Sutton Sting!  So it seemed only right to accept the offer to work alongside the Club in setting up the PCM hockey day clinic.   When I was a kid I loved being involved in the local hockey school, being taught by players that I looked up to.   I think it’s great that I now get the chance to give something back to the game by teaching kids the fundamentals that often get over looked.  I hope you will enjoy the PCM hockey clinic and I look forward to seeing you guys have fun out on the ice."

Good luck!  Jonna

Danny Meyers of the Nottingham Panthers

"It is with great pleasure that I join my friends Jonna Phillips and David Clarke in bringing you the PCM hockey day clinics. Like the kids today, I always looked forward to and enjoyed hockey schools and now that I get the chance to teach them, my excitement remains the same. Having witnessed the work Sutton ice hockey club do at their end of year presentation this past year, I knew that it was a club that I wanted to work with. I was taken a back by the effort and commitment shown by the coaches and parents and it's that support that allows a club to continue to grow. These clinics are not to find the next hockey "star" but offer advice and guidance that has helped the three of us to where we are today. I hope you all enjoy the hockey day clinic and I look forward to seeing you on the next one."

Cheers,  Danny.

David Clarke of the Nottingham Panthers

"Hi everyone.  I am absolutely thrilled to work with Sutton Sting for PCM day clinics.  I have had the opportunity over the past couple of years running my own hockey clinic  (The Clarke and Co) in my hometown Peterborough, seeing the development of young hockey players over a short period has been an extremely rewarding experience for me.  Working alongside my good friends Danny Myers and Jonathan Phillips is going to be a lot of fun for the three of us and we can’t wait to be involved in this new exciting concept here in Sutton. My main motivation behind getting into coaching hockey schools is that my son Morgan is now a young hockey addict and attending hockey schools are some of the fondest memories during my younger playing days so I wanted to provide the same fun and enjoyment not only for him but for as many young hockey players as I can.   The PCM day clinics are going to be a great learning experience for all and I look forward to seeing how you all progress in the future.  Hockey is fun so enjoy yourself and have a great day with us." 

Best wishes, David.

The Sting have been working to develop the clinic formula for the past twelve months or so.  There have been a number of new initiatives rolled-out during the summer all of which have followed-on from the ideas thought out when the PCM Clinics were conceived.  But getting ice time and leisure centre time is always difficult as there are so many demands made upon the facilities.  But SLM have agreed to a number of dates for further Clinics and with so many new members joining the Club since the last Clinic was held last February there is sure to be much demand for the 60 or so places that are available.

Gary Apsley, Sting's clinic co-ordinator said, "I love the idea of Sutton Sting hosting camps and cinics.  It's a great way for us to show-case our Club and how we organise events.  I know we do a real good job and I also know that the kids and the coaches alike get a great deal of enjoyment from the events.  From a Club development perspective it is good too because we see the benefits in improved game performance from the kids and we also have extra bonds between the volunteers and the parents.  It really is a win-win situation!"

Prices for the Clinic have been confirmed as being held at 2010 rates, which is £39.95 including healthy snacks with an option of £4 for lunch.

Download a Clinic Flier here

Download a Clinic Booking Form here