News

May 9 , 2008

Get Better This Summer With Suburban Hockey Schools

Registration underway for summer hockey schools at six locations

Suburban Hockey Schools added two new programs to its summer line-up, which begins July 9 at the Onyx - Rochester Ice Arena and Suburban Ice-Farmington Hills.

In addition to age-specific programs for mites (ages 6-8), squirts (ages 9-10) and pee wee/bantams (ages 11-14), girls (ages 9-14) and adults (ages 18 & up), Suburban Hockey Schools will once again hold specialized programs for forwards, defensemen and goaltenders as well as a power skating class. New this season are the HoneyBaked Hockey Camp, which runs July 28 – August 1 at Suburban Ice – Farmington Hills, and the Premier Player Academy, a twice a week camp that happens July 1-24 at both the Onyx and Suburban Ice – Farmington Hills.

Summer programs continue throughout July and August at Novi Ice Arena, St. Clair Shores Civic Arena, Suburban Ice-Macomb and Birmingham Ice Arena.

“Hockey school programs provide an excellent opportunity for players to upgrade their game that they don’t get during the year. In practices and games, they are so concerned about making a mistake or what the coach is thinking about their performance,” said Lyle Phair, Suburban Hockey Schools Co-Director. “It would be like being constantly tested in school. Being in an environment with an instructional staff that is only concerned about helping them improve, breaking down their skating and puck skills and allowing them to focus on proper technique facilitates more rapid improvement and helps to build confidence in their game.”

Suburban-trained instructors, including those with professional and college coaching and playing experience, will lead these programs. Past and present SHS directors/instructors include Don Waddell (Atlanta Thrashers GM), Lyle Phair (Los Angeles Kings), Tom Anastos (Michigan State/CCHA Commissioner), Pat Carmichael (Atlanta Thrashers Scout), Manon Rheaume (Team Canada), Bob Essensa (Boston Bruins Goalie Coach) and other junior, college and professional players and coaches. All classes have limited enrollment, with a 6 student-to-1 instructor ratio (even lower in the goaltending program!).

Classes, which are open to players of all ability levels, will fill fast! Call (248) 478-1600 or visit www.suburbanhockey.com today for more information or to register. Don't forget to ask about multiple class, family and team discounts as well as our mite and goalie combos!

May 5 , 2008

Playing With a Purpose: Suburban Hockey's Premier Player Academy

Registration underway for serious hockey players at the Onyx and Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills

Suburban Hockey Schools, Michigan's leader in providing a progressive approach to power skating and ice hockey instruction for all ages and ability levels, is introducing an intense and comprehensive training program for A/AA/AAA players ages 9-12 with the Suburban Hockey Academy.

“This is an excellent opportunity for players to prepare for tryouts, try some new things, hear some new voices and get a different perspective on the game in an environment where they don’t have to worry about what their coach is thinking,” said Lyle Phair, program director for Suburban Hockey Schools. “Over the four weeks we will get them to realize what their strengths are and how to best use them to their advantage as well as recognize their weaknesses and learn ways to improve them.”

The Academy class will run on Tuesday and Thursday mornings starting July 1 – July 24 at two locations: Suburban Ice Farmington Hills and the Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena. Each day will begin with an hour of off-ice training, classroom discussion and video training at 9:00 a.m. before getting on the ice from 10:30 a.m. until noon.

Classes will fill fast! Call (248) 478-1600 or visit www.suburbanhockey.com today for more information or to register.

April 18, 2008

SHS Instructor to be Inducted into ACHA Hall-of-Fame April 25

Jesse Hubenschmidt becomes the first player to be inducted.

Suburban Hockey Schools instructor Jesse Hubenschmidt and Joe Battista make up the Class of 2008 inductees into the American Hockey Coaches Association (ACHA) Hall of Fame.

Hubenschmidt, a forward for the University of Michigan-Dearborn from 1992-1996, becomes the first player to be inducted into the ACHA Hall-of-Fame. Jesse compiled 185 goals and 186 assists in 136 games and was the 1995 Bob Johnson Award winner as college hockey’s top player and a finalist in 1996.

“You always try to do your best and hope you can leave your mark somewhere,” said Hubenschmidt. “To be recognized 12 years later and to be the first player ever to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is truly a tremendous honor. My only wish is that they could include the players that I played with like Darrin Hands, Jim Hubenschmidt, Jason Hubenschmidt, Dave Scott, Troy Taylor and Matt Henderson because they really are the reason I am being inducted. Even though my name will be announced, all of my teammates made this entirely possible.”

Hubenschmidt, a product of Detroit Catholic Central, was named First Team Central States Collegian Hockey League (CSCHL) three years and Most Valuable Player two of those years while being an ACHA First Team All-American two years. He set a freshman scoring record with 90 points and a school record of eight shorthanded goals. In his junior season, Hubenschmidt set a national record with 128 points (71-57—128). While playing, his teams placed sixth or higher at the ACHA National Tournament all four years. His jersey is the only jersey retired by the University of Michigan-Dearborn and his scoring record still stands today.

After his playing career ended in 1996, Hubenschmidt served as an assistant coach at the University of Michigan Dearborn for three seasons. He has also served as an instructor for Suburban Hockey Schools for 14 years.

Jesse and his wife Jennifer have two girls, Allie (four years old) and Avery (one year old). They reside in South Lyon, Mich. Hubenschmidt is employed by Cinetic Automation, which is in auto supplier, in Farmington Hills, Mich., in the finance/sales area.

Hubenschmidt and Battista, a founding member of the ACHA and second AHCA president from 1993-95, will be honored in an induction ceremony Friday, April 25 at 8 p.m. in the Immokalee Room at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club in Florida.

The Hall of Fame celebration is co-sponsored by USA Hockey. The ceremony will follow the AHCA Hockey Coaches Care Program held at the same hotel beginning at 6 p.m.

April 18, 2008

SHS Instructor to be Inducted into ACHA Hall-of-Fame April 25

Jesse Hubenschmidt becomes the first player to be inducted.

Suburban Hockey Schools instructor Jesse Hubenschmidt and Joe Battista make up the Class of 2008 inductees into the American Hockey Coaches Association (ACHA) Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame celebration is co-sponsored by USA Hockey. The ceremony will follow the AHCA Hockey Coaches Care Program held at the same hotel beginning at 6 p.m.

February 22 , 2008

Don't Miss Out on Spring Training With Suburban Hockey Schools

Spring Training Program offered at three locations

Suburban Ice facilities in Farmington Hills and Macomb as well as the Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena will host Suburban Hockey Schools Spring Training Programs beginning April 5. The STP, an eight-week series, includes professional coaching of individual skills and team concepts for hockey players of all ages and skill levels.

Suburban Ice – Farmington Hills will offer the following programs: Novice (ages 4-6), Girls Power Skating (ages 10-14) and High Performance Power Skating (ages 9-12) once a week and twice a week for Mini Mites (ages 5-6), Mites (ages 7-8), Squirts and Pee Wees/Bantams. Adult programs will also be offered once a week for the Breakfast Club and Primetime Power Skating.

The Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena is holding the following programs: Novice and High Performance Power Skating once a week and twice a week for Mini Mites, Mites and Squirt/Pee Wee. The Adult Primetime Power Skating class is also being offered once a week.

Suburban Ice – Macomb will run the Novice program and High Performance Power Skating once a week and offer Mini Mites and Mite/Squirt classes twice a week.

Skating, puck skills and positional play will be taught by Suburban Hockey instructors, and each program will also feature situational and skill building scrimmages. This is an extremely popular program and there is limited enrollment. For more information on the spring programs or any other Suburban Hockey program, contact (248) 478-1600 or visit www.suburbanhockey.com.

February 19 , 2008

Learn to Check with Suburban Hockey

Checking Clinics scheduled across the state

Suburban Hockey Schools will conduct the highly popular Learn to Check clinics at several locations prior to the spring hockey season, including Kensington Valley Ice House in Brighton (March 18), Dearborn Ice Skating Center (March 19), Lakeland Arena (March 20), Birmingham Ice Arena (March 26), Suburban Ice – Farmington Hills (March 27 & 30), Suburban Ice – Macomb (March 31 & April 8), Ice Box Sports Center (April 1), Novi Ice Arena (April 2), Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena (April 2) and St. Clair Shores Civic Arena (April 3).

The program is geared toward squirt players moving up to the pee wee level, as well as pee wee and bantam players who need instruction on the techniques of checking. Areas of emphasis in the two-hour instructional session include proper checking technique, how to receive a check, how to avoid a check, stick checking, back checking, angling and body positioning.

This is an extremely popular program for players ages 11-14 and there is limited enrollment. For more information on the checking clinics or any other Suburban Hockey program, contact (248) 478-1600 or visit www.suburbanhockey.com.

Suburban Hockey Schools’ mission since 1974 is to provide an instructional experience that allows a student to improve their skills, knowledge of the game and overall self-confidence as it relates to the game through a “positive” learning experience.

About Suburban Sports Group

Based in Farmington Hills, MI Suburban Sports Group (www.suburbansportsgroup.com) owns, operates and manages full-service sports and entertainment facilities. In addition, Suburban Sports Group continues to provide world-class training, education, periodicals and programming for ice sports through Suburban Sports Communications and Suburban Hockey Schools.

January 17, 2008

Heat Up Your Game with SHS Mid-Winter Clinics

Clinics held in Farmington Hills, Macomb and Rochester in February.

As the season winds down and players gear up for the playoffs, the Suburban Hockey Schools will hold one-day Mid-Winter Clinics at Suburban Ice-Farmington Hills, Suburban Ice-Macomb and The Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena.

Clinics will begin at Suburban Ice-Farmington Hills on Monday, February 18 with the Quick & Fast Clinic from 11:00 am-12:50 pm, followed by Shoot to Score from 1:00-2:50 pm. Both clinics are for ages 6 & up. On Tuesday, February 19, there will be a Defense Clinic for ages 8 & up from 11:00 am-12:50 pm followed by Puckhandling & Playmaking for ages 6 & up from 1:00-2:50 pm. Clinics at SIFH will conclude on Wednesday, February 20 with Power Skating classes for mites (ages 6-8) from 11:00 am-12:50 pm and for squirts/pee wees (ages 9-12) from 1:00-2:50 pm.

Suburban Ice-Macomb will also host clinics on Tuesday, February 12 with Quick & Fast for ages 6 & up from 11:00 am – 12:50 pm followed by Shoot to Score (ages 6 & up) at 1:00 pm. Clinics continue at SIM on Wednesday, Feb. 13 with a Defense Clinic (ages 8 & up) at 11:00 am – 12:50 pm and Puckhandling & Playmaking from 1:00 pm – 2:50 pm. Outside Edges and Shoot to Score are also available at Suburban Ice – Macomb on Wednesday, Feb. 20, running 11:00 am – 12:50 pm and 1:00 – 2:50 pm, respectively.

On Monday, February 18, the Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena offers Quick & Fast from 11:00 am-12:50 pm and Shoot to Score from 1:00-2:50 pm. Both clinics are for ages 6 & up. On Tuesday, February 19 there will be an Outside Edges clinic for ages 7 & up from 11:00 am-12:50 pm and a Defense Clinic for ages 8 & up from 1:00-2:50 pm.

Players are grouped by skill and experience level within each class, and the lesson plan is adapted to ensure that every player is challenged to improve their game. Players who sign up for two or more classes receive a discount!

Enrollment is limited and full hockey equipment is required. For more information on Mid-Winter programming or any other Suburban Hockey program, contact (248) 478-1600 or visit www.suburbanhockey.com.

December 5, 2007

Spread the Holiday Cheer with Suburban Hockey’s Holiday Clinics

Four locations make instructional hockey programs great stocking stuffers.

Suburban Hockey Schools will hold three-day and two-day Holiday Clinics for ages 6-14. Three-day clinics are available at Suburban Ice – Farmington Hills, the Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena and Novi Ice Arena. Suburban Ice – Macomb will offer two-day programs.

Suburban Ice – Farmington Hills and the Onyx will offer the following clinics December 26-28: Mite Power Skating & Puck Handling, Squirt Power Skating & Stick Skills and Pee Wee/Bantam Checking & Scoring Clinic.

Novi Ice Arena (December 26-28) will run Mite Power Skating & Puck Handling and Squirt Power Skating & Stick Skills.

Suburban Ice – Macomb (December 26-27) will hold clinics for Mite Power Skating & Puck Handling and Squirt Power Skating & Stick Skills.

Each class focuses on specific techniques tailored to help improve key areas for becoming a better hockey player. The Mite Power Skating & Puck Handling Clinic is for ages 6-8; Squirt Power Skating & Stick Handling is set for ages 9-10 and Pee Wee/Bantam Checking & Scoring Clinic is aimed at boys and girls ages 11-14.

Players will be grouped according to skill and experience levels. The cost of each three-day clinic is $140 and $95 for each two-day clinic. For more information on classes and schedules or to register, call Suburban Hockey Schools at (248) 478-1600 or visit www.suburbanhockey.com today!

October 18, 2007

Gobble, Gobble Up Skills in a Six-Course Thanksgiving Clinic

Pre- and post-meal clinics available at Suburban facilities in Farmington Hills, Rochester and Macomb.

Suburban Hockey Schools will hold clinics on Wednesday, November 21 and/or Friday, November 23 at the Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena, Suburban Ice-Farmington Hills and Suburban Ice-Macomb. Quick & Fast and Shoot to Score clinics will be offered at each location, as well as Outside Edges, Playmaker, Defense Clinic and Deking & Dangling at Suburban Ice-Farmington Hills and the Onyx.

Each class focuses on specific techniques tailored to help improve key areas to becoming a better hockey player. Players will be grouped according to skill and experience levels. Each class is a one-day, two-hour program.

The cost of the clinics is $48 or $40 each if a player signs up for two or more. Enrollment is limited so classes will fill fast! Call (248) 478-1600 or visit suburbanhockey.com today for more information or to register.

September 20, 2007

Wake Up to the Breakfast Club Adult Hockey Skills and Conditioning Series

Register now for the 10-week morning instructional program for men and women.

Registration is underway for the Breakfast Club presented by Labatt – Suburban Hockey’s weekly morning skills and conditioning series for adult hockey players of all ability levels. The first 10-week session will run from October 16-December 20. Session 2 is offered January 15-March 20, 2008.

“The instructors were very patient with me while I tried to adapt a 44-year old body with a 22-year old mind that was playing with techniques that were 20 years behind the times,” said Ron Sandler, who has been attending the Breakfast Club since 1994-95. “I was able to, more or less, successfully adapt my mind, body and techniques to the modern world because of the Breakfast Club.”

The Breakfast Club, which begins its 15th season, will take place at Suburban Ice-Farmington Hills on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and at the Onyx – Rochester Ice Arena and Dearborn Ice Skating Center on Thursdays.

The goals of the program are to improve players’ overall knowledge of the game, teach new drills, increase enjoyment of the game, build confidence, conditioning and develop skating and puck skills in a competitive and fun environment. Coaches include former professional and collegiate players with vast coaching and playing experience.

All youth hockey coaches will receive a discount on to the Breakfast Club! Forwards and defensemen who enroll in two sessions will receive a $30 discount. In addition, players who refer a new player to the Breakfast Club will receive $50 off their tuition!

This is an extremely popular program and there is limited enrollment. For more information on the Breakfast Club or any other Suburban Hockey program, contact (248) 478-1600 or visit www.suburbanhockey.com.

August 9, 2007
Suburban Hockey’s Preseason Clinics Prepare Players for Season
Last chance for hockey clinics before the season gets underway.

In addition to its weeklong summer programs at various locations throughout the Detroit area, Suburban Hockey will once again offer Preseason Clinics at Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills on Monday through Thursday, August 20-23, the Onyx - Rochester Ice Arena on Wednesday and Thursday, August 22-23 and Suburban Ice - Macomb on Friday, August 24. There are different clinics offered at each location. All clinics are one-day, two-hour programs.

“It’s a great opportunity for kids who are already on a team for the coming season to work on certain aspects of their game that could use some improvement, as well as a good time for players performing for evaluation skates to get back on the ice and sharpen their skills,” said veteran SHS instructor Geoff Bennetts. “We offer classes that cover a variety of different skills and concepts in the game so players can pick and choose the clinics that will benefit them the most.”

Eight clinics are being offered at Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills including Quick & Fast, Shoot to Score, Learn to Check, Deking & Dangling, Defense Clinic, Backward Skating, Playmaker and Outside Edges. Each class focuses on specific techniques tailored to help improve key areas to becoming a better hockey player.

The Onyx - Rochester Ice Arena will host four sessions August 22-23 including Quick & Fast, Shoot to Score, Backward Skating and Deking & Dangling.

Two classes will be held at Suburban Ice - Macomb including Playmaker and Outside Edges.

The following classes are for players age six and up: Quick & Fast, Shoot to Score and Outside Edges. Four classes including: Backward Skating, Defense Clinic, Playmaker and Deking & Dangling are for players at least nine years old. The Learn to Check clinic is designated for players 11 years old and older.

Players will be grouped according to skill and experience levels. The cost of the clinics is $48 or $40 each if a player signs up for two or more. Enrollment is limited so classes will fill fast! Call (248) 478-1600 today for more information or to register.

July 27, 2007
Not Too Late to Sign Up for a Suburban Hockey School Summer Program
SHS is Michigan’s power skating and hockey school leader since 1974.

Registrations are still being accepted for the Suburban Hockey Schools Summer programs. Classes continue July 30 at Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills, the Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena Novi Ice Arena and Suburban Ice - Macomb. Summer programs continue throughout August at St. Clair Shores Civic Arena and Birmingham Ice Arena.

Mite Power Skating classes are being held at Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills, the Onyx and Suburban Ice - Macomb on July 30 - August 3. During that same time period, Novi is managing three programs including: Mite Hockey, Squirt Skillbuilder and Pee Wee/Bantam Finishing School.

On August 6-10, Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills and the Onyx will offer Mite Hockey School and Power Skating (ages 9-12). St. Clair Shores Civic Arena will offer Mite Power Skating, while Suburban Ice - Macomb is holding three programs: Squirt Skillbuilder, Pee Wee/Bantam Finishing School and Mite Hockey School.

From August 13-17, Fundamental and Advanced Goaltending programs will be offered at Suburban Ice - Macomb and Birmingham Ice Arena. In addition, Birmingham Ice Arena will also offer Mite Power Skating. St. Clair Shores Civic Arena will host three programs including Squirt Skillbuilder, Pee Wee/Bantam Finishing School and Mite Hockey School.

Suburban-trained instructors, including those with professional and college coaching and playing experience, will lead these programs. Classes are open to players of all ability levels. All classes have limited enrollment, with a 6 student-to-1 instructor ratio (even lower in the goaltending program!).

Classes are filling fast! Call (248) 478-1600 or visit www.suburbanhockey.com today for more information or to register. Don't forget to ask about multiple class, family and team discounts as well as our mite and goalie combos!

July 19, 2007

Tune Up Your Game this Summer with Suburban Hockey Schools
SHS is Michigan’s power skating and hockey school leader since 1974.

Registrations are still being accepted for the Suburban Hockey Schools Summer programs. Classes continue July 23 at Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills, the Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena and Novi Ice Arena. Summer programs continue throughout August at St. Clair Shores Civic Arena, Suburban Ice-Macomb and Birmingham Ice Arena.

Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills and the Onyx will both hold Squirt Skillbuilder and Pee Wee/Bantam Finishing Schools July 23-27. Novi Ice Arena is running four programs during the fourth week of July including: Mite Power Skating, Defense School, Fundamental Goalie and Advanced Goalie classes.

On August 6-10, Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills and the Onyx will offer Mite Hockey School and Power Skating (ages 9-12). St. Clair Shores Ice Arena will offer Mite Power Skating, while Suburban Ice - Macomb is holding three programs: Squirt Skillbuilder, Pee Wee/Bantam Finishing School and Mite Hockey School.

July 5, 2007

Be a Player with Suburban Hockey Schools
Programs are offered at six different locations.

Suburban Hockey Schools is still accepting registrations for all seven weeks of its summer class schedule. Classes get underway July 9 at Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills and the Onyx-Rochester Ice Arena. Summer programs continue throughout July and August at Novi Ice Arena, St. Clair Shores Civic Arena, Suburban Ice-Macomb and Birmingham Ice Arena.

Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills offers the Fundamental Goalie, Advanced Goalie and Girls program July 9-13, while the Onyx will hold Defense and Forward Schools during the same week. The 10-week Adult Breakfast Club begins July 11 at Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills.

From July 16-20, Suburban Ice - Farmington Hills offers three programs including specialized programs for forwards and defensemen who are between nine and 14 years old. There is also an Adult Class that runs for four consecutive days. The Onyx’s hockey school programming continues with the Fundamental Goalie Program (ages 8-12), Advanced Goalie Clinic (ages 9-16) on July 16.