Our cross-ice program is designed for young players from 4 to 10 years old who need a program more focused on instruction and training or are looking for an alternative to a “learn to play hockey” program. It is based on a model of practicing and playing ice hockey across the ice surface rather than lengthwise along the full ice surface.

The program consists of eight one-hour sessions with 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of game action. Cross-ice has both practice and game-time advantages.  This is an eight (8) week training program designed by Matt Hereisen, former Reading Royals Captain. Proof of USA Hockey registration is required for all players.  

Cross Ice: 

Ages	Day	Time	Cost
4-10	Wednesday	6:30-7:30pm	$80
Session #1 - Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28 May 5, 12, 19 & 26
4-10	Wednesday	6:30-7:30pm	$80
Session #2 - Dates: June 9, 16, 23, 30 July 7, 14, 28 August 4

Practice advantages include:

• Children have more energy to improve skills when they skate only 85 feet rather than the full length of the ice
• More puck contact, resulting in improved puck control skills
• More repetition and frequency in drills during the ice session
• Smaller group sizes provide more individualized learning and teaching
• Children see quicker skill improvement so they are excited to continue playing ice hockey

Game time advantages include:

• Increased puck possession time for each player
• Individual skills develop more quickly
• Scoring skills are enhanced since players have more shooting opportunities
• More repetition for goalkeepers
• The speed in playing situations increase, which requires quicker mental and physical reactions by the players
• The feeling of being an important part of the action increases because of the small rink size
• There are no unnecessary breaks in the game for off-sides or icing