Chicago Hawks Hockey

The Chicago Hawks Hockey Club runs the hockey programs at the Darien Sportsplex. We offer classes throughout the week that are designed for both inexperienced and experienced players. Brief descriptions of our classes follow.

Little Hawks "Learn to Skate" Classes (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)

Classes are designed to give the inexperienced skater a solid foundation for developing their hockey skating abilities. Our staff first develops the basic skills each player needs to skate safely and confidently. Class instruction includes:

• The basics for developing confidence and balance on the ice
• Learning the art of a push and glide skating stride in a forward motion
• A fun and safe atmosphere through the use of easy competition drills.

Little Hawks "Learn to Play 1 and Learn to Play 2" Classes (Sunday)

Using the American Developmental Model (ADM) which is the USA Hockey approved method for teaching young players; our staff’s mission is to build the player’s love of the game while developing their skills. Classes are structured to confidently teach the natural progression of skating and hockey fundamentals (e.g., shooting, passing, scoring and team play) through competitive drills. The goal is to develop the player's ability so as to promote him/her to future House or Travel teams. Students registered in either Level 1 or 2 will be evaluated to ensure they are in the correct class. Students may be moved up or down to the correct level.

Scooter Pond Hockey Classes (Wednesday)

Scooter Pond Hockey classes are the beginning hockey teams created from Little Hawks students. Players are placed on a new scooter team every week. Class emphasis is on skill development and fun, rather than the score of the game.

Our goal is to develop an understanding of team/game play, confidence in puck handling, shooting and passing skills at the team level. Learning how to interact with other teammates is part of the learning curve of Scooter Pond Hockey. The basic rules of hockey are not yet taught at this level.

Drills for Skills Classes (Friday)

Drills for Skills clinics are intended for the aspiring player. The clinics are high intensity, one hour long practices, designed to develop and maintain the skills of the player. High repetition of all drills allows instructors to recognize the needs of each player and provide personalized direction for their further development. Reinforcement of skating, stick-handling, passing, shooting and game skills are continuously taught in these clinics.

When purchasing new hockey equipment (if a transition to travel hockey is made) please note that the Chicago Hawks Travel Hockey Club has an equipment policy requiring red helmets and pants.

To register for any of these programs, please go to www.dariensportsplex.com. For more information contact Mike Bloome, Assistant Hockey Director, at mbloome@chicagohawks.com.