Positional and Game Play

July 6-12 Lake Placid Ages 8-17 Boys Girls Resident Day

Hockey is a game of both mind and body, played as much in your head and heart as on the ice. You don’t have time to think about what to do or where to move in the heat of the moment as a play unfolds. That’s why learning to anticipate your next move, both offensively and defensively, is key. Focus on sharpening your individual skills while also developing your game strategy. The Program Highlights below will outline the skills you’ll work on, whether you’re playing forward or defense.

Register

SOLD OUT

Jul 06 - 12, 2025

Day: $1509.00

Resident: $2079.00

All fees are in US Dollars.

Program Highlights

Boarding and Day options.
Ages 8-17. Distinct age groupings.

ON-ICE INSTRUCTION

17 hours of quality on ice instruction with targeted training beginning Sunday evening and ending Saturday morning.

Sunday evening skate & evaluation introduces you to the CAN/AM way and gives instructors their first chance to evaluate players.
Monday-Friday: players will have two 1 ½ hour sessions daily, each with specific skills and goals.
Saturday session serves as a recap from the week and a chance to display enhanced skills during a final scrimmage.

Personalized and individualized 5:1 player to instructor teaching ratio.

Daily power skating sessions with a specialized power skating instructor to enhance stride strength, balance, speed, and agility.

Daily specialized instruction on:

Stickhandling: Develop puckhandling skills in tight areas and in the open ice.
Passing: Improve your awareness as to where your teammates are at all times. Learn to execute pinpoint passes both on the forehand and backhand.
Coverage: Learn how to cover your “area” as well as your “man” in all 3 zones (defensive, neutral, offensive).
Time and Space: Learn when to “go” and when to “slow down” with and without the puck in game situations (special teams, odd-man rushes, even strength)
Gap Control: Forwards will learn the importance of attacking the opposing defenseman and getting them on their heels. Defensemen will learn to keep their “gap” with the attacking forward in defending the prime scoring areas on the ice.

Learning proper body contact: When to use the body, “shadowing”, controlling the slot area and use of angles. (body contact will be taught in a controlled environment at an age-appropriate level)

Train and perfect individual skills:

Improve your shooting accuracy.
Develop a quick release.
Increase shooting power significantly.
Learn and re-learn when, where, and how to execute the correct shot from the best location to score.
Execute pinpoint passes.
Stickhandle in tight areas and in the open ice with your head up.

Learning proper body contact: When and when not to use the body, “shadowing”, controlling the slot area and use of angles. (body contact will be taught in a controlled environment at an age-appropriate level)

Testing for skating speed, shot power, and shot accuracy.

Instructional scrimmages for application and enhancement of shooting, skating and passing skills. Coaches will give feedback on the ice and on the bench.

Personal video analysis of your individual style and skills – a CAN/AM coach gives you specific input and skill development tips using video feedback.

While individual skills such as skating, shooting, stickhandling, and passing will be instructed on a daily basis, the focal point of this program is to execute these individual skills in game like situations. In addition to working those fundamentals, expect the following positional instruction:

Forward Instruction

Center/Winger strategy in the defensive, neutral and offensive zones, including transitional play.
Shooting/Scoring – wrist, snap, backhand, slap shot and deking and when to use them.
Communicating with your linemates, goaltender, and defensemen.
Learn when and how to properly block shots.
Puck Control – playmaking, passing, puck protection and cycling the puck.
Specialty Team Play – powerplay, penalty killing, 4 on 4, 3 on 3, odd-man rushes.
Daily instructional scrimmages reinforcing the role of the forward.
Off-ice forward training.

Defenseman Instruction

Playing in the defensive, neutral, and offensive zones, including transitional play.
Gap control, body and stick and angling, and defending the net area.
Shooting/Scoring – emphasis on shots from the point, one-timers, and shots to create deflections and rebounds.
Communicating with your defensive partner, goaltender, and other teammates.
Puckhandling, playmaking, passing, quarterbacking the play.
Specialty Team Play – powerplay, penalty killing, 4 on 4, 3 on 3, odd-man rushes.
Daily instructional scrimmages reinforcing the role of the defensemen.
Off-ice defenseman training.

OFF-ICE INSTRUCTION

3-4 hours of targeted off-ice hockey training daily targeting areas needing improvement based on your goals and your coaches' feedback.

Foot Speed, Agility Training & Flexibility:

Agility stations including ladder drills, Gorilla steps, Dot Drill mats, Power Slide boards, core strengthening via medicine balls and resistance bands, balance and flexibility training.

Shooting Gallery:

Improve your shooting accuracy off-ice with the Top Shot, interactive indoor shooting gallery.
Increase shooting power with proper technique and repetition at our outdoor shooting gallery.

Techniques & Tactics:

Designed to introduce and reinforce concepts used during situational and positional play on-ice. By introducing these physical elements off-ice, we can help skaters focus on the mental and physical skills involved without having to worry about on-ice distractions. This leads skaters to a much greater understanding of the skill or concept in question.

Team Challenge:

Learning of what "TEAM" means is an important part of developing hockey players. You will learn the importance of such critical hockey team skills as desire, cooperation, trust, motivation and just plain hard work towards a common goal. This program is under the supervision of our special Team Challenge staff and instruction is geared towards safety as a priority.

Personalized lectures focusing on your position and your questions. Topics covered:

Review and critique of professional situations and breakdowns resulting in goals.
Responsibilities of forwards & defensemen (Defensive, Neutral, and Offensive zones).
Detailed walkthroughs for: Breakouts, attacking the zone (triangle and cycling), face off positioning, and special teams.
Understanding different goaltending styles and taking advantage of their weaknesses.
Understanding breakaway concepts and techniques. Know what to do when a goalie comes out from his net, how slowly or quickly to approach, what visual cues to look for and what final move to make.
Pre-game preparation & in-game focus.
Learning and bouncing back from a bad game.
Hockey and higher education.

Fitness Testing for flexibility, sprinting, endurance, and power.

See how you measure up against hockey players of your age.

Recreation:

Although hockey, both on and off the ice, is the focus at camp, there are times set aside for recreation in order to relax, have fun and take a break from the concentrated hockey program.

One-on-one sessions with you and your coach.

Additional Program Details

Camp Registration Day and Time

Camp registration will take place on Sunday from 1:30-3:30pm at Northwood School. During this time, participants will check in, receive their camp materials, and meet their coaches. Following registration, we will kick off the camp experience with our Opening Ceremony. This exciting event will introduce the staff, outline the week’s schedule, and set the tone for an unforgettable camp experience. It's the perfect way to start building connections and get ready for an action-packed week on the ice!

Meals

On Sunday evening, join us for a welcoming team dinner at Northwood School, where you'll have the chance to relax and bond with fellow campers, coaches, and staff. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick off the week with great food and camaraderie. Throughout the camp, daily lunches will also be provided at Northwood School, offering a variety of delicious and nutritious options to fuel you for your training sessions. Whether you’re enjoying a sandwich, a hot meal, or a fresh salad, you’ll have everything you need to stay energized and focused for the day’s activities. For complete details on accommodations and meals for residents, be sure to check out the Resident Camper Benefits section.

Camp Souvenir

As a special keepsake from your unforgettable experience, each camper will receive a CAN/AM camp souvenir. It’s our way of saying thank you for being a part of the CAN/AM family and making this camp experience one to remember!

Official CAN/AM jersey (available personalization and matching hockey socks)

As a standout part of your camp experience, you'll have the opportunity to wear the official CAN/AM jersey, designed to represent your time at camp. This high-quality jersey comes with the option for personalization, so you can add your name or number for a truly unique touch. To complete your look, matching hockey socks are also available, allowing you to showcase your camp pride both on and off the ice. Whether you're gearing up for practice, a scrimmage, or just want to remember the camp’s special moments, the CAN/AM jersey and socks will serve as a lasting reminder of the unforgettable week you spent with us. An email will be sent prior to camp start with sizing details and pricing.

Olympic Center Museum Tour

Experience the rich history of winter sports with a visit to the Olympic Center Museum. This immersive tour takes you through the evolution of the Winter Games and showcases the incredible athletes and moments that have defined Lake Placid's Olympic legacy. The museum is home to a vast collection of memorabilia, including Olympic torches, medals, equipment, and rare artifacts from past games. As you explore the exhibits, you'll discover the stories behind Lake Placid’s two-time Olympic host status, the unforgettable victories, and the personal achievements that have shaped the world of winter sports. The tour also highlights the legendary 1980 Winter Olympics, including the iconic Miracle on Ice, offering a deeper connection to this historic event. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or simply curious about the Olympic journey, the Olympic Center Museum tour is a must-see for anyone visiting Lake Placid.

Friday Evening Closing Camp Activities

Join us for a memorable evening as we wrap up the camp experience with our Friday Evening Closing Activities. After an action-packed week on the ice, it's time to let loose and enjoy some lighthearted fun with camp-wide games that bring everyone together. From team-based challenges to friendly competitions, these activities are designed to create lasting memories and foster camaraderie. Whether you're participating in a relay race, a hockey trivia contest, or a thrilling obstacle course, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These games encourage teamwork, laughter, and a little healthy competition, ensuring a perfect send-off to a week of skill-building and fun. The evening is all about celebrating the friendships made, the skills gained, and the unforgettable experiences that will stay with you long after camp ends.

Saturday Closing Remarks, Awards Ceremony, and Check-Out

Saturday marks the final day of camp, and we’ll end the week with a special session of closing remarks, awards ceremonies, and check-out. After the final ice session, the camp will end with heartfelt closing remarks from our coaches and staff, reflecting on the growth, effort, and accomplishments of each camper throughout the week. It’s a time to celebrate individual progress and the bonds created within the camp community.

Following the remarks, we’ll hold an awards ceremony to honor campers for their dedication, teamwork, and achievements on and off the ice. From skill mastery to sportsmanship, the awards will highlight the standout moments of the week, giving everyone a chance to shine and receive recognition for their hard work.

Once the ceremony concludes, we’ll move into check-out, where campers will return to Northwood School to collect their belongings and say their goodbyes. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the experience and exchange contact info with new friends made during the week. We’ll ensure a smooth check-out process, so you can leave with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve had an unforgettable time at camp.

Progress Report Card

The Progress Report Card provides you with a comprehensive, detailed evaluation of your performance throughout the program. This report includes the coaches’ assessment of your on-ice skills, giving you valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. This personalized feedback is an essential tool for your continued growth as a hockey player.

Training Workbook

To help you continue your development beyond camp, each camper will receive a comprehensive training workbook. This workbook is designed to supplement your on-ice training and guide you through personalized off-ice workouts, ensuring you stay focused and sharp as you prepare for the upcoming season. Inside, you'll find detailed exercises, tips from our coaches, and training plans tailored to enhance your skills. The workbook will be sent to you at the conclusion of camp, giving you a valuable resource to keep your progress going long after you leave the rink.

Resident Camper Benefits

7 Days and 6 Nights Accommodations

Enjoy a comfortable stay with 7 days and 6 nights of accommodations at Northwood School, where you’ll be housed in double-occupancy rooms. This setup ensures a balance of camaraderie and privacy, allowing you to connect with a roommate while enjoying all the amenities the school has to offer. Northwood’s facilities provide a welcoming and supportive environment, so you can rest and recharge between training sessions. With the stunning Adirondack setting surrounding you, your stay will be an integral part of your unforgettable camp experience.

Meals

Starting with the Sunday team dinner, all meals are provided throughout the duration of the camp, ensuring you stay fueled and ready for each day's activities. The Sunday team dinner at Northwood School offers a welcoming opportunity to bond with fellow campers, coaches, and staff, setting the tone for an exciting week ahead. From Monday to Friday, you’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, with a variety of delicious and nutritious options to suit all tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty breakfast to start your day, a balanced lunch to recharge between sessions, or a satisfying dinner to unwind, each meal is designed to keep you energized and focused on your training. On Saturday morning, a final breakfast will be served to ensure you’re ready for the day ahead. Throughout the entire week, we take care of your meals, so you can focus on making the most of your camp experience.