This year, our program has undergone some important changes—some you may have already noticed, and some that are more behind the scenes. One of the most impactful updates is our move to a curriculum-based training model. Starting this spring, we began implementing structured development plans across all age groups. This season, every team from 10U and up (Tier or not) will benefit from three practices per week. 

 

While USA Hockey promotes a 3:1 training-to-game ratio, very few organizations actually deliver this at the team level. The Bears are the first in the state to do so. In fact, even AAA organizations often average closer to only two practices per week due to heavy travel schedules.   With us, your players are consistently getting more ice time than anyone else in the region. 

 

We’ve also identified a challenge in today’s hockey environment. Many young players aren’t developing “game sense”—the natural feel for time and space, puck placement, delay tactics, and luring opponents. In the past, kids absorbed this by watching entire games together, but now short highlight reels dominate. To bridge this gap, our professional coaching staff is intentionally focusing on teaching these details in practice. By combining fundamentals with situational awareness, we are setting players up for long-term success.The result? Your child is not only training more but also being surrounded by teammates and peers who share that same commitment. As the season progresses, performance will rise, and we expect results to shine in the second half of the year. 

 

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