August 24TH - 27TH 9am to 3 pm daily

Ages 9-14 Location : Troubh Ice Arena | Portland *Limited Spots*

HODGE HOCKEY DEFENSEMEN DEVELOPMENT CAMP Master the Position. Control the Game.

The Hodge Hockey Defensemen Development Camp is built specifically for players who want to develop the complete skill set required to play the defensive position at a higher level. Each day focuses on the skating foundation, puck movement, defensive awareness, and offensive blue line confidence that today’s defensemen must master.

This is position-specific development with structure, repetition, and real game application.

DAY 1 – DEFENSIVE SKATING FOUNDATION Owning your edges.

Defensemen focus on mobility, balance, and backward skating mechanics that allow them to control gaps and defend with confidence.

Focus Areas:

• Power skating with backward emphasis

• Edge work & agility for defensemen

• Backward crossovers

• Tight turns & transitions

• Pivots & directional changes

This day builds the mobility required to defend at pace.

DAY 2 – PUCK RETRIEVALS & BREAKOUT EFFICIENCY Moving the puck with purpose.

Defensemen develop confidence retrieving pucks under pressure and making clean, accurate first plays.

Focus Areas:

• Puck retrievals under pressure

• Breakout passing & first-pass accuracy

• Stick handling under pressure

• Escape moves to create time & space

• Passing while moving (breakout & transition)

This pillar develops composure and decision-making under pressure.

DAY 3 – OFFENSIVE BLUE LINE & SHOT DEVELOPMENT Becoming a threat from the point.

Defensemen learn how to control the blue line and generate offense effectively.

Focus Areas:

• Point shots & quick releases

• Maintaining offensive blue line control

• Shot selection & creating traffic

• Offensive blue line plays

• Attacking from the top of the zone

Players develop confidence contributing to offense without sacrificing structure.

DAY 4 – DEFENSIVE GAME APPLICATION Where positioning meets compete.

Defensemen apply mobility, puck movement, and situational awareness in competitive scenarios.

Focus Areas:

• Gap control & angling drills

• Defensive body positioning

• Net-front battles & box-outs

• Defensive zone coverage concepts

• Line rush defense

• Zone entries & exits for defensemen

• Below-the-dots battles & net-front play

Structured game application reinforces defensive responsibility and hockey IQ.