There’s something special about the start of a new hockey season. Whether it’s reconnecting with old friends and meeting new teammates, breaking in a new piece of gear or advancing to a different age division, the return to the ice is full of promise and possibilities.

Sparked by the excitement of a new campaign, a number of local youth hockey players got an early jump on the competition by attending the first of four Age Based Recreational Skills Clinics. 

Among those taking the ice at the Three Rivers Athletic Complex in Baldwinsville were beginners taking the ice for the first time and more experienced players looking to refine their skills before the season kicks in to high gear. No matter who they were, the three-day session featured something for everyone. 

“It’s a great way to start the season,” said Linda Groff, who organized and ran the first round of clinics held Aug. 23 to 25. “It was a chance for players of all ages and experience levels to work on things they wanted to work on. That’s what this is all about.”

Players ranging in age from 6 to 14 enthusiastically hit the ice for two days of high intensity practices with Groff running players through a variety of drills that allowed them to work on a variety of skills from edge work and power skating to stick handling and shooting. The clinic culminated with a game day, where players had the chance to showcase their improved skills as they get ready to join their respective teams.

Assisting Groff with the first clinic was Randy Roth along with N.Y. District Goalie Coach-in-Chief Kevin Kreutzer, who had sets of quick change goalie gear for any players who wanted to try their hand at stopping pucks. 

In addition to the skills clinics, Central Section referee in chief Rick Pratt held a try officiating clinic for 17 prospective new officials. Pratt was helped on the ice by several veteran referees who helped newcomers learn the basics about officiating, including the process of earning their Level 1 certification and working with local schedulers to get game assignments.

The Lakeshore Hockey & Sports Center in Rochester hosted a similar clinic Sept. 13-15. Two more clinics will be held in October, including one in the East Section at the Westchester Skating Academy in Elmsford (Oct. 6-8) and in the North Section at the Cerow Recreation Park Arena in Clayton (Oct. 18-20). The cost to attend any of the three-day sessions is $80 per player. Interested players and volunteers can register at https://nysaha.jotform.com/241226146686055