The flyers posted on social media and displayed on the NYSAHA website welcomed players of all ages and skill levels. From the beginner looking to gain her footing in the game to the advanced player looking to refine his skills, all were encouraged to attend this year’s round of recreational skills clinics held around the state.

For some, it was a chance to reconnect with Linda Groff and her coaching staff who earned high marks for making learning fun during last year’s clinics. For others, it was an opportunity to get extra ice time in preparation for the season ahead. Either way, it was a win-win for everyone who attended a clinic.

Jenai Rossow’s daughter Kairi attended last year’s Central Section clinic at the Skaneateles Community Center. Almost immediately, the Dryden mom noticed a growing confidence in her daughter on the ice.

She attributes a large part of that to Groff’s coaching style, which makes it easy to learn. A former Div. I player at Niagara University, Groff is a Level 5 coach who has worked with players of all ages, from Mites up to high school players. 

Playing on the Cortland Flames, a 12 & Under co-ed team, and the Shooting Stars, an all-girls team, Kairi has felt a boost in her confidence thanks in large part to the coaching she’s received at these clinics.

“What drew us to it was the affordable price along with the fact that it was a clinic directed for recreational players,” Rossow said. “A lot of the clinics in the area seem to be tailored to travel players, and Kairi can sometimes get a little bit lost in the mix. So, we felt that a recreation clinic was going to be great. We went to the one last year and she had the absolute best time. 

“The skills were great and Coach Lynn’s energy and enthusiasm is out of this world. Kairi just fell in love with her. After one day she felt much more confident. It was like, ‘Here’s a coach who really believes in me, and is so encouraging.’ We saw that kind of grow throughout the season as her confidence continued to improve along with her abilities. We really feel like Coach Lynn’s clinic was like a springboard for that.”

Alicia Bartsch was out of town at a summer tournament in Massachusetts when she saw the flyer pop up on her social media feed. She asked her son, Mason, if he wanted to have her sign him up for a clinic at the Lakeshore Hockey & Rec Center in Rochester. Like most young players with a passion for the game, Mason rarely turns down an opportunity to get on the ice. Even though he may have been a little advanced in both age and skill from the other attendees, he found the weekend to be worth his time.

Not only did Groff provide a few pointers that Mason has carried with him into the season with the Buffalo Bison AA team, he was happy to help younger players with their game. Like so many players and coaches, it was Mason’s way of paying it forward. 

“My husband and I both see that when our son is having fun how much he develops, and how open he is to try new things when it’s something that he enjoys,” said Bartsch, who lives in Akron. “That’s something that I felt that this clinic really had. [Mason] was paired with kids that weren’t necessarily the same skill level as him, but they were all having fun, they were all doing the drills and there was still time for the coaches to critique them a little bit and helped him.”

One of the strengths of the clinic curriculum is the opportunity to change things up on the fly and help individuals work on things that will help them take their game to the next level. After watching Mason shoot pucks during one drill, Groff offered a few suggestions to help him maintain his balance during his follow through, which will help him now that he’s playing at a higher skill level.

“It was a mix of great skills and drills, but also fun,” Bartsch said. “They did some games, and the coaches were cheering the kids on, and they were all trying to pass to the younger kids. That’s just nice to see.”

In total, there were four clinics held around the state, with the final one held in mid-October at the Cerow Recreation Park Arena in Clayton being a sellout. Groff said plans are already in the early stages for next year’s clinics to be held prior to the season so more players can use them as a warmup before they join their teams.

Randy Roth has been a long-time coach in his local association. So, when his son, Bryce, said he wanted to attend the clinic in Clayton, Roth thought it was a good opportunity to jump on the ice and help. 

“I volunteered just because I always want to give back to the game that’s given me so much,” he said. “I volunteer quite a bit at the rink and I coach where I can just to make sure the kids are having a good time.”

Both father and son enjoyed their time on the ice, with Bryce able to use the sessions to get ready to compete with his 14 & Under team.

As Roth put it, “It was a perfect way to start off the season.”