Player Development

The Jr. Blue Hens are dedicated to player development and have been fortunate enough to cultivate several partnerships over the years to bring best-in-class coaches and trainers to our program.

For the 2018-19 season, JBH players will work hard to develop into well-rounded athletes and skaters with guidance and coaching by:

• USAH/ ADM certified coaches
• Tomorrow's Ice Hockey Development skill experts
• University of Delaware world-renowned power skating coaches 
• Additional goalie instruction by Bryan Cantor, founder of Defending the Crease and Eric Birnberg, goalie for the University of Delaware ice hockey team 

Learn more about each of these programs below. 

All JBH Coaches follow the USA Hockey American Development Model (ADM) for practices to promote players' long-term development.

Visit ADMKids.com for more information about USA Hockey's philosophy on developing athletes including age-appropriate training information and a parent handbook.

For the third year in a row, JBH is proud to be partnering with Tomorrow's Ice Hockey Development (TI) for player development. 

TI was founded on the principles of providing a quality hockey learning experience while working collaboratively and in partnership with youth hockey to support, grow, and sustain youth hockey. The teaching professionals who represent Tomorrow's Ice are committed to keeping a player-centered environment and creating an atmosphere that fosters development and positive self-worth. We continue to believe that serious training within a structured environment can be both effective, as well as enjoyable…when done right and led right!

TI coaches will work with our JBH coaches throughout the season during practices to guide skill development and player growth. 

Visit www.tomorrowsice.com for more information about Tomorrow's Ice including additional skating and drill clinics they provide all year round. 

For the 2018-19 season, JBH is excited to announce our partnership with several of the University of Delaware skating coaches who will help our players focus on technique and power. Coaches Suzy Semanick-Schurman and Patty DeLisi have 65 years of combined skating and coaching experience and will work with our players during practices and additional skating clinics throughout the season. 

JBH works with several goalie instructors, both from Tomorrow's Ice and the University of Delaware Ice Hockey team, throughout the season specializing in developing goalies at all levels.

For the 2018 season, we're excited to be working with:

• Bryan Canter, TI goalie instructor & founder of Defending the Crease 
• Eric Birnberg, goalie for the University of Delaware ice hockey team 

Bryan and Eric, along with our JBH coaches, are dedicated to helping our goalies reach their highest potential as they develop in our program. 

JBH players will have the opportunity to participate in several off-ice training sessions before and during the season. Thanks to our partnership with the University of Delaware Ice Arenas, we'll also have access to training facilities at the rink. Stay tuned for more details! 

Plus, don't forget to save the date for our August Pre-Season Mini-Camp! The mini-camp will include on-ice and off-ice activities for skaters, goalies, and parents. Topics will include Nutrition 101, Concussion Prevention,  Exercise and Training Seminars, and more. 

Check out the JBH Master Calendar for dates and times for your age group.