March 13, 2018

Guilford, Conn., - The 2018 Next Step Prep Showcase took place this past weekend at Yale University and Choate Rosemary Hall in the hot bed of Prep and NCAA hockey! This event saw over 130 high end AAA players from 18 US states and Canada! 

The coaching staff that worked on ice with our players included Scott Robson (Winnipeg Jets, NHL), Ryan Donald (Yale University, D1 ECAC), Kyle Wallack (University of Vermont, Hockey East D1), Ryan Lun (Wesleyan University), Mike Doyle (Berkshire School), Luke Curadi (Greenbay Gamblers, USHL), Ryan Breen (NJ Devils, NHL), Garrett Peters (St. Louis Blues, NHL) & More! 

In terms of our developmental practices during the event, many kids, if not most, have yet to be exposed to an event like this.  The players experienced positional specific training with forward, defensive and goalie training.  The practices also incorporated, O-Zone entry to help enhance hockey awareness and structure for the players which then made a good transition into 3 v 2 and odd mad rushes. One of the biggest things that the kids will learn as they get to high levels is under-handling the puck while continuously moving their feet. Having the coaches from the NHL, Division I & III levels reinforce those habits and drive those points home was tremendous.

Moving on to the Prep Fair that was held on Saturday, in the beautiful Schley room at the prestigious Yale University, was a great setting for players and families to exlpore schools from all other New England!  The Next Step Prep participants were educated by the following schools that were on site for the event:

Salisbury School
Lawrence Academy
Trinity Pawling
Albany Academy
Berkshire School
Northwood
Andover
Hotchkiss
Loomis Chaffee
South Kent School
Worcester Academy
Elite Hockey Blended Learning Program
Notre Dame of West Haven
Canadian International Hockey

"The third annual Next Step Prep Showcase was fantastic" said ECC President, Peter Alden. " The skill and compete level we saw from players of all different backgrounds is great. Our staff consisted of NHL, NCAA, Prep and Junior coaches who were able to work with these players in an excellent environment. We are extremely pleased with the overall event."

For more information on upcoming ECC Tournaments showcases and events, please visit us online: www.ECCTournaments.com and email us at JPWithington@ECCTournaments.com.