The doors were open for the public to come see what was once off-limits to most. The Hockey Academy at Ralph Engelstad Arena is ready to present itself to the hockey folk of Grand Forks and surrounding areas!
Nestled into the ice level, just a few lunges away from where “the big boys” play, The Hockey Academy lies. Complete with synthetic ice, shooting stations, power skating, and skating treadmill, the Skills Center is the area to enhance your hockey skill. Next door, in the 10,000 square foot weight room, Athletic Trainer Mark Poolman teaches the strength and conditioning portion with state of the art, hockey specific machines. The professional expertise of Director Brad Berry and Assistant Director Erik Fabian, both having partaken in the UND program, are at the helm in the Skills Center and on the ice to mentor the youth that will be the future face of college hockey.
The Grand Forks youth and parents collected downstairs, lining up to try out the synthetic ice. The shooting stations were definitely a hot commodity as a constant thunk could be heard from pucks being shot. Former UND players were also on hand to demonstrate the treadmill which is lined with another sheet of synthetic ice to enable the participating to work on stick handling and shooting skills.
The Hockey Academy is the first of its kind in Grand Forks, with its closest competition in Fargo. While many high school athletes have already been training with Berry throughout the summer, the regimen that Berry and Fabian have worked out will enable hockey players of all ages to get on the ice and in the Skills Center to amp up their game. Everything from team ice time to individual treadmill sessions, the Hockey Academy will enhance the hockey skill.
Erik Fabian demonstrates the treadmill while taking passes from a Hockey Academy student.
For more information on The Hockey Academy, contact Brad Berry at 701-777-6557.
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