The new off-ice training area at BIG will be constructed so all that all of our Bloomington hockey players can utilize improved off-ice training. This off-ice training area will provide a designated area for all Bloomington hockey players to improve the quality of training, reduce the player cost (as compared to current private programs) and would not require our families to go outside of Bloomington to get the additional off-ice training.
The program will utilize a certified trainer to conduct ninety (90) minute training sessions for all our Bloomington hockey teams. All teams, Advanced Mites (6-8 years of age) through our high school teams will be scheduled for eight (8) training sessions throughout the hockey season. Individual teams could choose to do more or less sessions.
The current off-ice training area has two shooting areas with enclosed netting. There is also a small open area between the two shooting areas used for stick handling, core strength, foot speed and agility drills. The current area is utilized by the Bloomington hockey teams for off-ice training. It is also used by individual hockey players that want to work on their individual skills. Players utilizing the dry land area must wear protective equipment as defined by the BIG staff and JHBC policies.
Since our current off-ice area is not state-of-the-art, families must pay and travel to various private training programs located throughout the twin cities. The JHBC has identified an outstanding opportunity to help families obtain this most necessary training at a reduced cost and minimize the travel. Additionally the new off-ice training area – by being located at BIG will allow the Bloomington hockey teams to seamlessly integrate the off-ice training into the on-ice activities.
Improvements to BIG 3 Dry Land Area:
Please look at the drawings of the proposed improvements to the off-ice training area.
The off-ice training area would have three (3) distinct zones.
The first area located at the east end will be for shooting, stick handling and passing. All of the current netting for the shooting areas would be moved to the East end. In addition, we intend to install synthetic ice (5/8” thick) in this area. The purpose of the synthetic ice is not for skating, but rather to allow players to shoot and stick handle with their skates on.
The second area located in the middle will be utilized for plyometrics and core strength training. We intend to install rubber flooring (3/4”) in this area. We also intend to install six (6) 4’x8’ sheets of synthetic ice for players to work on their agility, balance and stick handling with their skates on.
The third area located at the west end will be used for players to work on their skating stride. We intend to install a skating ramp/treadmill in this area. The skating ramp/treadmill platform will be approximately 26 inches above the floor. Players will access the skating treadmill either by going up the ramp that currently exists at the far west end or by utilizing stairs that will be attached to the ramp. A rail along the south end of the skating ramp/treadmill will be installed and cubbies will be installed so the players can store their jacket, hat, skates, and hockey gloves.
