The River Rats AAA program (formerly known as Total Hockey AAA) is for the serious hockey player looking for the complete AAA off- season development program that includes 2 AAA Tournaments and 30 + Hours of Development Training. AAA teams are formed according to players birth year through our tryout process.
We offer a full-time and professional coaching staff made up of coaches that have all played at various higher levels of hockey up to professional. Our #1 goal is to develop all aspects of your players game to give them the experience of a lifetime.
Our Development Staff includes:
CLICK HERE for 2012 AAA Program Information.
CLICK HERE for the 2012 Team Pages.
How does OUR AAA program differ from other AAA programs. Other programs talk a lot about the players they have recruited and all the games they win in tournaments. To them the goal is to win games. They use this to attract other players to their program. We do understand the importance of teaching players what it takes to win. However we also understand that learning to win is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to developing the player. Our backgrounds and experience in player development has taught us that you need a comprehensive system of development laid out beforehand that incorporates both on-ice & off – ice training along with the games to successfully develop a player. Along with a proven system it is also important to have experienced developmental coaches’ work with all the players each and every day so the required continuity is always present. We encourage you to consider our program as we are confident that our proven Player Development System will make a real difference in your personal development.
Full-Time Coaching Staff with the experience and expertise in player development making sure the players receive proper instruction, consistent feedback, and the motivation necessary for optimal training. Our AAA coaching staff will include: Scott Meyer, Pete Talafous, Dean Talafous, Shane Wagner, and many more.
On-Ice Development – The On-Ice training focus will be on skills, small games, and situational drills. We want our teams to play with skill and a passion for the game. Practices will be up-tempo with skating and puck handling drills. We take these skills and incorporate them into game- like situations; where they will learn to react quicker, play smarter and develop a competitive edge. We encourage and push players to make plays on the ice and do things they don’t or are not allowed to do during the season. SKILLS – SITUATIONS – TEAM PLAY
On-Ice Small Games – In an effort to enhance quick decision making and playmaking ability in small areas, all of our AAA teams practice small area games. Players will immerse themselves into the action using their hockey instincts which will improve through trial and error and by receiving positive feedback from our coaches.
Off-Ice Training – Players will benefit from our renown Development System. Players will improve all their hockey skills becoming a more confident player on the ice. All players will receive their own Scan Card which gives the player immediate feedback as well as performance tracking throughout the program.
PROPER INSTRUCTION – MONITORING - MOTIVATION
Athleticism – Strength, Speed, Quickness, Balance, and Agility Exercises.
A hockey player’s optimal performance is dependant on efficient and effective movement. These exercises will translate directly to the ice by building a more skillful and athletic body.
Games – Players will be challenged to play at a championship level and coaching decisions will be based on development first and winning second. We will focus on ATTITUDE, PRE-GAME PREPARATION, MENTAL TOUGHNESS, AND TEAM PLAY.