LIVERPOOL – Apollo Hockey Development, based in Liverpool, has the mission to bring new and outstanding hockey development opportunities to communities in the South Shore.
Now the group is doing it again with the launch of a new program for males.
According to Apollo Hockey Development owner and head coach Mike Chapman from Mahone Bay, Apollo hockey is different than a regular hockey league because of the reduced number of players.
“We’ve chosen to create four-on-four hockey because it's more similar to a regular game, but we've made it full ice with referees and music during stoppages, which gives it a big game feel - without the pressure,” he says.
Many players "found their game" because they had more room, and less pressure to make a play, adds Chapman. Teams and players are mixed each game so there is less of an "us" versus "them" feel to the games.
Last year, Chapman says, Apollo Hockey Development introduced four-on-four hockey for female players only. The girls were aged nine to 15 and there were enough players for two different groups. This year, Chapman says several parents of male players said they would be interested in this program as the female one was very popular.
In response, in June 2018, Apollo hockey will offer a U13 full-ice four-on-four league for males as well as the U13 female and U18 female leagues.
This program helps to fill a gap in hockey offerings.
“Oftentimes, players are looking for some ice time in the spring or summer, but don't want to commit a long time as they play other sports or are interested in other hobbies like camping,” says Chapman.
The June four-on-four league allows more flexibility for families, he added.
To make this program a success, each three groups of players ideally needs 20 skaters and three goaltenders. Registration is now open online at apollohockey.ca.
Learn more at www.apollohockey.ca
