HOCROSSE... My new boarding camp adventure combining ICE HOCKEY AND LACROSSE, a discussion on the similarities of the two sports by Jeff Serowik, former NHL'er and owner of Pro Ambitions Hockey, Inc January 22, 2007

Lacrosse is the fastest growing team sport in the United States, especially at the high school level.  Two New England prep schools:  Phillips Academy Andover and Phillips Exeter were the first to introduce lacrosse.  It is a combination of basketball, soccer and ICE HOCKEY.  Through my research I was interested to learn that hundreds of years ago it served as a preparation for war and games could go on for days at a time.  I named my signature copy righted ice hockey camp curriculum THE BATTLE CAMP because my emphasis is on teaching players to win small battles all over the ice.  The two sports have so many similarities and I have created an amazing boarding camp adventure with our own professional lacrosse team coach:  Bill Daye-Boston Cannons head coach. 

 

When I was in prep school at Lawrence Academy, my secondary sport to hockey was baseball.  I have distinct memories of giving soccer a go but being graciously asked to consider another sport as I was checking and playing the sport inappropriately too physical...My nine year old daughter and avid ice hockey player was introduced to lacrosse last spring and is loving the sport which I attribute to similarities to hockey (her favorite sport)  I believe that if I were back in high school today I would be a hockey and lacrosse player.  Most of my campers play both hockey and lacrosse.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN ICE HOCKEY AND LACROSSE:

• Lacrosse and Ice Hockey are sometimes perceived to be violent or dangerous games.  Although serious injuries can and do occur in both games-the emphasis on safety in both sports has been a comprehensive evolution mandated by USA Hockey and the Heads Up program.  At Pro Ambitions Hockey camps, our primary concern is to teach how to give and receive checks safely and effectively.
  
  
• Both sports play a 60 minute game-three 20 minute periods in hockey and four 15 minute quarters in lacrosse.
  
  
• At the start of each period or quarter, both sports use face offs to determine puck or ball possession.
  
  
• Both sports utilize a penalty box-where players serve a two minute stay for a minor infraction, where they are released if a goal is scored before the expiration of the two minutes.
  
  
• Both sports surround the goal with a goaltender's crease where players are not allowed to intentionally skate or step into.

SHARED TERMS OF THE TWO SPORTS:

• BREAKAWAY - one on one scoring opportunity between player and goalie.
• CHECK - body slam used to slow an opponent who has puck or ball-must be a clean/safe check waist and below the neck.  In youth hockey and lacrosse-checking is not allowed until a certain age.
• PENALTY BOX - where the player goes to serve two minute infraction leaving the other team with a one or possibly two player advantage(in the case that two players are serving penalties at the same time)
• POWER PLAY - when a team has a player advantage because the other team has a player serving time in the penalty box.
• SHORTHANDED - when a team has a player in the penalty box they are shorthanded a player forcing the power play scoring opportunity for the other team.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF PRO AMBITIONS HOCKEY, INC.'S HOCROSSE BOARDING CAMP:

The camp is being held at URI beach campus located in Kingston, RI.  I have called this beautiful college campus home to many of my Pro Ambitons Hockey, Inc. camps for many years.  I have held my signature day hockey camp, THE BATTLE CAMP for years and last summer was the inaugural season of my SURF HOCKEY BOARDING CAMP which was a sell out success.  Taking advantage of the close location to Newport and Narragansett beaches, we flew in surf instructors from Hawaii and combined surf instruction with hockey for the two week stay.  The main beach we surf at is both small and secluded and perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers:  Second Beach of Newport, RI which is only a 25 minute air conditioned bus ride.

2007 brings back SURF HOCKEY, and introduces HOCROSSE WITH BOSTON CANNONS COACH BILL DAYE BOARDING CAMP and GIRLS BATTLE HOCKEY BOARDING CAMP WITH OLYMPIAN KIM INSALCO. 

"HOCROSSE is perfect for hockey players that already play lacrosse or want to learn how to play lacrosse.  Bill Daye and his Professional staff  will group the lacrosse players age and skill appropriately. Due to the heat of summer, we have structured the camp in that lacrosse will take place in the morning so that campers won't be on the field in the heat of the hot summer day.  Hockey takes place in the afternoon and features our signature PRO AMBITIONS HOCKEY BATTLE CAMP curriculum with Pro Ambitions World Class On Ice Instructors.  We will take an afternoon excursion to Newport's Second Beach, we will be sure to pick a nice beach day.  Along with enjoying a beach day with Pro Amb certified lifeguards the HOCROSSE campers can watch the PRO AMB HOCKEY SURFERS.   There will be one indoor pool swimming excursion on campus as well.  Lacrosse will help hockey players improve their hockey game as well as honing another sport. 

"Cradling the lacrosse ball simulates soft stick handling hands in hockey.  The two sports compliment each other and I wish I had played lacrosse along with hockey when I was a youth" 

A few words from Boston Cannons Head Coach and PRO AMBITIONS HOCKEY, INC. HOCROSSE INSTRUCTOR, BILL DAYE:

The Pro Ambitions commitment pledge is a guarantee that each camper will have a positive learning experience. I also guarantee that each camper will improve his skills and better understand the game by the end of the camp week. When we discuss our staff at Pro Ambitions Lacrosse Camp, it is with great pleasure. We select the best college coaches, collegiate All Americans, and Professional players based on their ability to teach and relate to campers of all ages. Their expertise and experience mean that campers learn and practice state-of-the-art techniques in a competitive but supportive environment. We know this can make all the difference in the success of a camper's experience. Be a part of the Pro Ambitions lacrosse and take your game to the next level.

HOPE TO SEE A LOT OF NEW FACES THIS SUMMER CAMP PRO AMBITIONS HOCKEY SEASON 2007.


Thank you so much.


Jeff Serowik, President
Pro Ambitions Hockey, Inc.
PO Box 565 Dover, MA 02030
508 497-1089
www.proambitions.com