This 4-day camp is designed to equip players with the skills and techniques necessary for safe and effective physical play and shut-down defense.  Each day begins with dryland training with an emphasis on strength, body control, and coordination. Hockey-specific tasks involving puck protection while under duress, and keeping one's balance while being pressured, will be incorporated alongside other hockey-specific training drills. On ice, Yuro Sk8 coaches will teach how to play through an opponent's hands, how to properly pin an opponent on the boards, and how to safely and legally apply a check. In addition, players will learn how to take hits and checks safely and effectively, as well as how to avoid (slip) hits and escape pins. 

who can attend

Open to all ages and skill levels. Players will be grouped appropriately based on age and ability to ensure a productive and challenging experience for everyone.

Location

TCO Sports Garden in Vadnais Heights, MN

Coaching Staff

Led by Yuro Sk8 Systems’ experienced team of coaches with junior, college, and pro backgrounds. Each session delivers detailed instruction with a focus on development, intensity, and preparation for fall tryouts.

Program Highlights

• Techniques for effectively positioning and using the stick to disrupt opponents
• Emphasis on maintaining optimal defensive stances and positioning
• Training on protecting the puck under pressure
• Proper techniques for giving and receiving checks, both along the boards and in open ice
• Strategies for avoiding checks and maintaining control of the puck

what to bring

• Nutrition: Pack various snacks and plenty of fluids to stay energized and hydrated. Proper nutrition and adequate sleep are essential to ensure players are mentally and physically prepared each day.
• Hockey Gear: Make sure your player's hockey bag is complete with sharpened skates, taped sticks, and tightened helmet screws. Double-check all equipment to ensure readiness for intensive training.

Hitting occurs at all levels of hockey, legally or not. At Yuro Sk8, we believe the sooner players learn how to handle hitting and to use it properly, the better they will be in the long run. In addition, players will be taught that checking is but one tool in the defensive tool box, and that good defensive plays involve a variety of skills and techniques, all of which we will teach and practice.

June 29 - July 2nd, 2026 and August 17th - 20th, 2026

Please note: Official times for the 2026 Yuro Sk8s Summer Camp Series are not yet finalized. We are currently waiting on confirmation from the rink.

To give families an idea of what to expect, here is a sample schedule from last summer (2025):

Sample Daily Schedule (2025)

• 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM: Camp Dryland at TCO Turf Field #2
• 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM: Dynamic Shooting (On-Ice) at TCO Sports Garden Training HAUS Rink
• 12:55 PM – 2:10 PM: Continued On-Ice Training (after ice resurface)

Each day followed this general format with slight adjustments depending on rink availability.

For 2026, we anticipate a very similar schedule

Finalized times will be communicated as soon as the rink provides confirmation. Thank you for your patience and understanding.