Yale Youth Hockey Association
Clinic - Learn to Skate-Play Hockey
Director: Jon Bellonio
Jon Bellonio is our LTS Director and coach and director for the Junior Bulldogs Midget Progam , serving as a coach of the U-16 Tier 1 Split Season team. Coach Bellonio has extensive experience throughout prep, junior, and college hockey. From 2011-2014, Bellonio spent three years as an assistant coach at Wesleyan College. Prior to joining the Cardinals, Coach Bellonio spent time in the United States Hockey League as a coach for the Lincoln Stars. He also coached in the EJHL with the Philadelphia Revolution and began his career as an Assistant Coach at South Kent Prep School.
Jon has a exceptional of experience all levels and will do does remarkable job connecting with, developing, and motivating our players to help them reach their full potential on and off the ice.
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Clinic Summary:
Yale Youth Hockey Clinic - Learn to Skate-Hockey
At Yale Youth Hockey Clinic children will learn the fundamentals of skating that are needed to develop into a hockey player per the American Development Model set forth by USA Hockey. Clinic Sessions will be conducted in the AM on Saturdays and Sundays beginning early October. However, some sessions may be in the early afternoon.
With a reasonably consistent attendance your child should positively develop their skating ability and with some desire, be able to go on to the next step. Children will also have stick time in the clinic at Yale as well. They will be taught some fundamental puck handling skills and shooting skills and will also break out into cross ice games frequently in a house league format. There is also room for advancement to our travel and light travel teams so that players will end up in the best place possible for their overall hockey and skating development.
All Clinic skaters are required to wear full hockey gear from head to toe. Many of the local hockey shops have beginner packages that are both new and used. The coaching staff at Yale can also consult with you if you are unsure of what to purchase. See below for descriptions of hockey equipment.
Equipment: Required for Clinic, House and Travel:
Selection of hockey equipment is an important issue for players, parents and coaches. When purchasing and fitting hockey equipment, remember two important factors: 1. Ensure the player is adequately protected and 2. Ensure the fitting allows freedom of movement so the player can properly perform the necessary skills. This will allow your child to be more comfortable on the ice and enjoy playing hockey.
A complete set of hockey equipment can be purchased at a reasonable cost. Most hockey shops have New and Used Equipment packages. Recommended hockey shops are HockeyGear at the Northford Ice Pavillion, Northford, CT / Whitie Bensen's, West Haven, CT / Hamden Sports Center, Hamden, CT. All have experienced professionals to assist you in selecting the correct equipment for your child
Skates: Purchase skates that will fit your child today, with no more than 1/2” allowed for growth and with adequate protection in the ankle, toe and instep areas. Improperly fitted skates will hamper your child’s ability to skate. Sharpen skates following approximately 10 hours skating.
Helmet: Ensure a proper fit. The chin strap must always be fastened. The helmet must be of approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).
Facemask: The facemask must be approved by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC).
Mouthpiece: A mouthpiece is not required for Learn to Skate / Clinic players. A mouthpiece is required for House and/or Travel team players.
Stick: Stick length should generally extend from the ice to the player’s chin (with skates on).
Shin Pads: Ensure shin pads protect the knee and shin completely.
Supporter and Cup or Jill: Essential protective equipment.
Gloves: Ensure proper fit with good finger and hand mobility.
Shoulder Pads: Ensure proper fit.
Pants: Ensure proper fit. Pants provide protection for the lower spine, hips and thighs.
Elbow Pads: Ensure proper fit.
Goaltenders: Special equipment is necessary for goalies.
Gloves (Catching / Blocker / Stick)
Chest and Stomach Protector
Goalie Skates
Leg Pads
Shoulder and Arm Protectors
