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Development Areas of Focus

Skating

Skating is the foundation of any player's skillset and is the most important skill to be developed early in a player's career. Skating is comprised of:

Speed– How fast can you skate

Agility – How well you maneuver in tight spaces

Balance – Edgework & general comfort 

Explosiveness – How quickly you hit max speed

Shooting

A good shot separates good players from great players, we focus on the most minor details to correct and teach proper shooting techniques tailored to each individual player's strength and skill level. Starting with wrist shots for younger players and as their strength develops, we transition to the slapshot and the deadly wrist snap. Focusing on accuracy, power, and quickness, we pride ourselves on creating snipers that goalies learn to hate.

Passing

Puck control is one of the most important aspects of a successful team, and strong passing skills make your control game much easier. We focus on developing giving and receiving different types of passes (forehand, backhand, saucer, etc) but also when to use certain passes and why. We focus on accuracy and power to give players an extra edge.

Hockey IQ

Having a strong skillset in hockey simply isn’t enough to excel anymore. Knowing how to properly execute your skillset in game situations is a key component of elite players. We work with teams and individuals through specific game simulation drills to enhance the hockey IQ of each player. From small ice games, full ice scrimmages, and real-time during games, with even video review possible, we help players asses their decisions on the ice in real-time to help them understand how to optimally use their skillset to maximize their performance.

Erin Shamrocks Development

The Erin Shamrocks believe that the development needs of minor hockey players vary from Novice to Midget. Each team will have the ability to customize a development model that maximizes the development and fun for each individual participant.

To maximize the development of a hockey player as per the National Sports Council of Canada. With a strong understanding of the long term athletic development needs of athletes that played in a late development model sport, the recommendation is that players practice in a 3-to-1 practice to game ratio. Saying that the Erin Shamrocks will support every coach/team in a customized development model that works the best for those athletes.

The Erin Shamrock Minor Hockey Association has partnered with Elfros Hockey Academy. Elfros Hockey Academy will be providing development training on and off the ice, not only for our amazing athletes but for our coaches so that they can continue the ongoing development of these players. Use of the EHA is voluntary.

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ELFROS Hockey Academy
Trainer Profile: Mike Kosziwka

​Mike Kosziwka brings over 20 years of elite hockey experience as both a player and a trainer. His hockey journey began in minor hockey, where he played exclusively for the Halton Hurricanes AAA from Novice through Minor Midget. During that time, he led his teams to numerous tournament championships and OMHA titles. A highlight of his youth career was a second-place finish at the prestigious Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament, where his team earned recognition as the top Canadian team—falling only to the Czech Republic in the final.

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Mike's junior career included stints with the Orangeville Jr. B Flyers, Georgetown Raiders, Wexford Raiders, and concluded with the Streetsville Derbys. His performance earned him a full NCAA Division 1 Scholarship to Clarkson University, where he played for the Clarkson Golden Knights. While at Clarkson, Mike was recognized for both academic and athletic excellence, achieving Dean’s List honours and being named to the All-American All-Academic Team.

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A career-ending concussion ultimately led Mike to transition from playing to coaching and player development. Despite stepping away from his NHL aspirations, he has since poured his passion into shaping the next generation of athletes.

 

Over the years, Mike has trained with and learned from hundreds of elite athletes and professional trainers, gaining a deep understanding of high-performance development. He brings this wealth of experience to every session focusing on:

  • Skating and edge work

  • Puck control and handling

  • Shooting (his specialty)

  • Game strategy and hockey IQ

  • Off-ice strength and conditioning

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In addition to his training background, Mike has built a strong coaching resume at both competitive and grassroots levels. His accomplishments include:

  • Coaching several Erin Shamrocks teams, capturing multiple tournament victories and ORHL Championships

  • Guiding the Orangeville Tigers to several tournament titles and an OWHA Provincial Gold Medal

  • Coaching the U10 Halton Hurricanes to a Red Hats appearance

  • Currently in his second season coaching the U13AA North Halton Twisters

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Mike stands out not only for his technical expertise but for his ability to connect with players and create a positive, motivating environment. He firmly believes that athletes should be excited to succeed—not afraid to fail, and he tailors every session to build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love for the game.

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