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ABOUT PlayMaker Hockey Academy

Training on synthetic ice has a number of tremendous benefits that make a noticeable difference when players return to real ice. Our facility is one end zone, from just outside the blueline to the end boards. This configuration allows plenty of space to work on skating and skills, but more importantly it allows us to teach players offensive and defensive zone play in a regulation sized area. Being able to re-create game type situations and having an opportunity to get in repetitions will help instill good game habits.

The slight resistance provided by the synthetic ice forces players to push harder and stay low through turns to generate more power and speed. It exposes and forces players to correct any bad habits they may get away with more easily while skating on real ice. As a result, we create new and improved skating habits where players remain low and generate more explosive power off the start, through turns and pivots, and while accelerating. The stickhandling and shooting benefits should not be overlooked. Just like the skating, there is more friction when the puck is sliding over the surface. The slight resistance while stickhandling and shooting will help increase hand speed while and shooting power when returning to real ice.

meet the Coach

Jadran Beljo

Jadran Beljo grew up and played his youth hockey in Sudbury, eventually leading to his final season with the Sudbury Nickel Capitals. From there, he was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2003 OHL Draft by the Peterborough Petes. Beljo went on to accumulate 101 Goals, 120 Assists for 221 points in 267 career OHL games while suiting up for the Peterborough Petes, Mississauga IceDogs and London Knights.

Following his final OHL season, Jadran earned an invite to the Toronto Maple Leafs Camp where he unfortunately suffered a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the full season. Jadran then went on to play in the Austrian EBEL and ECHL before deciding to return to Canada and attend University. He joined the Lakehead Thunderwolves for 2 seasons, before focusing his studies in Business and joining the Windsor Lancers, where they won an OUA Championship in his final year.

Having the great fortune of learning from some of the best coaches in the game from the likes of Dale Hunter, Dick Todd and Greg Gilbert, Jadran is eager to share the knowledge he has gained over his career with the next generation of hopeful athletes. Jadran’s focus is on developing and improving players’ skill, creating and reinforcing good game habits, increasing confidence and sharing his passion for the game.

About the Synthetic Ice Surface

For many years, synthetic ice has been a beneficial training tool used by players at all levels, up to and including the NHL. Most commonly, it is used as a personal aid for shooting and stick handling, and is a great way for players to be able to improve their skills at home.

When it comes to skating on synthetic surfaces, it has often acquired a less than stellar reputation. That being that it 'doesn't feel like real ice'.

YES, synthetic ice is, and feels different than real ice. However, this is actually one the biggest and most overlooked benefits of training on synthetic ice.

When a player skates on synthetic ice, there is roughly 15% less glide per stride (this also applies to puck glide). This decrease in glide forces players to push 15% harder each stride. Essentially, the player is resistance skating which directly translates to significantly improved performance on real ice in terms of the player's first step explosiveness, speed and acceleration.

I am confident and believe in this product and training because I have personally experienced the benefits and noticeable improvement after a summer of training on synthetic ice. We all know the game is getting faster and everyone is looking to get that extra edge, WE can be a major factor in helping you achieve that edge.