2025 - 26 - Season Overview
55-60 Games
18-20 Home Games
2-3 Practices / Week
Position Specific Clinics - Defense Specific and Shooting/Scoring
Speed Skills Hockey Training with Mike Radja
Goaltending Clinic / Development with Adam Dekker
Off Ice Training/Programming with Kevin Conley
Team Mental Performance Seminar with Shae McNamara
Hockey Think Tank Partnership / Resources
Entry to 1 Nexus Tournament included in registration
COST PER TEAM:
- 2016 AAA - $2,650*
- 2015 AAA - $2,650*
- 2014 AAA - $2,700*
- 2013 AAA - $2,700*
- 2012 AAA - $2,800*
- 2011 AAA - $2,800*
- 12U Girls - $1,500*
- 14U Girls - $1,500*
- 16U - TBA
- 18U - TBA
- Squirt AA - $1,800*
- PeeWee AA - $1,850*
- Bantam AA - $1,900*
* All fees are subject to change based on roster size. Total costs will be finalized after tryouts.
Speed Skills Hockey Training
Speed Skills Hockey, founded by Mike Radja, is a specialized hockey development program that focuses on enhancing players' skating abilities and puck skills. Radja, a former professional hockey player with experience in the AHL, Europe, and Asia, brings his extensive knowledge and passion to this comprehensive training approach.
Benefits for the Utica Jr Comets Organization
Elevated Skill Levels: Speed Skills Hockey's targeted training approach helps players refine their technical abilities, leading to improved puck handling, passing accuracy, and shooting power.
Enhanced Speed and Agility: The program's focus on skating mechanics and explosive movements boosts players' speed and agility on the ice, allowing them to outmaneuver opponents and create scoring opportunities.
Improved Game Performance: By mastering fundamental skills and gaining confidence in their abilities, players can elevate their overall game performance, contributing to team success.
Adam Dekker Goaltending
Adam Dekker brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. Here's what his role means for the Jr Comets from a development perspective. Dekker's impressive background as a former Utica College goaltender and coach, with professional playing experience, provides young goalies access to top-tier instruction and mentorship.
Benefits for the Utica Jr Comets Organization
Weekly Trainings: The focus on individual development plans ensures each goalie receives personalized attention, addressing their specific strengths and weaknesses for optimal improvement. This tailored approach maximizes potential and accelerates skill acquisition.
Structured Development Pathway: Dekker's role creates a clear and structured pathway for goaltender development within the Jr Comets organization. This systematic approach fosters continuous improvement and prepares young athletes for higher levels of competition.
Enhanced Goalie Performance: With Dekker's guidance and personalized training plans, Jr Comets goalies are likely to see significant improvements in their technique, game awareness, and overall performance.
Increased Organizational Success: By investing in goaltender development, the Utica Jr Comets are strengthening a crucial position on the ice, ultimately increasing the organization's competitiveness and success.
The Hockey Think Tank Partnership
Topher Scott, a former college hockey player and coach, founded The Hockey Think Tank to revolutionize the youth hockey experience. It's more than just a podcast (although they have a very popular one!), it's an organization dedicated to improving the culture and development of hockey players at all levels.
The Utica Jr Comets' partnership with the Hockey Think Tank is a strategic move that brings a wealth of benefits to the organization, impacting players, coaches, and the overall structure of the program. Here's a breakdown of some of the key advantages:
Benefits for the Utica Jr Comets Organization
Enhanced Organizational Efficiency: The Hockey Think Tank helps streamline operations, improve communication, and create a more unified and effective organizational structure. This leads to smoother processes, clearer expectations, and a better overall experience for everyone involved.
Focus on Holistic Development: The Think Tank emphasizes a holistic approach to player development, going beyond just on-ice skills. This includes fostering leadership qualities, promoting personal growth, and instilling a strong sense of sportsmanship and teamwork.
Expert Guidance and Resources for Parents and Players: The Hockey Think Tank provides access to a wealth of knowledge, resources, and expertise in youth hockey development. This includes guidance on coaching strategies, player development programs, and organizational best practices
Improved Player Experience: By optimizing organizational processes and focusing on holistic development, the partnership creates a more positive and enriching experience for players. This leads to increased engagement, motivation, and a stronger sense of community within the Jr Comets.
Off Ice Workout Programs
Kevin Conley is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Utica Jr. Comets.
Conley is a Utica native with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from SUNY Cortland. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a Certified Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach.
Benefits for the Utica Jr Comets Organization
Conley is responsible for developing and implementing strength and conditioning programs for all teams within the organization from youth up to Juniors
Conley also offers additional training and nutritional services to athletes who are looking to maximize their potential.
All training takes place at the Utica University Nexus Center.
Team Mental Performance Seminar
Shae McNamara, who currently works with Utica City FC and several current and former Utica Jr Comets players will be doing a seminar for each team.
Shae was a former two sport professional athlete, playing basketball and Australian Rules Football. He played professional basketball in Munich, Germany and in Melbourne, Australia, and played Australian Rules Football in Melbourne, Australia. Shae was a trailblazer, by being the first American, born and raised athlete, to play in the Australian Football League (the top league in the sport).
Benefits for the Utica Jr Comets Organization
Shae specializes in helping athletes at all levels develop the mental skills needed to perform at their best. His work includes:
Building confidence and self-belief
Managing anxiety and stress
Improving focus and concentration
Developing resilience and coping skills
Enhancing leadership, communication and teamwork
Watch this UCFC Podcast to learn more about his process for the first 15 minutes.
Contact Shae McNamara
Any team or individual parent interested in connecting with Shae can reach him directly at this email.
