Skating Academy Teams With Lakers Hockey To Teach Young Players How To SkateBy Scott Kindberg9/27/2007 - The Lakers Hockey Association won’t be dropping the figurative puck on its beginner program for weeks, but it’s already taking the steps necessary to recruit new skaters.  Jamestown Skating Academy co-directors Kirk Wyse, left, and Lenel van den Berg, right, flank Christian Pickard as the trio prepares for the learn to hockey skate classes, which they will teach, beginning at 6 p.m., today at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. In a unique relationship, the association is teaming up with the Jamestown Skating Academy in an effort to teach prospective hockey players how to skate before they even pick up a stick and put a shot on net. Lessons, which begin at 6 p.m., today at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena, will be taught by JSA co-directors Kirk Wyse and Lenel van den Berg and their staff. ‘‘By having the professionals of the Skating Academy initiate these children with the basics of skating,’’ said Andrew Hill, president of the Lakers Hockey Association, ‘‘it will give our knowledgeable hockey coaches the opportunity to jump right into hockey instruction once the beginner program starts in November. This will allow us to get the kids playing with the puck, passing, shooting and playing games faster.’’ The ‘‘Learn to Hockey Skate’’ classes feature instruction by JSA member Christian Pickard, who is also an accomplished hockey player, and Ian Morgan, another talented hockey player. ‘‘It makes sense to have these classes,’’ said van den Berg. ‘‘Starting to play hockey without learning how to skate would be like joining a soccer team without knowing how to run.’’ Hill, who called van den Berg and Wyse ‘‘great assets to our community,’’ is excited to enhance a growing relationship the Lakers Hockey Association has with the JSA. ‘‘We are lucky to share the arena with them, and we are appreciative in their eagerness to help grow our initiation program with the learn to hockey skate classes,’’ Hill said. ‘‘We are all working together to support this facility and give our area youth fun activities to participate in. I am very pleased we are able to merge the programs, and look forward to future collaborations.’’ The classes will run from 6-6:50 p.m., beginning tonight, and every Thursday through Nov. 15, except for Oct. 11 when there will be no classes. The cost of the classes is $65 for seven weeks. Registration can be done by calling 664-6609, or by stopping at the arena a half hour before the class. The hockey curriculum is designed by United States Figure Skating to teach the fundamentals of hockey skating. Skaters will learn how to maneuver faster and be more agile on the ice. Deemed a prerequisite to beginner and adult hockey, proper skating techniques are the primary focus of all levels. All elements are taught without a stick, puck or pads. Skaters will learn the necessary fundamentals to be successful in game situations. Participants will need hockey skates, which can be rented at the arena for $2.50. ‘‘This is an awesome program and the kids will have fun while learning,’’ Wyse said. ‘‘We are anticipating a good turnout. The Jamestown Skating Academy is proud to now be the place to learn to hockey skate.’’ The classes include a 20-minute group lesson and 30 minutes of practice time. All lessons will begin 15 minutes into the session. All skaters ages 7 and under must wear a bike helmet. New skaters can join at any time and fees will be prorated at $10 per class. Private instruction will also be available.
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