IHC Hockey Enterprises, LLC

Packing Bob's items I found another historical piece of his hockey career. Damaged by water - but it's Wayne 's Gretzky's poster from the 1980's. He signed it "To Bob, your pal Wayne Gretzky "The other Hockey Great". Bob played hockey with Wayne's brother, Brent. Bob gave his life to hockey and teaching the next hockey generation. If you can help him recover from is stroke the Go Fund Me link is below. Thanks in advance (posted by a friend)

Posted by a friend. As you know Coach Bob had a stroke and is still recovering. Many of you have supported him through the Go Fund Me (link just below this post) and he really appreciates your help. While packing and moving him back to PA, I found a book of thank you notes from his students over the years. Each and every one of you meant so much to him that he saved them all! They touched me and I know they will touch you. There are so many but I am going to post some of them. If you can still help him, he will continue to need funds for his recovery. This will be a long-term recovery. May God bless each of you!

Bob is currently recovering from a stroke. We (friends) are assisting him with keeping the schools going and with admin stuff. We are asking for YOUR help. Thanks everyone!!

Donate to Support Coach Bob's Stroke Recovery, organized by David Sarkus Help Support Coach Bob Gergerich's Stroke Recovery Everyone knows him as Bob, Bob… David Sarkus needs your support for Support Coach Bob's Stroke Recovery

GET FASTER!
STILL OPENINGS: QUICK FEET-QUICK-HANDS-QUICK MIND SKILLS SCHOOL AT
PPI ARENA
IHC Hockey still "today's hockey player" the Q3 Hockey Skills School. Q3 stands for: Quick Feet, Quick Hands, and Quick Mind. At the Q3 Skills Schools, players will be challenged to move their feet and hands with vision, while being able to make a smart play. Some of the technical skills that will be covered will be quick hands to find space, beat the defender, and beat the goalie, Quick feet to escape checks, gain puck possession, and to find separation from defenders. Quick mind to find open players while being pressured, catch and release a quick a shot, and improve vision and decision making. IHC Hockey will be offering their Q3 Skills School at the PPI Arena in Delmont, PA on June 9th, 12th, 23rd, and 26th 2025. Go to WWW.IHCHOCKEY.COM for more information.
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Hockey. Like nothing else!

“Feel” - 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs TV Spot. Only 3 Days Until Stanley Cup Playoffs. Follow for more NHL Stanley Cup Playoff commercials every day. #nhl #causeitsthecup #hockey #stanleycup

IHC HOCKEY’S NEW
QUICK FEET-QUICK HANDS-QUICK MIND Q3 SKILLS SCHOOL AT PPI ARENA
Are you ready to take your game to the next level this summer? With our Q3 Skills School just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start preparing for the challenge of Quick Feet, Quick Hands, and Quick Mind.
The Q3 Skills School isn’t just another camp—it’s a focused program designed to help you become a more dynamic and effective player. Whether you’re looking to improve your speed, sharpen your stickhandling, or make smarter decisions under pressure, this school is built for "today’s hockey player." For more details and to secure your spot, visit www.ihchockey.com.
What to Expect at Q3 Skills School
• Quick Hands: Learn to find space, beat defenders, and finish plays with confidence.
• Quick Feet: Master techniques to escape checks, gain puck possession, and create separation.
• Quick Mind: Improve your vision, make faster decisions, and read the play under pressure.
We’ll be running Q3 Skills School at the PPI Arena in Delmont, PA on June 9th, 12th, 23rd, and 26th, 2025. Spots fill quickly, so make sure to check out www.ihchockey.com for all the details and registration info.

If you want to get even more out of your summer, don’t forget about our Body Contact & Checking School in July and the Overspeed Power Skating & Stick Handling School in August. Each program is designed to address a different part of your game, helping you return to the ice more complete and confident than ever.

Let’s get ready to move faster, think quicker, and play smarter. See you at the rink!
Go to WWW.IHCHOCKEY.COM for more information.
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THE IMPORTANCE OF QUICKNESS IN HOCKEY
Hockey is a game of speed, precision, and intensity. Among the physical and mental attributes that contribute to a player's success, quickness stands out as one of the most critical. Unlike general speed or endurance, quickness in hockey refers to the ability to react, accelerate, and change direction rapidly — both physically and mentally. This attribute is vital in nearly every aspect of the game, from puck battles and transitions to offensive rushes and defensive recoveries.
1. Explosive Starts and Stops
In hockey, the ability to go from a standstill to full speed in just a few strides can make the difference between a breakaway and a missed opportunity. Quickness allows players to explode off the line, gain separation from defenders, or catch an opponent off guard. Equally important is the ability to stop quickly and change direction — skills that allow players to maintain control in high-traffic situations or adjust to the flow of play instantly.
2. Agility in Tight Spaces
The rink is a fast-moving environment, and much of the play happens in tight quarters, especially near the boards and in front of the net. Quick footwork and body control allow players to maneuver in these confined areas, protect the puck, or find open ice. Defensemen rely on quick pivots and lateral movement to stay in front of attacking forwards, while forwards use rapid cuts to create scoring chances.
3. Reaction Time and Mental Quickness
Quickness in hockey isn’t just physical — it’s also cognitive. Players must process information rapidly: reading opponents, anticipating plays, and making split-second decisions. Mental quickness enables a player to transition from offense to defense immediately after a turnover, or to find an open teammate for a scoring opportunity before the window closes.
4. Special Teams and Quick Transitions
On the power play or penalty kill, quickness can be a decisive factor. Penalty killers must close gaps and block shooting lanes swiftly, while power-play units need rapid puck movement and precise timing. In transition, a quick counterattack can catch the opposition unprepared, leading to high-percentage scoring chances.
5. Training for Quickness
Developing quickness requires focused training. Plyometrics, sprint drills, and agility ladders help improve explosive power and change-of-direction speed. Off-ice workouts focusing on reaction time and foot speed complement on-ice drills that mimic game situations. Coaches often design practices to simulate high-speed scenarios, forcing players to make rapid decisions under pressure.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of hockey, quickness is more than just an edge — it’s a necessity. Players who can think and move quickly gain a significant advantage over opponents, influencing every shift they take. Whether it’s beating a defender to a loose puck, executing a quick deke, or making the right play under pressure, quickness is a fundamental quality that defines elite performance in today’s game. At IHC Hockey's Q3 School, we will be working on improving quickness in all aspects of your game.
Robert Gergerich
IHC Hockey
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IHC HOCKEY'S QUICK FEET - QUICK HANDS - QUICK MIND 3Q SKILLS SCHOOL 2025
PPI ARENA IN DELMONT, PA. JUNE 9TH, 12TH, 23RD, AND 26TH.
At the 3Q Skills School, players will be challenged to move their feet and hands with vision, while being able to make a smart play. Some of the technical skills that will be covered will be quick hands to find space, beat the defender, and beat the goalie, Quick feet to escape checks, gain puck possession, and to find separation from defenders. Quick mind to find open players while being pressured, catch and release a quick a shot, and improve vision and decision making. IHC Hockey will be offering their Q3 Skills School at the PPI Arena in Delmont, PA on June 9th, 12th, 23rd, and 26th 2025. Also, look for our BODY CONTACT & CHECKING SCHOOL IN JULY and our PRE-SEASON SKILLS SCHOOL AT KIRK NEVIN IN AUGUST! Go to WWW.IHCHOCKEY.COM for more information and to register..

HE IS RISEN!! HAPPY EASTER!

R.I.P. Ray Shero. Him and his son Chris were part of the IHC Hockey family. Great hockey mind and great person.

The hockey world is in mourning with the news that Ray Shero has passed away. His work as General Manager was integral to the Penguins during their 07-08 and 08-09 Stanley Cup runs. Condolences go out to the entire Shero family.

Congratulations to Alex Ovechkin for passing the Great One Wayne Gretzky for most career goals. A record that I thought would never be broken. Another act of grace and class by Gretzky honoring not only Ovechkin but also Gordie Howe who he took the record from. Hockey players are one of a kind!

TRYOUT PREPARATIONS
Whether you’re aiming to make a competitive travel team or trying out for a high school or college squad, hockey tryouts can be nerve-wracking. But with proper preparation, you can showcase your skills, impress the coaches, and increase your chances of making the team. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for hockey tryouts and set yourself up for success.stands for:
1. Focus on Skill Development
To stand out at a tryout, you'll need to show off your fundamental skills, such as skating, stickhandling, passing, and shooting. Spend time honing these key abilities. Skating is the most important skill so definitely try to keep your feet moving and beat your opponent to the puck!
2. Prepare Physically
Your physical fitness can make a big difference in your performance at tryouts. Coaches want to see players who are in top shape, able to keep up with the pace of the game, and who can recover quickly between shifts. This will allow you to be a hard worker.
3. Mental Preparation
Hockey tryouts are just as much a mental challenge as they are a physical one. Remaining focused, calm, and confident can make all the difference when you're on the ice.
Visualization: Before the tryout, take time to visualize yourself performing well. Picture yourself making accurate passes, strong shots, and quick transitions. Mental rehearsal can help you feel more confident and prepared.
Confidence: It’s normal to feel nervous before a tryout, but confidence is key. Believe in the hard work you’ve put in and know that you’re ready to showcase your abilities.
Stay Positive: Even if you make a mistake during a drill or play, stay positive. Coaches want players who can quickly recover from errors and maintain focus.
4. Equipment Check
Nothing ruins a tryout faster than equipment issues. Make sure your gear is in good condition and properly fitted before you hit the ice. Make sure you have two good sticks, taped. Put new laces in your skates. Fresh laces add instant support to skates. Make sure you have sharpened edges on your skates.
5. Prepare Off the Ice
A successful tryout isn’t just about what you do on the ice; how you present yourself off the ice matters too.
Nutrition: Eat a balanced meal before the tryout to ensure you have enough energy. Avoid heavy or greasy foods that could weigh you down. Opt for lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of hydration.
Rest: A good night’s sleep is crucial. Your body needs to be rested and alert for peak performance, so make sure you get plenty of rest the night before the tryout.
Positive Attitude: Be respectful and approachable both on and off the ice. Coaches notice players who are not only talented but also demonstrate a good attitude and teamwork.
Robert Gergerich
WWW.IHCHOCKEY.COM