Bandits Jr Elite Camp Review

[D'shiznit]

Let me start this review by stating that I attended this camp not as a participant, but as an observer. My son attended the camp and this review is based on his experiences as well as my observation.

First and formost you must be in excellent physical shape if you intend to do the off ice program to it's full extent. You will run and you will be expected to keep up with the morning exercise program.

12 skaters on the ice with an average of 4 instructors. The drills are high tempo and some with as many as 4 shooters at one station alone. The shooters were absolute snipers who could easily shoot the puck," top cheese bar down", in the same location with accuracy.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you do not have the fundamentals down to a tee this particular camp may not be for you. Don't expect an instructor to adjust your hand position or teach you a butterfly slide. these basics should be mastered before attending. The heart and soul of the on ice part of this camp has to be the type and tempo of the drills and you must have the stamina to execute. the drills replicate game situations and the beginer or novice goalie may struggle to keep up.

The 2nd off ice session doesn't get any easier as the P90x type exercises are utilized. The 2nd on ice session is next where the revitilized shooters continue their onslaught as the drills are very "game oriented" where scores are kept which brings out the best in shooters and goalies alike.

I observed very minute of the on ice sessions and have to say that all the goalies worked extremely hard and didn't "dog" any of the drills which speaks to their dedication. I am not an expert goalie camp reviewer but we have been to Elkins and Jim Parks. I think those two camps were excellent in teaching fundamentals as I believe this camp was a great camp to transition to when one is looking toward more situational drills.

The sessions with the sports psychologist Dr Bray were invlauable for a position that requires a sound mental attitude

Do I have any cons with the camp? Joe, pasta and sauce every day for lunch?
(good thing we're Italian)

All in all a great value and we would return again.

[busyhckymom]

this sounds like a great camp for people who have the heart to push themselves all the way. my daughter cant stand to have kids in her group when they are lazy are dont give in their all.

[D'shiznit]

Originally Posted by busyhckymom

this sounds like a great camp for people who have the heart to push themselves all the way. my daughter cant stand to have kids in her group when they are lazy are dont give in their all.

3 girls did attend this camp. I didn't get to watch them because they were on a different sheet of ice. There were two sheets of ice in 2 adjoining rinks but my son was not in their group. I'm sure they held their own.

[fiveholegoalie]

Originally Posted by D'shiznit

Let me start this review by stating that I attended this camp not as a participant, but as an observer. My son attended the camp and this review is based on his experiences as well as my observation.

First and formost you must be in excellent physical shape if you intend to do the off ice program to it's full extent. You will run and you will be expected to keep up with the morning exercise program.

12 skaters on the ice with an average of 4 instructors. The drills are high tempo and some with as many as 4 shooters at one station alone. The shooters were absolute snipers who could easily shoot the puck," top cheese bar down", in the same location with accuracy.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that if you do not have the fundamentals down to a tee this particular camp may not be for you. Don't expect an instructor to adjust your hand position or teach you a butterfly slide. these basics should be mastered before attending. The heart and soul of the on ice part of this camp has to be the type and tempo of the drills and you must have the stamina to execute. the drills replicate game situations and the beginer or novice goalie may struggle to keep up.

The 2nd off ice session doesn't get any easier as the P90x type exercises are utilized. The 2nd on ice session is next where the revitilized shooters continue their onslaught as the drills are very "game oriented" where scores are kept which brings out the best in shooters and goalies alike.

I observed very minute of the on ice sessions and have to say that all the goalies worked extremely hard and didn't "dog" any of the drills which speaks to their dedication. I am not an expert goalie camp reviewer but we have been to Elkins and Jim Parks. I think those two camps were excellent in teaching fundamentals as I believe this camp was a great camp to transition to when one is looking toward more situational drills.

The sessions with the sports psychologist Dr Bray were invlauable for a position that requires a sound mental attitude

Do I have any cons with the camp? Joe, pasta and sauce every day for lunch?
(good thing we're Italian)

All in all a great value and we would return again.

Glad to see your son enjoyed his week with us. I know he personally pushed himself extremely hard on and off the ice and improved on certain areas of his game throughout the week.

We look forward to seeing both of you again in the near future at one of our camps.

Keep in touch and enjoy the rest of your summer.

Tell your son the Bandits crew says hello.