FAQs • Walker, MI • CivicEngage

Why don’t players in this group play full ice hockey? Doesn’t this hold back their development?: Cross Ice is scaled better for children and actually helps improve player development! USA Hockey estimates that the typical adult player takes 15 to 17 strides to skate end-to-end on 200 feet of ice. It takes an 8-year-old 14 to 16 strides to skate 85 feet cross-ice, so Cross Ice is perfect for younger players. It helps players develop skills that allow them to "skate the game" as they develop small area skills and the ability to deal with other players at close quarters.

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Cross Ice

1. My child didn’t start hockey at a young age, at what age is it too late to begin?: It's never too late to begin! Hockey is a late developing sport that you can begin at any age.

2. What’s included in the cost?: Our Cross Ice Program skates twice a week. We run skill-based practices and have in-house game days. Our team of dedicated coaches is led by our Hockey Director, Mike Fountain. The program also includes a jersey and Jamborees (games against other associations).

3. Does my child have to start in Learn to Play Hockey or can he start with Cross Ice?: The "typical" path is to start out in Learn to Skate and Play Hockey, but it's not mandatory. In Cross Ice, all we require are basic skate skills and we can take it from there. If you're not sure where to begin, we recommend you email Coach Mike.

4. I want my child to play year-round, why doesn’t Cross Ice continue through the summer?: We do offer clinics and camps during the summer, including drop-in clinics for Cross Ice. We don't offer a full summer Cross Ice session, as it's good for kids to play multiple sports to help them become well-rounded athletes! USA Hockey has helpful information on this issue.

5. What are the next stages after Cross Ice?: After Cross Ice, players will move into the HAWK (Hockey Association of West Kent) program. If you need help with this process, please reach out to Coach Mike.

6. Why don’t players in this group play full ice hockey? Doesn’t this hold back their development?: Cross Ice is scaled better for children and actually helps improve player development! USA Hockey estimates that the typical adult player takes 15 to 17 strides to skate end-to-end on 200 feet of ice. It takes an 8-year-old 14 to 16 strides to skate 85 feet cross-ice, so Cross Ice is perfect for younger players. It helps players develop skills that allow them to "skate the game" as they develop small area skills and the ability to deal with other players at close quarters.

7. Why should I choose Walker Ice and Fitness for my child’s hockey development?: Our program is unique in West Michigan, as it is City-run - this means we can offer the best value at just $395 for a full Cross Ice season. It is also run personally by our Hockey Director, Mike Fountain, who brings many years of professional playing experience to his coaching. No other area hockey program has a head coach with Mike's level of experience and hands-on dedication to teaching hockey skills to all our players.

8. Who should I reach out to with questions?: Reach out to Coach Mike any time you have questions. He can be reached at 616-735-6286 ex. 6112 or via email.