Who can train at Evolution Hockey?

Anyone can train at our facility. We have classes for all levels and all ages from true beginners completely new to hockey thru AAA players that are looking for a place to supplement their current training routine. You must sign up for classes in advance via phone or email (train@evolutionnj.com) since spaces are limited. Our teaching methodology is based on individualized attention and strong interaction between instructor and student, so classes range from 4-8 players only. Please refer to the class calendars on our website to see when the class you want to take is available.

Do I have to be a member to train at Evolution Hockey?

We welcome ALL players to train at Evolution Hockey. You do not have to be a member to sign up for a class and try out the facility or even use our skate service shop. Members do get discounted rates on all classes and skate services as well as eligibility for early registration and reserving class spots on a weekly basis. A full list of membership benefits and details is found on our website.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of classes you need to take?

The great thing about training at Evolution Hockey is how flexible our program is. You can sign up for as many or as little classes you want as well as what type of class. There is no minimum number of classes needed to maintain membership. We hold classes at 4 different types of training stations (ice rink, skating treadmill, off-ice stick handling and shooting, and dry land for strength and conditioning). Players can decide what combination of classes they want to take to create their own individualized training program.

What type of gear do I need to bring?

The gear depends on what type of training or class you will be doing.
For the rink, you need to be in full hockey gear (except learn to skate classes just need skates and helmets).
For the skating treadmill, skates and stick and gloves if you want to stick handle and shoot while on the treadmill.
For off-ice stick handling and shooting, regular gym clothes and sneakers, plus your stick and gloves. For Dry Land strength and conditioning classes, regular gym clothes and sneakers are fine.
If there is other gear needed for a specific class, we will post it on our calendar. We do have locker rooms and lockers at the facility. We do not rent skates or any other type of equipment. The skate service shop will have tape, laces, and other accessories available for sale.

What are the different training stations?

1. Training Rink for a wide range of small group classes focusing on different skills.
2. Skating Treadmill where players can perfect their stride, power, acceleration, endurance, and hand/eye coordination all on northern NJ’s only customized Blade skating treadmill by Woodway. This treadmill can reach speeds up to 20mph forward, 5mph in reverse, and incline as well. We also have an artificial ice platform surrounding the treadmill that spans up to 20 ft in front so players can practice shooting into a goal while on the treadmill.
3. Stick handling area—this off-ice area is comprised of slide boards and balance boards where players will learn specific motor patterns for ultimate puck control.
4. Dry land area—warm up for your rink class on our Woodway Speedboard or exercise bikes. We will also hold special strength and conditioning classes incorporating medicine balls, kettle bells, plyometric boxes and much more to teach players how to develop their agility, speed and power, as well as injury prevention. We know that off-ice training is just as important as on-ice training in becoming a great hockey player.

What if I don’t see a class I want to take?

We created a wide variety of classes that cover all fundamentals of hockey skills development. We first recommend that you to take several different classes at different training stations to get a feel for our program and instructors. If there is still a class you don’t see on our program, but would like to have it available at Evolution Hockey, please send in a request to info( at )evolutionnj.com. We welcome all suggestions that will make our program better for you.

What makes Evolution Hockey different?

At Evolution Hockey Training, players have access to the latest tools in hockey and athletic development. These include the Blade skating treadmill and Dartfish video analysis software. Dartfish video analysis is the same software that many of the Olympic athletes utilize in their training as it provides instant visual feedback on an athlete’s form and technique, frame by frame, with the ability to superimpose a pro’s image onto the player’s image. This allows players to shorten their learning curve, making training sessions with Dartfish that much more effective. Not only do we incorporate the state of the art equipment and technology, but we hold a genuine interest in seeing all our players develop and grow as well-rounded athletes and hockey players. We even create progress folders for all our members to track and document their skills development. Our core team of instructors each have been involved with hockey training and playing for 10+ years and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with everyone who trains at Evolution Hockey.

What else can we do at Evolution Hockey?

• Birthday parties
• Training packages for teams
• Skate service shop on the premises, including the new Flat Bottom V sharpening method
• Juice and smoothie Bar
• Watch the NHL channel on our flat screen TV’s