Friday, Aug. 08, 2008

Hockey camp teaches new skills

By BRIAN HERNALSTEENNews-Mirror Writer

The hockey landscape has changed in Texas since the Dallas Stars first set foot here in 1993.

Back then, the games were all about hitting opponents as hard as you could, and some of that sloppy play transferred to the youth ranks, where the kids were looking to hit and not focus on fundamentals like skating and stick handling.

Former Dallas Star Craig Ludwig was known for his rougher style, becoming a respected player for taking a hit as well as putting on a hit.

Then why, after years of aggressive play, would the guy who made a special pair of shin pads to block shots be teaching kids the European style of play at hockey camp?

"The game has changed so much, and with the way it is going, it has become more of a skills game. The smaller guy that might not have an opportunity a few years ago is now in high demand," Ludwig said. "With these camps, it really shows that everyone has a chance to play."

Ludwig is a camp coach along with Dave Ambler at the "Beat the Heat with the Pros" camp held at The Parks at Arlington mall. The camp was held last week, and kids ranging in ages from 7 to 15 had the chance to prove themselves to the two hockey experts.

Ambler is a former player and current coach in the Dallas Stars farm system and has been coaching this camp for two years.

"We really want to hit on the team concept at an early age. We want these kids to develop the skills for the new brand of hockey, because a lot of things have changed," Ambler said. "Now that the Stars have been in Texas for a while, the kids have really benefited from watching (them) play. There is a much higher level of youth hockey play now than there was 15 years ago when the Stars first showed up."

The hockey landscape has changed, and camps like Beat the Heat are bringing a different style of play to younger players.

The European style of play (based on skill and skating) has taken over and the NHL has seen the benefits. This year in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburg Penguins battled it out in one of the more memorable finals in recent memory.

Ludwig credits that with the style of play.

"We had two top teams in the finals this year. The Red Wings are a class organization with great scouting and the Penguins have a load of young talent," he said. "Kids come to these camps to help improve their skills (like we saw in the finals).

"If you can’t handle the puck, or skate well, then you can’t play the game," he said.

And while the kids may be young, the proper techniques taught now are a big influence in their future.

"We have seen kids from this area get drafted or sign with pro teams. So, it is really good for the kids to develop the team mentality and the skill set," Ambler said. "They come to these camps and have fun. At the same time, they get to play a sport that they love, and they have a great time out on the ice."