The Vancouver Fusion was established to provide female hockey players an opportunity to compete at the highest Midget level inBritish Columbiaas well as compete versus the best teams inCanadaand theUnited States.
The program offered by the Fusion is more than just hockey; it has taken a 360 degree approach to developing young women. Each player is not only expected to put in time and effort on and off the ice but also give up some of their time to a charitable cause. It is their way of giving back to the community.
Our motto is simply “Today’s Athletes, Tomorrow’s Leaders”. It is our hopes to not only inspire our players, but have our players inspire others.
Educational Profile
Fusion players participate in their own established schools and do not have to move away from friends and family. The Fusion organization communicates each year with the respective schools to address the time away from school required to attend local, National and International competitions.
During this communication, the Fusion organization offers assistance to the schools with any extra school work or supervision of exams while on the road. The players are expected to regularly update the Fusion organization with their progress reports.
Each player coming in the program is expected to make their education a priority and to keep their marks at a level which will enable them to attend the best universities upon graduation.
The Fusion educational mentor offers assistance with extra help in understanding the material, practice exams and ensuring that each player has the required courses in order to graduate and qualify for university education.
Skill Development Sessions (Off Ice)
Ice time is not sufficient for any player to develop the various skills needed to be a threat on the ice. Hence, Fusion players participate on a weekly basis in Skill Development Sessions entailing players working on stickhandling and skating imitation.
Stickhandling
The sessions incorporate the use of Swedish stickhandling balls in developing puck control, split vision, soft hands, quickness, range, rhythm and deception.
Skating Imitation
Skating ability has been identified as the number one trait that a hockey player needs to excel at to be successful at the national team level. Being a great skater doesn’t just happen, like all skills it takes hours of practice and refinement.
The sessions incorporate various drills to develop technique, muscle memory, and build up strength and endurance. Also, the use of the skate slide simulates skating on the ice as closely as possible.
Shooting
Players are given a shooting program in order to develop various shots and shot placement. Players work on wrist shots, backhand shots, snap shots and slap shots along with placing each shot in the different zones of the net.