Some Special Thank You's. . . – Maria Hodge
– Evan & Kyle Luft
– Simons Valley Sharks
– Simons Valley Atom 1 Rebels
– Simons Valley Outlaws
– Simons Valley Storm Some of our Testimonials . . .
Adult Testimonials Thank-you to Rex and his staff for the excellent Level 1 Camp - The drills are very effective, and are great at developing skills to play better hockey. Rex and Jim's passion for hockey, knowledge of the game and excellent communication made my time spent at camp enjoyable, and have made me a better player!
~ Chad Rustan
2011 Summer Participant
I attended both the basic and intermediate courses back to back at the end of the summer. I had been skating just under two years at the time. The instruction was excellent and very helpfull identifying all the bad habits I had. Since attending the courses my skating has improved at least 50% and advice given has helped improve my game noticeably. I am 43 years old, so attending Tucker hockey has proved that old dogs can learn new tricks. I will be attending again for sure.
~ Gareth Myatt
2011 Summer Participant
I have skated recreationally my whole life, but have never played hockey or taken skating lessons. Through my first program with Tucker, my skating skills and confidence have improved immensely. The instruction was well suited for adults and pushed me beyond my skill level. I can (almost) keep up with my kids now... and look forward to one-day outpacing them.
~ Greg Pocherewny
2011 Summer Participant
I would highly recommend Rex and his team, the progressive development and focus on both technical and then tactical game use is excellent. You will be a better hockey player after attending Rex's programs, I found the small adjustments Rex made to my stick handling and stance have made a big difference.
~ Dale McMullen
2011 Winter Participant I had been away from the game for several years and was looking for a way to ease back into it without a huge time commitment. Tucker Hockey offers several different options throughout the week that are designed to work with varied and busy schedules. The quality of instruction is excellent and even the larger groups are organized so that everyone gets individual attention. I was able to attain and even exceed my previous skill level after the 10 sessions. I would highly recommend this program for anyone looking to improve their hockey skills at any level.
~ Tom Wilk
2011 Winter Participant I find that I'm more confident playing in co-Ed leagues after going through the classes offered by Tucker Hockey. I am not as scared receiving passes or trying to help make a play in the offensive end, thanks to the points I picked upon my classes. The instructors have been very helpful in providing pointers specifically for me, which I appreciate it.
~ Florence Hum
2011 Winter Participant I had been away from competitive high level hockey for over 10 years before stating to play again, so Tucker was a great way to bring out dormant skills as well as learning new ones to get me back into game shape. Tucker provides a controlled setting to handle the puck and make game decisions at a slower speed allowing me to play fast paced hockey again and put points up with my Junior buddy's that have played right through!
~ Tyler Normandeau
2011 Winter Participant I had been away from competitive high level hockey for over 10 years before stating to play again, so Tucker was a great way to bring out dormant skills as well as learning new ones to get me back into game shape. Tucker provides a controlled setting to handle the puck and make game decisions at a slower speed allowing me to play fast paced hockey again and put points up with my Junior buddy's that have played right through!
~ Ron Sheppard
2011 Winter Participant
Had not played hockey or even worn hockey gear for more than 20 years and the idea of playing again made me quite nervous. Tucker Hockey was an excellent way to get back into the sport in a stress free and fun environment. I have now started playing organized again and it is a blast. Thanks Tucker Hockey!!!
~ Pete Rose
2011 Winter Participant Being new to hockey I found the Tucker beginner program to be an excellent introduction to all aspects of the game. The instructors are extremely supportive, knowledge and positively encourage you to improve.
~ Marc Abbott
2011 Winter Participant Tucker Hockey's power skating program improved my skating and hockey skills significantly. The instruction was fantastic and the other participants were similarly skilled and a blast to play with. I'm in my second program right now and I'm already looking forward to my third.
~ Brett Jan
2011 Winter Participant
Rex Tucker provides a positive learning environment based on solid hockey fundamentals and skills development. The experience is one of being coached by a knowledgable hockey expert who wishes to share his love of the game. As a pure beginner it was a joy to be taught by a professional who demonstated patience and considerable humour during my progression.
~ Joseph Kopec
2010 Spring Participant The training sessions with Tucker were fabulous. Coaches kept the group moving continuously and kept advancing the skills. The training drills were always challenging and interactive (no standing around). Highly recommended to all. I will definately be registering again.
~ Chris Reige
2010 Spring Participant Really enjoyed my Level 1.5 session. Being over 50 and getting back into hockey it was the right "fix" to help shake off the rustiness, to re-learn some of the basic skills and to learn some new ones - from skating to puck handling. Can't say enough about the instructors - they were awesome. They even took me aside on occasion to give me some "one on one". I will be taking another session soon. Most likely the 2.0 Level.
Once again definitely worth while and worth the money.
~ Mark L
2010 Spring Participant I can't say enough about Tucker Hockey. I never knew how much I'd love hockey until I decided to help my 7 year-old son. I also plan to coach my 4 year-old son in the fall in Timbits. This is the most challenging thing I've ever done in my life. I will never be a hockey mom sitting on the side lines razzing my kids on why they didn't get the goal or dig hard enough for the puck - this is a very difficult sport and I love it!
~ Wanda Manuel
2010 Spring Participant I joined a 10 week level 1.5 with tucker hockey and it was very informative. I play quite a bit of hockey but never at an organized competitive level. I found the drills extremely helpful in getting more puck time and some of the tactics that were introduced to me are definitely helping me with my overall game.
~ Michael Lam
2010 Spring Participant I had recently started playing shinny in the winter with some friends. The games are great fun, however I found it hard to keep up with them sometimes. My wife had talked to some of our friends who highly recommended the courses at Tucker Hockey. As a birthday gift she signed me up for the spring session. It was a total blast! I had so much fun improving my skating and hockey skills, while building my confidence in a completely comfortable environment. I'm totally looking forward to building on my newly developed skills during my next shinny season! Thank you for the knowledge and the great time!
~ Chris Durksen
2010 Spring Participant The greatest benefit is the emphasis on power skating skills. There are techniques and drills that you master quickly that would take you forever to learn in game situations. By pushing yourself to master edge control and crossovers you really find your hockey skills improving as well. I'm over 50 and started playing as a kid but then had a 20 year hiatus. I was never that good but started coaching hockey and ringette. Since 2000 I would attend a Tucker session every year to learn new drills for my teams and help me improve to keep ahead of the kids. I now referee and the skating skills I've developed are helping me here more than I can explain. As long as I play hockey I will continue to do Tucker sessions.
~ Jerry Bauche
2009 Fall Participant I started playing hockey this year coming from Australia I had rollerbladed for a couple of years and only ever been ice skating twice. My balance on the ice was ok and I could skate in circles but turning and stopping were not in my ability list. A couple of guys I play pick-up hockey with were talking about how much Tucker had helped them, and watching them improve week to week I decided to enroll. From the very first session with Rex and his coaches I learned several techniques and improved my forward skating enough that guys I played with were commenting on the improvement the same week.Each week I looked forward to getting on the ice and learning with the Tucker Program.My skating backwards improved dramatically I was very pleased when I found myself skating backwards during a game and being able to control my speed and direction.
I am very grateful to the Rex and his Staff who were very pleasant and knowledgeable in the great sport of hockey
~ Daniel Newton
2009 Fall Participant I have been through the Beginner program several times (maybe not all completed :)) and really enjoy getting out and improving my Hockey Skills. Many people have commented that after and during this program that my level of play is better then when I started.
~ Wade Gieni
2009 Fall Participant
Dave – I just wanted to say a belated thank you for the session last Wednesday. The girls loved it and if you could have seen our game on Saturday the impact was amazing. We played like a team and even had a couple of drop back passes, full triangles and everything. So many thanks for a well thought out, constructive practice. If you are willing, the girls would like to have you back in early September. I have not booked the ice yet but will be booking it in the next couple of weeks and wanted to see if there is a day that matches better with your schedule in September as would love to do what we can to accommodate you to have you back.
So thank you Dave, and Rex, for such a fantastic set-up and organization.
~ Yvette Kobylynk
2009 Spring Partcipant Tucker Hockey’s adult power skating sessions have greatly improved my balance, speed and agility... - highly recommended - great instruction - lots of drills - lots of fun!"
~ Ronald Wong
2001 Winter/Spring Participant I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the power skating course. I have become aware of my edges more and also found that I understand where my weaknesses are and how to work on them. I found that taking your power skating classes made me "feel" my edges and has improved my skating considerably."
~ Frank Lyall
2001 Spring Participant Thanks for the power skating lessons I attended this Spring and again this Fall. We were very happy with the program you came up with for us older players and the guys from our team. I have definitely noticed the difference in my own ability and in the others that I skate with in the Brian Dance League. As a goalie it is easy to see the difference in the players that are in front of me. It has also helped me when I play out and in the nets. I find I am moving better and have better balance in scrambles in front of the goal. Thanks again Rex and I will continue to try and go to other clinics that you have. Being older does not mean you can’t keep learning how to skate more efficiently.
~ Joe Harris
2001 Spring Participant The last time I actually participated in an organized hockey practice was 1972. Having aged some 29 years I have lost a few steps and developed a few bad habits. After spending a couple of sessions with Rex I realized that I had forgotten how to really skate. His drills were ' the basics' but it has helped put me back on track and regain a few of those lost steps. My improved skating has helped my stick handling and shooting and made me a more competitive player. His program gave me the tune-up I wish I had years ago.
~ David Mahoney,
2001 Spring/Fall Participant When I started to play rec hockey 2 years ago, I could barely stand up on my skates. Stopping, turning and backward skating was out of the question. And about a year ago, I started taking Rex's program. Now coaches and ladies on my hockey teams often comment on how well and fast I skate. Needless to say, I now play for much more competitive teams then the one I started out with. When Katy Berg (the coach of Oval Extremes) told me I got the wheels, I was so excited! So I am very thankful to Rex's program. There are many good things about this program. But the best thing is the individual attention and support. Though there are about 20 people in the program Rex always finds a time to check on everyone. Classmates are all friendly and helpful as well. Another aspect I am impressed with is the efficiency. In other classes I have taken in the past, there is much more time wasted while you are waiting for your turn in a drill. In Rex's class, many times you are just wondering when you will get a bit of rest! All in all, I recommend this program to many people and so far 3 of my friends have taken it and they love it.
~ Asuka Forest
I recommend the Rex Tucker program to anyone - raw beginner or skilled hockey player. I made my entry into hockey two years ago at the age of 60 and registered in Rex's Power Skating program in the spring of 2002; shortly I will complete the Fall 2002 program and intend to register in a 2003 program. Pretty soon I hope to be competent and comfortable with backward cross-overs.I am impressed with the range of skills and ages of the participants in Rex's programs. Young, old, beginner or skilled all speak highly of Rex's instructional skills. Although I am at the low end of the skill range and the high end of the age spectrum, I am experiencing significant improvement. What I find more impressive are the comments of a former Junior player who indicates he is learning and improving and keeps returning for more positive experiences.Rex encourages, motivates and stretches participants while creating a fun atmosphere that has no boot camp overtones.
~ Don Gibbons When I was a kid, I didn't play hockey because "I couldn't skate". What possessed me to start at 34? I found Rex's flyer on a bulletin board at a local rink. Adult Power Skating. Sounds kind of imposing. I certainly didn't feel like there was any power in my skating at the time. I noticed there was agame going on on one of the rinks, so I checked it out. It was the 55+ league. I saw these old guys playing hockey in the middle of the day, and thought "What am I waiting for? I've still got a good 30 years of hockeyin me if I start now."I didn't know anything. I barely knew how to put on my gear. I couldn't pass very well, or shoot. Forget about a slapshot. I could skate forwards okay, stop on one side, but not the other, and backwards? Well, wiggling my bum didn't seem to work.Rex Tucker was the perfect thing for me. Participants came from all ends of the hockey spectrum. I learned tons! Skating, balance, edging, forwards, backwards, shooting, passing, puck-control, when to get my skates sharpened...Rex and Ern provide a fun, easy-going atmosphere with nopressure to compete with anyone but yourself. "It's just you and the drill." We are reminded weekly that it's not aboot camp and are encouraged to work at our own pace.This is my fourth session with Rex in the last two years and I've come from feeling mediocre to feeling confident in my skating. Never thought I'd be doing backward cross-overs.Having grown up as one of the few people in this country who didn't play hockey as a kid, especially in Northern Ontario where everyone has played since the age of three, I always felt like some kind of freak, ashamed of my secret lack of skating skills. Now I play hockey twice a week, and will be joining league play next year.Many thanks to Rex. I've come a long way butstill have a long way to go.I'll see you on the ice.
~ Neil Fleming Last fall I did a ten week skills camp with Rex Tucker of Tucker Hockey. It was awesome and I'd highly recommend for "beer leaguers" like us who haven't had a coach in 20+ years. I learned a lot and just signed up for another ten week session starting April 11th at noon on Fridays.
~ Tim O'Connor This program has given me a chance, as an adult female hockey player, to develop my skating and hockey skills in a non-threatening, encouraging, yet challenging environment. Rex and his assistant, Todd, were fantastic in encouraging and developing my weak points while pushing us to excel in our strengths. Whenever I had questions, they were both quick to respond, to demonstrate and to clarify. I wouldn't hesitate to continue taking more courses with Tucker Hockey!I am hard pressed to find any areas of improvement, to be honest. I have felt throughout the entire program that there was a great deal of thought and planning that has gone into each session and that one session's curriculum strategically leads into the next.
~ Michelle Copithorne Thanks again for running such an awesome hockey camp for us last week! Everyone improved by leaps and bounds thanks to you! You guys were phenomenal and we all enjoyed the camp thoroughly. Thanks again!
~ Jamie Yu All of the drills were very well thought out and applicable to a "game" situation. Excellent emphasis on skating and edge control.
~ Volker Braun Rex provides a fantastic all round program to improve every hockey player's skills from beginner through to expert. I have only been skating for a few years, but Rex's back to basics power skating tips and exercises really helped me to improve my technique and has made my skating the strongest aspect of my game. It really is such an advantage when you know you have the skating skills to get you through any game situation and ensure that you are "first to the puck." It's great not to have to "think" about my skating and concentrate on developing other parts of my game. I also really benefited from the puck handling, shooting and passing exercises and found the mixed group really supportive and fun. I intend to be back for more sessions. Thanks again Rex, and all the best!
~ Sarah Nossiter
Minor Testimonials
Hi Rex. Jacqueline and I thought you’d get a kick out of this in a very positive way relative to the impact you’ve had on Alexander. Long story short they were playing the B side semi final for their Atom 6 City playdowns Saturday and it went to triple overtime and they were down to two on two plus a goalie for each Team. Alexander made a nice rush and was hauled down. A penalty was called, however, in the City playdowns overtime penalties result in a penalty shot. He stepped up in front of a lot of people skated in confidently and rifled a wrist shot for the winning goal. When we were driving home later and chatting about this moment for him, he described the shot along the lines of “just like Rex showed me to do – shoot where the goalie isn’t”. You have been a very positive influence on him as it relates to hockey and seeing it for what it is, an opportunity to first and foremost have fun in a sport, and secondly something that you can work hard at developing your skills.
~ Robert Hayes, parent of Alexander, age 10 The Tucker Hockey Christmas camp was an excellent experience. The instruction level was top notch with a small ratio of skaters to instructors which allowed them to help each skater on an individual basis as needed. The drills were excellent and they made sure all the skaters knew how to do them properly so they could progress to the next drill. I would not hesitate to put my son back in a Tucker Hockey power skating clinic at any time.
~ Trevor Bell, parent of Ryan, age 10 Hi Brendan just finished the 7 to 9 years old power skating on Saturday mornings the 8:15 class. He loved it and I thought his skating really improved, especially his backwards skating. I thought the classes were well organized with a great variety of drill and fun drills for the kids too, no wasted time and the instructor to student ratio was great! All in all a great job by Tucker Hockey. Hopefully I can get him in a class before evaluations in September either another group lesson or failing that a private one on one lesson.
~ Murray Cotton, father of Brendan, Age 9 Skating and puck handling drills, exceptional & professional instruction - great ice management
~ Guilio Coppola, father of Fabio, Age 9 I liked how the instructors worked with the kids. My son hadn't skated very much, or, played hockey for thatmatter, and the instructors were wonderful with him.
~ Julio Sinclair, mother of Alex, Age 8 My son Scott has been in your program previously, I think your programs are excellent and Scott would like to enrollin your Easter Power Skating Program.
~ Paul Gautreau Rex, I want to thank you for the power skating camp my 9 year old son did in September. It was truly amazing how much he was taught in such a short time! He now skates circles around players that were on teams above him. His self-confidence has increased dramatically. I would recommend your programs to anyone. Thanks!
~ Dave McGregor Excellent and obviously knowledgeable... Very comprehensive. The drills made sense and followed in good progression... Very drill focused but useful... Great - Well worth it!
~ C & R Mercier
One-on-One Testimonials Hi Rex: Just wanted to let you know that Tyler was a 'new man' in his games on the weekend. On Saturday, he scored twice (his first two of the year), hit the goalpost once and was stopped on a clear cut breakaway. On Sunday, he was all over the place with scoring opportunities. He just couldn't cashthem in. It is obvious that he has an extra jump in his skating stride. Please keep me informed of any mini-camps that you run throughout the year that you think Ty would fit into. Also, thank you again for the Hitmen tickets and the kind, gentle treatment you gave Ty.
~ Brian van Vliet, Son Tyler 5 year old Tyke player A personal note of thanks for the exceptional work you did with my son Spencer over the past hockey season. We sawtremendous growth and progress in his hockey abilities - and so did his team! The individual work and attention that you provided to him and his two team mates in your small group one-on-one coaching provided building blocks of skills and self-confidence development that he will carry forward with him.We will see you again in the fall!
~ Trevor Wannop After only a few hours of on ice training, I noticed a greatimprovement in power and quickness. Rex is a very technical coach and is able to teach fundamentals very effectively.
~ Peter Allen, Son Alex 14 years Bantam AAA Stamps My son started hockey this year at age 11. Before Tucker Hockey he could barely stand up - stopping, turning and skating backwards were pretty much non-existent, and as parents we were worried how he would fit in as a "late bloomer". But the one-on-one sessions he attended with Rex were one of the best opportunities I could give my son - Rex was patient, considerate and so thorough I thought I could skate after just listening to him coach! Rex's own love of the game shows through in his patience, his endless optimism and his ability to build self-confidence and improve skills. My son was recognized by his coaches as being one of the most improvedplayers that they expect will move up at least a division ortwo next season. I truly believe that Tucker Hockey deserves credit for the growth and development we (andhis coaches) saw over this hockey season.Many thanks Rex!
~ Cathy, son Kyle 11 year old 1st year players When I started working with Rex Tucker, my skating was a huge liability. With his comprehensive and customized program, my skating became a strength.Not only did he help me with fundamental powerskating, he helped me become a smarter and more powerful skater . . . he addressed every aspect of my technique including stride and foot speed. When I came to Tucker hockey I was playing midget division 6 and progressed to play in the Calgary Junior B Hockey League last season.You don't realize how valuable skating is as a skill until you improve it and can actually feel it. No one can have enough power skating lessons, not even the pros, and Rex Tucker is one of the best in the business.
~ Frank Portmam
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